Cybersecurity Tips to Keep You Safe
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month and we are here to provide the best cybersecurity practices to keep you and your information safe. Cybersecurity has never been more important than it is now. As you spend more time online, you’re often creating and sharing more of your personal data, but if this data falls into the wrong hands, your personal and financial information could be at risk. Follow these cybersecurity tips to keep your information protected.
Why is Cybersecurity Important?
Practicing safe measures to protect your information online is vital. If a data breach affects your personal data, private information is no longer private. Hackers might be able to get their hands on data like your Social Security number or banking information. One of the most common outcomes of data breaches is identity theft. For a business, experiencing a data breach can result in the business losing revenue, intellectual property being compromised, and damage the business’s reputation as a whole. Whether you’re an individual or a business owner, protecting your data and better cybersecurity practices can start with small, individual efforts.
Secure Passwords
Although it’s easier to remember a single password for all of your different accounts, it’s not the most secure. The best practice is to vary your password for every different site and account you use. Establishing strong passwords and remembering to regularly update them is the first step in making sure your information stays secure. When creating your passwords, we recommend using combinations that are more difficult and not as easy to guess. Trying using a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and even special characters. The more complex your password is, the harder it will be to crack. Never use personal information such as a pet’s name or your birthday. This information is too easy to guess and most hackers will be able to access your personal data with ease. Follow our step-by-step Digital Banking Guide to change your password.
Enable Multi-Factor Authentication
Two-factor or multi-factor authentication is a service that adds an additional layer of security to the standard password method of online identification. Multi-factor authentication usually requires you to enter a time-sensitive code that is sent to you before you are able to complete your login attempt. Multi-factor authentication is incredibly beneficial for any accounts you access online, such as your Robins Financial Digital Banking accounts. We highly recommend enabling this feature on every account possible so you can take your account protections to the next level.
Use Anti-Virus Protection
Anti-virus (AV) protection software has been the most prevalent solution to fight malicious attacks. AV software blocks malware and other malicious viruses from entering your device and compromising your data. You can also use a firewall when defending your data against malicious attacks. A firewall can help screen out hackers, viruses, and other malicious activity that occurs over the internet and determines what traffic is allowed to enter your device. Keeping these systems up to date can assist you in keeping your personal information safe from prying eyes.
Stay Away from Suspicious Websites/Links
Links in emails are a common tool used by hackers to try and trick you into giving up your secure information. If you click on one of these links, it will take you to a fake site that is set up to look similar to its real counterpart. For example, you may receive an email asking you to authenticate your Digital Banking account information. This link may take you to a site that looks similar to your banking account login page. There, you will be asked to input your login credentials. Once the hacker has their hands on your information, they now have access to your accounts. It’s vital to stay alert for suspicious links in your email. If something looks suspicious, it probably is.
The safety and security of our members is a top priority. Protecting your information works best when we have your help. Let’s work together to keep your accounts protected. To learn more about how we protect our members every day and how you can protect yourself, review our Security and Fraud information online, and watch our Scams and Fraud playlist on YouTube.
At Robins Financial Credit Union, our mission is to enhance the financial well-being of our members and community. We honor this commitment by providing educational content to help you make the most of your finances. Read our other blog articles to help you gain the financial knowledge you need to succeed.