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Ten Tips for Securing Your Accounts
Ever had that spine-tingling feeling like someone’s lurking around your accounts, peeking over your digital shoulder? You’re not alone. Here are ten tips to help secure your accounts and give you peace of mind.
1. Use Strong Passwords
Create passwords that are at least 12 characters long, combining uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special symbols. Avoid easily guessable information like birthdays or names. Consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords securely.
2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Activate 2FA on your accounts whenever possible. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring not just your password but also a second method of verification, such as a text message or authentication app code.
3. Regular Account Monitoring
Check your bank and credit account statements frequently. Look for unauthorized transactions or any unfamiliar activity. Report suspicious activity immediately.
4. Update Software Regularly
Keep your devices, applications, and operating systems up to date. Software updates often include security patches that protect against vulnerabilities.
5. Be Wary of Phishing Scams
Be cautious with emails or messages that urge you to click links or provide personal information. Always verify the sender’s identity before responding or clicking on any links.
6. Use Secure Connections
When accessing sensitive accounts, ensure you’re on a secure Wi-Fi connection. Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks for transactions or accessing sensitive information. If you must, use a Virtual Private Network (VPN).
7. Log Out After Use
Always log out of your accounts when you’re finished using them, especially on shared or public devices. This helps prevent unauthorized access.
8. Set Up Account Alerts
Enable notifications for account activity, like login attempts or withdrawals. Alerts can help you quickly spot any unauthorized access.
9. Limit Personal Information Sharing
Be cautious about how much personal information you share online. The more information you provide, the easier it can be for malicious actors to guess your security questions or passwords.
10. Stay informed
Keep up on the latest security threats and scams so you can recognize potential risks and respond effectively.
Education is your best defense against fraud and Mid Oregon is here to provide tools and resources to help keep your digital life and finances safe from the bad guys.
Learn more about protecting your personal information and finances—visit Mid Oregon’s Security and Fraud Page.
Fraud Tips: How to React to that “Urgent” Call, Text or Email
That heart-pounding moment when you see an email labeled “Urgent Action Required!” or receive a call needing immediate financial info can be unsettling. Scammers use urgency to manipulate you, aiming to bypass your judgment.
Scammers thrive on creating panic to:
- Overwhelm your rational thought process.
- Discourage verification of their legitimacy.
- Exploit fears of missing out or facing negative consequences.
Real-World Examples
Watch out for:
- Compromised Account Calls: Calls asking for your security code to “verify” your identity.
- Urgent Payment Emails: Emails claiming overdue payments that require immediate action.
- Family Emergency Texts: Messages impersonating relatives in distress.
Stay Calm and Scam-Savvy
When confronted with urgent requests:
- Pause and Breathe: Take a moment before responding to anything labeled “urgent.”
- Spot the Red Flags: Look out for phrases like “act now” or threats of immediate consequences.
- Don’t Share Sensitive Info: Remember, legitimate institutions won’t ask for your passwords or personal details unsolicited.
- Verify the Source: Contact Mid Oregon directly or check our website for any alerts or issues.
- Stay Grounded: Scammers often use fear or excitement to manipulate you; focus on facts.
- Keep Info Updated: Ensure we have your current details so we can reach you through trusted channels.
- Educate Your Loved Ones: Share these tips with family and friends to keep everyone safe.
Education is your best defense against fraud and Mid Oregon is here to provide tools and resources to help keep your digital life and finances safe from the bad guys. Learn more about protecting your personal information and finances—Mid Oregon’s Security and Fraud Page.
Additionally, we invite you to explore our Stickley on Security section within the Security and Fraud Center. This platform offers timely articles covering a range of digital security topics, along with informative videos. You can subscribe to receive news and alerts via email, ensuring you stay informed with the latest updates to keep your financial accounts secure in the digital landscape.
Forget Phishing, Smishing Scams are on the Rise
Have you ever received a text message that just didn’t feel right? You’re not alone! According to Verizon, one of the top telecommunications companies out there, smishing—short for SMS phishing—is on the rise and is becoming a favorite tactic among cybercriminals targeting mobile users.
Imagine getting a seemingly innocent text, but behind the scenes, it’s a clever trap designed to steal your personal information or lure you into taking harmful actions. It’s alarming how these deceptive messages can slip through our defenses. Verizon has shed light on the various types of smishing schemes that are out there, and it’s crucial for us to stay informed. By recognizing these common tricks, we can arm ourselves with the knowledge to dodge these scams and keep our data safe.
Let’s dive deeper into how to spot smishing and protect ourselves from these bad actors.
Financial Scams
Financial-themed smishing messages often imitate reputable financial institutions and prompt recipients to click on links or provide personal banking information. These messages may claim that there is an issue with the recipient’s account or that unauthorized activity has occurred.
Remember that Mid Oregon will NEVER initiate a request for sensitive information via text, phone or email.
Package Delivery Scams
These smishing messages impersonate popular delivery services, often FedEx and UPS, but also the U.S. Postal Service. The messages notify recipients about a package that supposedly requires additional information or payment. The goal in this scam is to obtain personal or financial information from unsuspecting users.
Prize or Lottery Scams
In these messages, users receive notifications claiming that they have won a prize or a lottery, even though it’s unlikely the user even entered a contest. The scammers often ask for personal information, financial account details, or request a fee to claim the supposed winnings.
Charity Scams
Scammers exploit the goodwill of individuals by sending smishing messages pretending to represent charitable organizations. They request donations or personal information, preying on the desire to help during times of crisis or disaster.
According to FBI statistics, Americans lost $10.3 billion to internet fraud in 2023. Victims reported losses of more than $52 million in 2022, with phishing scams catching people off guard most often with 300,497 occurrences.
Here are Some Tips on How Not to Get Hooked!
When receiving messages such as these, follow a few guidelines to avoid being hooked:
- Verifying the legitimacy of any requests independently, such as by directly contacting the organization or service provider through their official channels. Don’t reply to the message or call the number in it.
Don’t call the phone number included in the text message. Always research the phone number on your own.
- Avoid clicking on links that are unsolicited or unsuspected, or just trigger your sixth sense that something is not quite right.
- Don’t give out personal information in response to unsolicited messages, particularly if they involve your finances.
- Take a beat to consider the messages before reacting to it. Phishers want you to just react without thought, so taking a minute can save you a lot of pain.
Mid Oregon provides a valuable resource for enhancing your online security. We invite you to explore our Stickley on Security section within the Security and Fraud Center. This platform offers timely articles covering a range of digital security topics, along with informative videos. Additionally, you can subscribe to receive news and alerts via email, ensuring you stay informed with the latest updates to keep your financial accounts secure in the digital landscape.
Read additional blog articles on cyber security and fraud.
As a reminder, Mid Oregon will never initiate a call asking for personal or account information via phone, text, or email.
Article provided by Stickley on Security