Security and Safety

Keeping your Phone Safe & Secure

The mobile phone has become the number one used device in a person’s day. We do everything from communication to storing memories to financial transactions on our mobile phones. It is important to keep that device safe and secure. Here are some general tips on keeping your mobile phone secure.

  • Use strong password or biometrics to lock your phone. This is the first line of defense against unauthorized access to your device.
  • Keep your operating system and apps up to date. Software updates often include security patches that can help protect your phone from known vulnerabilities.
  • Be careful what you download. Only download apps from trusted sources, such as the official app store for your device.
  • Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks unless you have to. Public Wi-Fi networks are often not secure, and your data could be intercepted by someone else.
  • Use a VPN when you're using public Wi-Fi. A VPN encrypts your traffic, making it more difficult for someone to intercept your data.
  • Be careful what information you share online. Don't share your personal information, such as your Social Security number or credit card number, with people you don't know.
  • Be aware of phishing scams. Phishing scams are emails or text messages that try to trick you into giving up your personal information. Don't click on links in emails or text messages from people you don't know.
  • Back up your data regularly. This way, if your phone is lost or stolen, you won't lose all your important data.

With so much information on your mobile phone, privacy is a concern for many of our members. I would like to offer my two favorite tips for making your data more private on your mobile phone:

  • Limit what apps can access. When you install an app, be sure to review the permissions that it requests. Only grant permissions that are necessary for the app to function.
  • Be aware of location tracking. Many apps track your location. This information can be used to track your movements and target you with advertising. You can disable location tracking for individual apps or for your phone.

Because we are your Credit Union, I would like to take a moment to tailor the tips above and a few more tips specifically to your financial information and security. Hopefully, breaking this article up will help gear your thoughts toward general mobile phone security and also thoughts around financial security specifically.

  • To protect your financial information. When you use your mobile device for online banking, you are essentially giving your bank access to your financial information. If your device is not secure, a hacker could potentially steal your login credentials and access your bank accounts.
  • To protect your personal information. Your mobile device contains a lot of personal information, such as your contact information, email addresses, and social media accounts. If your device is not secure, a hacker could potentially steal this information and use it to commit identity theft or other crimes.
  • To protect your privacy. Your mobile device tracks your location, your browsing habits, and the apps you use. If your device is not secure, a hacker could potentially access this information and use it to track your movements, target you with advertising, or even blackmail you.
  • Mobile banking apps are often targeted by hackers. Because mobile banking apps are often used to access sensitive financial information, they are a popular target for hackers. By securing your mobile device, you can help protect yourself from these attacks.
  • Public Wi-Fi networks are not secure. When you use public Wi-Fi networks, your data is not encrypted. This means that a hacker could potentially intercept your data and steal your personal information. By avoiding public Wi-Fi networks or using a VPN when you do use them, you can help protect your data.
  • Phishing scams are common. Phishing scams are emails or text messages that try to trick you into giving up your personal information. By being aware of these scams and not clicking on links in emails or text messages from people you don't know, you can help protect yourself from these attacks.

Keeping your Debit Card information Secure in a Digital Society

Here are some recommended practices for members to adopt that will help keep their debit cards safe and secure:

  • Keep your debit card safe. Do not carry it with you unless you are going to use it. When you are not using it, store it in a safe place.
  • Be careful when using your debit card online. Only shop on websites that you trust. Do not enter your debit card number on websites that do not have a secure checkout process.
  • Monitor your bank account statements regularly. Look for any unauthorized charges. If you see any, report them to your bank immediately.
  • Use a strong PIN. Your PIN should be a combination of numbers that is difficult to guess.
  • Don't share your PIN with anyone. Not even your spouse or children.
  • Be careful when using your debit card at ATMs. Make sure that you are using a secure ATM.
  • Don't let anyone see you enter your PIN.
  • Cover the keypad with your hand when you enter your PIN.
  • Check your receipts carefully. Make sure that the amount of the purchase is correct.
  • Report any suspicious activity to your bank immediately.

Online shopping is becoming a major part of life. While thinking about how to keep debit cards safe, It is important to give special thought to how to keep your debit card information safe and still be able to enjoy shopping online.

  • Only shop on websites that you trust. Before you enter your credit or debit card information, make sure that the website is secure. Look for the https:// protocol in the website address and a lock icon in the address bar.
  • Be careful about what information you share. Don't share your credit or debit card number, expiration date, or CVV code with anyone you don't know.
  • Use a strong password for your online banking account. Your password should be a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols that is difficult to guess.
  • Change your password regularly. This will help protect your account if someone does get your password.
  • Keep your software up to date. Software updates often include security patches that can help protect your computer from malware.
  • Use a firewall and antivirus software. These programs can help protect your computer from malware and other threats.
  • Be careful about what emails you open and what links you click on. Phishing emails are designed to trick you into giving up your personal information. Don't open emails from people you don't know, and don't click on links in emails unless you're sure they're legitimate.
  • Monitor your account statements regularly. Look for any unauthorized charges. If you see any, report them to your bank immediately.
  • Use a virtual credit card. A virtual credit card is a temporary credit card number that is linked to your real credit card number. When you use a virtual credit card online, the merchant only sees the virtual credit card number, so your real credit card number is never exposed.
  • Use a VPN when you're using public Wi-Fi. A VPN encrypts your traffic, making it more difficult for someone to intercept your data.
  • Be aware of phishing scams. Phishing scams are emails or text messages that try to trick you into giving up your personal information. Don't click on links in emails or text messages from people you don't know.

Multi-Factor Authentication and Your Security

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a security feature that adds an extra layer of protection to your online accounts. With MFA, you need to provide two or more pieces of information to log in, such as your password and a code from your phone. This makes it more difficult for someone to hack your account, even if they have your password.

At DECU, your online banking account is already set up with MFA. When you log in, a PIN is sent to the phone number on file for your account. While it is tempting, and convenient, to check the “Remember this Device” option; doing so will bypass MFA for that device in the future, which increases your risk.

Almost every online account you have, email, financial, Facebook, retail websites, allow for MFA to be setup. We would recommend doing so for all your websites and applications.

Here are some additional tips for using MFA:

  • Use a strong password for your MFA app. Your MFA app password should be a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols that is difficult to guess.
  • Keep your MFA app up to date. Software updates often include security patches that can help protect your app from malware.
  • Don't share your MFA codes with anyone. Your MFA codes are only for you. Don't share them with anyone, even family members or close friends.
  • Be aware of phishing scams. Phishing scams are emails or text messages that try to trick you into giving up your MFA codes. Don't click on links in emails or text messages from people you don't know.

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