One of the best ways to protect yourself from cybercrime is to learn the tricks and scams criminals use to steal your personal and financial information. In honor of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, we’ve put together a list of common cybersecurity threats and how to keep yourself safe online.

Read on to learn a few ways to minimize your exposure to cybercrime.

Common Cybersecurity Threats and How to Avoid Them

As online shopping continues to grow in popularity, so do the risks of falling victim to cyber fraud. Scammers have become more sophisticated, finding new ways to steal personal and financial information through malicious ads, phishing schemes, and unsecured websites. To protect yourself while shopping online, it’s essential to stay vigilant and adopt best practices that safeguard your information.

• Be on the lookout for malicious advertising (“malvertising”). These ads, which fraudsters place on reputable sites using an ad buying network, look real but direct you to a site that can steal your card and other personal information. Rather than clicking on an advertisement, search for the item online and go directly to the seller’s website to purchase it.
• Whether you’re using a debit card or credit card, don’t save your card information on any online shopping sites, and don’t do your holiday shopping on a public Wi-Fi network. This will minimize the risk of a fraudster gaining access to your information.
• Avoid using the same password for multiple websites; hackers will often discover a password and then attempt to use it on multiple sites the consumer has visited. For extra protection, consider using a password manager which can create and encrypt unique, randomly generated passwords for you to use on different sites.
• Be aware of ”phishing” schemes. Phishing involves sending an email pretending to be a well-known or familiar company to solicit personal/financial information, particularly credit card data. You should never open attachments or click on links from unfamiliar or questionable email addresses and be aware that reputable retailers never actively act for financial data or credit card information.
• Be on guard for suspicious, unsecured websites. Watch out for misspelled websites or names that are similar, yet different, from the real company’s name. Also, check to see if “https” is included in the page’s URL; this is one important element of website security that ensures that the connection between your login and the retailer’s server is secure.

How to Protect Yourself from Cybercrime

In today’s digital age, protecting your personal and financial data from cybersecurity threats has never been more important – or more difficult. However, there are ways to protect your money and personal information from being stolen by fraudsters and scammers.

Slow down and double-check that the websites you’re visiting are legitimate. Before clicking on any suspicious links in an email or text, verify the sender is who they say they are. Always generate a strong, unique password for each site you log in to. And if a deal or promotion sounds too good to be true, it probably is!

Now more than ever, shredding sensitive information is essential. With fraud and identity theft on the rise, taking precautions to safeguard yourself is an important practice for a variety of reasons.

Personal information such as social security numbers, bank account details and credit card numbers can be used by criminals to impersonate you. What’s more, documents like credit applications, medical records, utility bills, and even junk mail can provide the information needed to commit various types of fraud, which can lead to financial loss, damage to your credit score, and long-term complications in recovering from identity theft.

Many industries are subject to data protection regulations that require proper disposal of sensitive information. Because shredding reduces the risk of this information falling into the wrong hands, shredding documents can help ensure compliance with laws such as HIPAA, or others that mandate protection of personal data.

Environmental considerations are also important. Shredded paper can often be recycled, contributing to environmental sustainability by reducing waste and promoting responsible disposal of materials. As an added benefit to shredding, peace of mind comes from knowing that you have securely disposed of sensitive documents, allowing you to feel more secure about your personal and financial information. Plus, it helps reduce paper clutter and provides a sense of relief.

What Types of Documents Can I Shred?

Because shredding is a critical step in maintaining personal and financial security, it’s important to know what types of documents to shred. The following items are a good foundation, but not an exhaustive list of everything that should be shredded.

• Old bank statements and credit card statements
• Tax documents (usually keep these for at least seven years before shredding)
• Medical records and insurance paperwork
• Pay stubs and employment records
• Personal letters or documents containing sensitive information
• Anything with your Social Security number or personal identification information
• Pre-approved credit card offers

Tips for Effective Shredding:

1. Invest in a Good Shredder: Look for a cross-cut or micro-cut shredder as they provide better security than strip-cut shredders.
2. Shred Regularly: Make shredding a routine part of your document management process rather than waiting until you have a large pile.
3. Know What to Keep: While shredding is important, ensure that you keep essential documents like birth certificates, property records, and certain financial documents safe.
4. Attend a Shred Event: Some local townships, financial institutions or insurance companies hold shred events. Take advantage of this free service to dispose of your documents. 
5. Follow Local Regulations: Be aware of any specific regulations or best practices in your area regarding document destruction and privacy. For example, some townships don’t allow burning.

Why Shredding Documents Is the Best Option

While some people believe burning or recycling is an equally good option to destroy personal data, the best way to dispose of sensitive documents is to shred them before throwing them away. Here’s why: 

Shredding destroys private information by breaking down documents into small pieces that are difficult to recover. Simply recycling documents can leave your sensitive information vulnerable to security breaches. Documents left in unguarded recycling bins can be stolen. Burning documents can also be insecure because papers may be left unburnt and scavenged for later use. It’s also possible to recover information from documents that have been burned. 

By making shredding a habitual part of your information security practices, you protect yourself and significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to fraud and identity theft.

The information in this post is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute investment or financial advice. You should consult a licensed financial advisor before investing in any financial product or service.

The holidays may be a fun and festive time, but they can also bring additional safety concerns when you’re shopping for gifts. Thieves see the season of giving as a golden opportunity to steal your money or personal information, especially with more people shopping online for gifts.

There are all sorts of sneaky schemes scammers use to steal your hard-earned cash. But with a little know-how, you can outwit those thieves and keep your festivities fraud-free.

To stay safe and prevent crooks from ruining your cheer this holiday season, check out these shopping tips.

Use Your Credit or Debit Card for Peace of Mind

Not only are credit and debit cards more convenient than carrying cash, but they also provide an extra layer of security while you’re shopping. What’s more, using a debit card can prevent you from blowing your holiday budget.

With a debit card, you’re limited to the amount of money you actually have in your checking account, so you’re less likely to rack up debt or spend more than you can afford. Plus, some financial institutions offer special bonus rewards for using your debit card during the holiday season. That can help you stay on budget and keep you from overspending.

Most debit cards also come with built-in fraud protection. So if a scammer steals your card info and starts racking up charges, you likely won’t be on the hook for paying them. Your card issuer will investigate any dubious charges and reimburse you for the fraudulent ones.

And while you’re at it, set up account alerts so you get a text or email anytime there’s a charge over a certain amount. That way you’ll know right away if something shady is going on. While this might seem like extra work to keep tabs on your accounts, it’s worth the peace of mind knowing your hard-earned money is protected.

Guard Your Personal Info and Consider Using a Digital Wallet  

When you’re checking off that holiday shopping list, it’s easy to get caught up in the spirit of the season and let your guard down. One simple step to keep yourself safe is to be cautious about sharing details like your birthdate, Social Security number, or bank account info with stores, whether you’re shopping online or in-person. If a retailer asks for more than the basics to complete your purchase, think twice before handing it over.

Consider using a digital wallet instead of your actual card. A digital wallet generates a unique code for each purchase. It’s like putting a virtual lock on your financial data. It also lets you pay with your phone using features like Apple Pay or Google Pay.

All your sensitive payment info is encrypted and stored securely in your digital wallet, so even if your phone is stolen, the thief can’t go on a shopping spree with your money. Plus, if your phone has biometric security features like a fingerprint scanner, you can add an extra layer of protection.

Cheats and Swindlers and Scams – Oh My!

From fake charity drives to bogus gift cards, be on the lookout for anything that seems suspicious. Watch out for fake “delivery notification” emails that claim there’s a problem with your holiday package delivery. They might look legit, but clicking the links or downloading the attachments could install malware on your computer without you even realizing it.

Also be careful of any innocent looking “Happy Holidays!” e-cards or package tracking emails in your inbox. They could be phishing scams designed to steal your personal info. Stay alert and use common sense while online shopping this holiday season. If a deal looks suspicious or an email seems fishy, trust your gut and steer clear.

Social media scams are common around the holidays when everyone’s looking for deals and doing their shopping online. If you’re scrolling through your feed and an ad suddenly pops up promising a huge discount on the hottest new gadget or designer jacket, don’t click on it.

It may take you to a sketchy website asking you to enter your personal information and credit or debit card details. Once they have your info, the seller disappears without ever sending you what you ordered.

These “deals” tend to ramp up during peak shopping periods like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and the weeks leading up to the holidays. The posts usually have a limited time frame to pressure you into forking over your credit card details or clicking a shady link without giving it a second thought.

Take a minute to scope out the company behind the offer before you buy. Check for typos and grammatical errors, too, which could be sign that the site is fake.

Stay Safe Online by Shopping on Secure Websites

Stay one step ahead by only shopping on secure websites, never sending money to unverified individuals, and keeping a close eye on your credit card and bank statements for any suspicious activity.

Staying safe shopping online requires constant vigilance and a keen eye. As you navigate the digital marketplace, it’s crucial to stay alert and attentively watch for any signs that indicate potential fraud or security risks, such as unfamiliar websites, unsecured connections, or requests for sensitive information. Then, take proactive steps to protect your personal and financial data.

First off, only buy from websites you know and trust. Look for the padlock icon and “https” in the URL at the top of the page to know it’s a secure site. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is! Be wary of any individual seller asking you to send them money directly. No matter how convincing their story is, just say no.

Another smart idea is to regularly check your credit card and bank statements. If you spot any charges you don’t recognize, report them to your financial institution. It could be a sign that a hacker got ahold of your information. The sooner you catch any fraud, the easier it is to clear up.

When you’re out shopping for gifts this holiday season, it’s important to keep your personal info safe and secure. Resist the urge to hop on that public Wi-Fi network at your local café to shop. Public networks are less secure than private ones.

Instead, stick to your mobile data plan or wait until you’re back on a network you trust. You can also use a virtual private network (VPN) to protect yourself while using public Wi-Fi.

Stay Merry, Bright, and Safe This Holiday Season

When you’re out there battling the crowds to get your holiday shopping done, the last thing you want to worry about is your personal and financial information getting compromised. Don’t let scammers dampen your holiday spirit. Stay sharp and savvy and you can jingle all the way to a scam-free season!

Learn more about protecting yourself from fraud and how GLCU can help.

The information in this post is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute investment or financial advice. You should consult a licensed financial advisor before investing in any financial product or service.

Mobile and online banking has made handling your finances more convenient than ever. You can check your account balance while sitting in line at the grocery store, send a payment before you even get up from the table, and transfer money across accounts during the opening credits of your favorite show.

What’s not convenient is opening your banking app and seeing a message that your account was hacked. You can take some simple yet effective steps to protect your bank account from hackers and fraud, such as using strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and avoiding phishing scams. Here, we’ll delve into eight practical tips on how to protect your bank account from hackers and ensure that your hard-earned money is safeguarded.

1. Regularly Monitor Your Bank Account

Regularly monitoring your bank account is a critical first step in defending against fraud. With online banking, it’s easy to check your transaction history and promptly identify and report any suspicious activity to your bank. Look out for small, unauthorized transactions, as fraudsters often make minor withdrawals or purchases first to test the waters.

2. Use Strong and Unique Passwords

Using strong and unique passwords is essential to protect bank accounts from hackers. Using uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters can significantly enhance the security of your online banking account. Avoid using easily guessable information like your birth date, name, or common words. Also, remember to change your password periodically.

3. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Two-factor authentication may feel inconvenient, but it adds an extra layer of security to your account. If you need help setting up two-factor authentication on your accounts, reach out to a member specialist or search for an FAQ on the service’s website. Most banks offer this service, and it’s a crucial feature for bank account fraud protection.

4. Be Careful with Emails and Phishing Scams

Phishing is a common technique that fraudsters use to trick you into providing your banking details. Be wary of emails that appear to be from your bank but ask for sensitive information. Banks will never request your password or PIN through an email. Also, avoid clicking on links in these suspicious emails, as they can lead you to fraudulent websites.

5. Use Secure and Updated Devices

Ensure that your computer, mobile device, and applications are up-to-date. Regularly update your mobile apps, browser software, and computer operating system to protect against the latest threats. Installing a reliable security software solution to guard against malware and other potential threats is also advisable.

6. Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Banking Transactions

Public Wi-Fi networks are often unsecured, making them a favorite hunting ground for hackers. If you’re wondering how to protect your bank account from fraud, avoid using public Wi-Fi for banking transactions. Instead, use a secured and private network. Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) provide a secure solution for those using a public network.

7. Sign Up for Account Alerts

Many banks, including Bank of America, offer checking account fraud protection services such as automatic alerts for certain types of transactions. These can include international transactions, online and phone purchases, or cash withdrawals over a specified amount. Signing up for these alerts can help you quickly spot any irregularities and report them to your bank.

8. Regularly Review Your Credit Report

Regularly reviewing your credit report can help detect any fraudulent activities. Make a note of any transactions, accounts, or activity you don’t recognize; it could be a sign of identity theft. Many banks offer free credit reports and tracking on mobile and online banking platforms. You may also request a free annual credit report from the major credit reporting agencies in the U.S.

Understanding how to protect your bank account from hackers and fraudsters is crucial in the digital age. This list of tips to protect your bank account from hackers and fraud isn’t exhaustive, but it’s a good start. Even if you only follow a few of these suggestions, you can improve the security of your financial information and gain some peace of mind.