A Guide to Your Cybersecurity
Protect Your Online Information
Your personal information is valuable. That’s why hackers and scammers try to steal it. Learn how to protect the personal information on your devices and in your online accounts.
Keep Your Software Up to Date.
Criminals look for weak points to exploit before software companies can fix them. Software updates often contain critical patches and protections against security threats, so update the software programs on your computer, tablet, and mobile phone as soon as possible when a newer version comes out. Be sure to turn on automatic updates to automatically update your
Criminals look for weak points to exploit before software companies can fix them. Software updates often contain critical patches and protections against security threats, so update the software programs on your computer, tablet, and mobile phone as soon as possible when a newer version comes out. Be sure to turn on automatic updates to automatically update your
- Security Software
- Internet Browser
- Operating System
- Mobile Apps
Protect Your Online Accounts with Strong Passwords and Two-Factor Authentication
Your online accounts may contain a lot of your personal information. Protect them with a strong password that’s hard to guess and turn on two-factor authentication.
Passwords
Here are a few ideas for creating strong passwords and keeping them safe:
Here are a few ideas for creating strong passwords and keeping them safe:
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When creating your password, make it long. Aim for at least 15 characters using a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
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Try to be unpredictable – don’t use names, dates, or common words. Mix numbers, symbols, and capital letters into the middle of your password, not at the beginning or end.
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Avoid using common phrases, song lyrics, or movie quotes that are easy for a hacking program to guess.
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Don’t use the same password for many accounts. If it’s stolen from you – or from one of the companies where you do business – thieves can use it to take over all your accounts.
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Don’t share passwords on the phone, in texts or by email. Legitimate companies will not ask you for your password.
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If you write down a password, keep it locked up, out of plain sight.
Use Two-factor Authentication
Using a strong password is an important step in protecting your account from hackers. But even strong passwords are vulnerable to cyberattacks. Using two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your account. A hacker who steals your password can’t log in to your account without the second authentication factor.
The most common type of two-factor authentication is a verification passcode you get by text message or email. This one-time passcode is typically six digits or longer and expires automatically.
The more secure types of two-factor authentication are an authenticator app or a security key. Choose one of these methods for more protection if you have the option.
Pick Security Questions Only You Can Answer
When you create an account, you may have to give answers to a few security questions. Some sites may periodically ask you to answer these questions as a security measure to confirm your identity. You also may have to answer them if you need to reset your password.
Hackers could try to guess your answers to get into your account, so pick security questions only you can answer.
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Avoid questions with a limited number of responses that hackers can guess — like the color of your first car.
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Avoid questions with answers that someone could find online or in public records — like your zip code, birthplace, or mother’s maiden name.
If you can’t avoid those questions, treat them like a password and use random and long answers. Make sure the question and answer are unique, not one that you use on other sites. And be sure you can remember your answers.
Protect Yourself from Attempts To Steal Your Information
It’s also important to know when someone is trying to trick you into giving them your personal information. Scammers send phishing emails or text messages to trick you into clicking on a link or opening an attachment that downloads malware. Don’t click on a link in an unexpected email or text. Instead, contact the company using a phone number or website you know is real.
Back Up Your Files
No system is completely secure. Copy your files to an external hard drive or cloud storage. If your computer is attacked by malware, you’ll still have access to your files.
Monitor Your Credit Files and Account Statements Closely
If you discover an issue and feel your information has been compromised, it’s important to act quickly. Contact your financial institution immediately. Citizens Bank customers, contact your local Branch or call (844) 770-7100. If you have disclosed sensitive information in a phishing attack, you should also contact one of the three major credit bureaus and discuss whether you need to place a fraud alert on your file, which will help prevent thieves from opening a new account in your name. Here is the contact information for each bureau’s fraud division:
If you discover an issue and feel your information has been compromised, it’s important to act quickly. Contact your financial institution immediately. Citizens Bank customers, contact your local Branch or call (844) 770-7100. If you have disclosed sensitive information in a phishing attack, you should also contact one of the three major credit bureaus and discuss whether you need to place a fraud alert on your file, which will help prevent thieves from opening a new account in your name. Here is the contact information for each bureau’s fraud division:
- Equifax: 800-525-6285
- Experian: 888-397-3742
- TransUnion: 800-680-7289
Scam & Fraud Awareness
Every day, thousands of people fall victim to fraudulent emails, texts, and calls from scammers pretending to be their bank, a loved one, the government, or law enforcement. Knowing how to spot a scam can help your money and personal information safe.
