Cybercrime is an ongoing and ever-evolving threat. How can you protect yourself from it?
Identity theft occurs when someone wrongfully obtains your personal data in a way that involves fraud or deception, typically for economic gain. How? You might be tricked into giving personal information over the internet, for instance, or a thief might steal your mail to access account information.
That’s why it’s important to guard your personal data. A VPN — short for virtual private network — can also help to protect the data you send and receive online, especially when accessing
the internet on public Wi-Fi.
Tips to Protect Yourself:
1. Use Strong Passwords:
Perhaps you've been on your computer or mobile device setting up an online account with a new company - say, a meal delivery service - and noticed that your browser will ask you "Suggest Strong Password?" There's a reason for that: most people still use low-medium level security codes that are getting easier for cyber thieves to crack.
2. Keep Your Software Updated:
This is especially important with your operating systems and internet security software. Cybercriminals frequently use known exploits in outdated software to access your system. Keeping your software up-to-date usually includes patches in these security exploits (as well as up-to-date virus and malware protection).
3. Protect Yourself Against Identity Theft
Identity theft occurs when someone wrongfully obtains your personal data in a way that involves fraud or deception, typically for economic gain. One way to guard your personal data is to use a VPN (virtual private network), which protects the data you send and receive online. Also, never use a public Wi-Fi network to access sensitive information such as your banking accounts.
St. Tammany FCU is Here to Help You Fight Fraud!
Identity thieves and hackers have long known how to use stolen identities to commit fraud, the pandemic only furthering this existing issue. While we cannot do anything to stop scammers from looking for new ways to commit fraud, our team at St. Tammany FCU is here to help you stay informed, monitor your personal information, and report fraud when it happens!