Advice for Protecting Your Information During Cybersecurity Awareness Month
October 2024
Martha Ward, CISSP
VP of Technology & Digital Experience
While October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, the important work of protecting personal and financial information from cyber threats is something that should be top of mind every day. Fraud and cyberattacks are increasingly frequent and more sophisticated. To help you stay vigilant against these attacks, here are some reminders on securing your information. Remember, you are the best first defense when it comes to safeguarding your personal data.
Practice Good Password Habits
Passwords are the first line of defense against cyberattacks. Many breaches occur because of weak, reused passwords. Recently the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) released updated guidelines aimed at simplifying password management and enhancing security. Below are some suggestions that you may want to consider when creating or updating passwords:
- Create strong passwords or passphrases that are at least 12-16 characters long and are passphrases of unrelated words, such as “TinyKittenBlueDiamond.”
- Always avoid common passwords like “123456” or “password.”
- Never include personal details such as your name, date of birth, pets’ names, or other information about you that is easily found online and in your social media accounts.
- Always create different passwords for different accounts.
- Consider using a password manager to generate and store passwords securely, and most mobile phones now include a password manager.
- Change your password if you believe your account or password has been compromised.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication(2FA) or Multifactor Authentication (MFA)
Two-factor authentication(2FA) also known as Multifactor authentication (MFA) continues to be an important way to help prevent cyber criminals from accessing your account even if they manage to steal your password. It adds an extra layer of security by requiring not only a password but also a secondary form of verification, such as a text message, email or a code from a special authentication app. Whenever 2FA/MFA is offered you should always enable it.
Beware of Phishing Scams
Phishing scams remain one of the most common forms of fraud. Cyber criminals often impersonate trusted organizations to trick you into providing sensitive information. Be cautious when you receive unsolicited emails, texts, or phone calls asking for personal or financial details.
Here’s how to avoid common phishing traps:
- Check the sender’s email address carefully. Slight misspellings or unusual domains are both red flags.
- Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown senders. It’s a good idea to check with known senders as well if you aren’t expecting an email or text from them.
- If you receive a suspicious email, text or call claiming to be from UCU contact us directly.
Secure Your Devices
Your phone and computer hold a wealth of personal information. Keeping them secure is essential to protecting your data:
- Update your phone apps and computer software frequently. Security updates fix vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit, so enabling auto-updates can help.
- Install and maintain reliable antivirus and anti-malware software.
- Avoid connecting to public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions, like Digital Banking.
Use Resources at UCU
As your financial partner, we offer tools to help you keep your information safe. From fraud monitoring to our secure Digital Banking platform, we have robust systems in place to help protect you. Visit our Online Security Center for active alerts and updates and to learn more about how to protect your data.
As we celebrate Cybersecurity Awareness Month, remember that your actions play a significant role in protecting your personal and financial information. By following these best practices, staying informed, and using the tools provided by UCU, you can reduce your risk of falling victim to cyber-crime. Your security is important to us, and we are here to support you in staying safe online. Let’s work together to ensure your information stays protected! Stay safe, stay secure, and happy Cybersecurity Awareness Month!