Cybersecurity Tips
Our devices keep us connected to friends, information, and entertainment. But this means sharing our personal information (whether we realize it or not). But how secure is your network? Read below to learn basic cybersecurity tips for your personal finances.
Passwords
Online and mobile password requirements will change from program to program, but there are several best practices to use when creating a unique and secure password for your online accounts.
Password Best Practices
- Use a minimum of 8 characters (more are better).
- Use both uppercase and lowercase letters.
- Include letters and numbers.
- Incorporate at least one special character such as: ! @ # $
Tips to Create and Secure Your Password
- Don’t use the same password on multiple sites.
- Don’t email your password.
- Don’t share your password with people you don’t know.
- Don’t use your birthdate in your password.
- Don’t display your password near your computer.
Cybersecurity Information
CCCU uses two-factor authentication (or multi-factor authentication) to verify your identity, allowing us to mitigate cybersecurity risk, while securing your assets and personal information. When logging in from an unfamiliar device, in addition to using your account password, you will be asked to verify your identification with a Secure Access Code (SAC) delivered via voice message or SMS/text.
Note: NEVER share your SAC with anyone, not even CCCU employees. This opens you up to possible fraud and loss of funds.
The credit union invests in security systems to keep your information secure. Adding device security for your personal computer or mobile device will provide added protection for your accounts.
These programs are designed to prevent, detect, and remove software viruses such as malware, adware, trojans, and other malicious software.
- At a minimum, it’s recommended to install a free antivirus protection from a reputable provider.
- Run the antivirus software’s updates whenever they are available.
- Install the latest version of the CCCU mobile app when new updates release or set your phone to automatically update the app.
Online protection can be taken to another level of security by downloading a virtual private network (VPN), especially if you work from home. Having a VPN provides added security especially when using public Wi-Fi. When using a VPN, your data is encrypted by the software and sent through the server before it goes to your online destination, making it difficult for the data to be traced back.
Limit the amount of personal information you share online.
- Turn off access to your identity by restricting who is on your friends list – don’t automatically accept friend requests.
- Don’t answer social posts asking for: The name of your first car. The location of your first job. What your last name would be if you had your mother’s name before marriage. Where you met your spouse.
Note: These, and similar, can be attempts to decipher passwords.
Making purchases online from a personal computer and mobile device is very common. Make sure you are on a legitimate site by taking these steps.
- Verify the security padlock symbol in the URL bar by clicking on it to view the site security certificate.
- Verify the URL starts with HTTPS (this means data is encrypted).
- When purchasing on social media or other site that does not have these security measures, it is recommended to use a PayPal since they send funds encrypted and the seller will not have access to your account.
