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2025 Security Tips
It’s a new year and more important than ever for individuals to assume responsibility for safeguarding their devices and data. While we all think we know all of this already, anyone can become a victim of cybercrime when the circumstances are right. So, it’s important to stay on top of it and keep in mind some tried-and-true tips:
- Utilize strong, unique passwords or passphrases; and use distinct login IDs for all your online accounts.
- Never share your passwords or PINs with anyone.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication whenever possible.
- Avoid opening suspicious attachments or clicking on dubious links.
- Install and Update Anti-Malware Software.
- Apply software updates and patches promptly.
- Schedule regular data backups.
- Routinely monitor financial activity.
It’s crucial to understand that cybercriminals will persist in attempting to pilfer information as long as it remains a profitable endeavor. While government efforts aim to enhance overall cybersecurity, individuals are still responsible for protecting their data. As our increasing interconnectivity with the digital world exposes us, it is important we all stay alert.
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
Kickstart Your Financial Health
As the new year begins, take this opportunity to conduct a financial checkup. Just as we prioritize our health, we should also invest time in our financial well-being.
A solid financial plan gives you direction and measures your progress. Reviewing last year’s financial goals can help you see what was effective and what needs to change for better outcomes this year.
Below are a few tips to kickstart your financial health:
Start with a Savings Goal: To reach optimum financial health, start by setting a clear savings goal. Mid Oregon’s Saver’s Club Certificate is the perfect tool to help you save for your goals. Don’t forget you can grow your savings by automating deposits into your savings account and consistently contributing—even small amounts can add up over time.
Track your spending habits: This awareness is the first step in making smarter financial choices. Mid Oregon’s Digital Banking offers free Financial Checkups to help you assess your financial situation and make informed decisions.
Know your score: Take advantage of Mid Oregon’s free My Credit Score located in Digital Banking and receive anytime, anywhere access to your credit score, as well as key information from your credit report. Reviewing your credit report and score is essential to your 2025 financial health.
Expand your financial intelligence: Learn about budgeting, investing, and smart debt management. Visit Mid Oregon’s blog at blog.midoregon.com for more informative articles. You can also increase your financial knowledge by attending our educational workshops held throughout the year.
By taking proactive steps to assess and improve your financial health, you can enter the new year feeling confident and empowered. Regardless of your financial situation, your Mid Oregon team is here to help you every step of the way—please stop by, call, or visit us at midoregon.com.
Best Practices to Fend off Phishers and ID Thieves
Identity thieves seem to be around every corner these days. The can grab your info and cause a lot of harm quickly. With the rapid rate of change in the world of technology, how does the average person keep up and protect themselves?
Managing your personal sensitive data is exhausting these days but there are some things you can do as a matter of practice to keep yourself safe. Like getting ready for your day in the morning, these things should become habit.
The top three things you should be doing for your cybersecurity practice are:
- Two-factor Authentication
- Freezing credit/adding credit alerts
- Never “Copy & Paste” your passwords across accounts
You can do a lot of little things that will add up as a stronger barrier between you and the cybercriminals that want to do you harm. Here are some additional ‘habits’ that you can add to your cybersafety routine:
Phishing: If you didn’t initiate, don’t take the bate
Beware of absolutely every contact coming your way in a conversation you didn’t start. Anytime someone pops into you inbox, be skeptical. No matter who the message claims to be from. Whether it comes in the form of a phone call, an email, a text message, or carrier pigeon. If you didn’t initiate it, don’t click. Go to the source and verify.
Passkeys: new and easy
The newest tool in our cybersecurity toolkit is the Passkey. Passkeys are a way to log into an account that is not a password. Passkeys are designed to give users an option to using a passwordless sign-in. They are easy to use but must be an option given by the entity you are signing in to.
Biometrics (with caution)
Biometrics is a tool that used a person’s physical or biological characteristics, such as a finger print or face, to verify identity. Used as “one more layer” of security, it can be a useful tool to prevent breaches. However, the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) has warned that biometric information can be misused. Keep in mind, biometrics used for surveillance is much different than when used for security.
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.