Protecting Your Digital Identity: What Every Member Needs to Know

Robins Financial Credit Union is dedicated to our mission to be Member Focused, Financial Partners, Community Proud. We empower our members with the financial knowledge and resources they need to make informed decisions and achieve their financial goals.

In today's connected world, our personal and financial lives are increasingly conducted online. While this convenience makes it easier than even to manage your accounts, shop, and stay in touch, it also opens the door to cybercriminals looking for opportunities to steal your personal information.

At Robins Financial, your security is our top priority. As part of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, we want to empower you with the knowledge and tools to safeguard your digital identity, because protecting your information is a shared responsibility between you and your financial institution. Follow our tips below to protect your digital identity.

What is a digital identity?

Your digital identity is a collection of personal information that exists about you online. This can include:

• Your full name, date of birth, and Social Security Number
• Email addresses and phone numbers
• Online usernames and passwords
• Social media profiles and posts
• Banking and credit card information

Essentially, anything that identifies you in a digital space is part of your digital identity. Cybercriminals can use these details to commit fraud, steal money, open accounts in your name, or even impersonate you online.

Common Threats to your digital identity

Understanding the risks is he first step in protecting yourself. Here are some of the most common threats:

• Phishing Attacks - During phishing attacks, fraudsters send emails, text messages, or social media messages that appear to come from a legitimate source, such as your credit union, employer, or another well-known company. Their goal is to trick you into clicking a link or providing sensitive information.
• Data Breaches - Data breaches involve when companies or organizations experience a security breach and customer information, like usernames, passwords, and payment details, are stolen and sold on the dark web.
• Malware and Ransomware - With malware and ransomware, malicious software can be installed on your device when you click on suspicious links, download unverified files, or connect to unsafe networks. Malware can capture your keystrokes, giving cybercriminals access to your accounts.
• Public Wi-Fi Eavesdropping - Hackers can intercept data sent over unsecured public Wi-Fi, capturing your login credentials, financial details, or private communications.
• Social Engineering - Cybercriminals manipulate human behaviors, often through phone calls or social media, to trick you into revealing confidential information.

Best practices to protect your digital identity

While cyberthreats are constantly evolving, there are proven ways to protect yourself.

1. Use Strong, Unique Passwords
   1. Create passwords that are at least 12 characters long and include a mix of upper- and lower-case letters, numbers, and special symbols (ex: !, @, #, $, %).
   2. Avoid using easily guessed information such as names, birthdays, or "password123".
   3. Use a unique password for each online account. That way, if one is compromised, the others remain secure.
   4. Consider a reputable password manager to securely store and generate passwords.
2. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
   1. MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification, such as a text message code, email confirmation, or authentication app, before you can log in. Even if a hacker steals your password, MFA can stop them from accessing your account.
3. Beware of Phishing Scams
   1. Always verify the sender's email address or phone number before responding.
   2. Hover over links before clicking to make sure they lead to a legitimate site.
   3. Robins Financial Credit Union will never ask for your account number, Digital Banking login credentials, or PIN via email, text, or phone call.
   4. If something feels suspicious, contact our team directly using the contact information provided on our website.
4. Monitor Your Accounts Regularly
   1. Review your bank statements and credit reports often to catch suspicious activity early.
   2. Set up account alerts through Digital Banking to be notified of unusual transactions.
   3. Report any unauthorized activity immediately.
5. Keep Your Devices and Software Updated
   1. Install updates for your phone, computer, and apps as soon as they are available. These updates often include important security patches.
   2. Use antivirus software and keep it current.
6. Be Careful with Public Wi-Fi
   1. Avoid accessing sensitive accounts when connected to public Wi-Fi networks.
   2. Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your internet connection if you must use public Wi-Fi.
7. Limit What You Share Online
   1. Think twice before posting personal information, such as your location, travel plans, or family details on social media.
   2. Cybercriminals can use this information to guess passwords or security questions.

How we help protect our members

Your financial security is our mission. Here are a few of the ways we protect our members:

• Advanced Fraud Monitoring: Our Falcon Response Services are constantly monitoring your accounts for unusual activity and will contact you to confirm suspicious charges. You can use our Digital Banking Guide for step-by-step instructions on how to sign up for fraud alert text messages.
• Secure Online Banking: Our online and Digital Banking systems use strong encryption to protect your data.
• Account Alerts: Set up customizable alerts to track account activity in real time. You can do this by following the steps in our Digital Banking Guide.
• Educational Resources: We provide tools, articles, and additional resources to help you stay informed about cybersecurity best practices.

What to do if your information is compromised

If you suspect your digital identity has been stolen, we recommend:

• Contacting our team immediately. We can help secure your accounts and guide you through the recovery process.
• Changing your passwords. Update passwords for any accounts that may have been compromised.
• Placing a fraud alert or credit freeze. Contact one of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion) to request a fraud alert or freeze your credit.
• Monitoring your accounts closely. Continue checking for unusual activity in the weeks and months following the incident.

The bottom line

Your digital identity is one of your most valuable assets and protecting it requires ongoing attention. By staying informed, practicing safe online habits, and partnering with a trusted financial partner like Robins Financial Credit Union, you can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim of cybercrime.

This Cybersecurity Awareness Month, take a moment to review your online security habits. A few proactive steps today can save you from headaches, financial loss, and stress in the future.

Read our other blog articles to help you gain the financial knowledge you need to succeed.

Protect Your Identity