How To Protect Personal Information Online: Tips From A Credit Union

Learn how to protect your personal information online with tips from A+FCU. Avoid scams, spot threats, and stay safe online.

Every 39 seconds, a cyberattack occurs, according to a study published by the University of Maryland’s Clark School – adding up to more than 2,200 attacks in a single day. With cybercriminals constantly looking for ways to access confidential data, staying vigilant online is more important than ever.

At A+ Federal Credit Union (A+FCU), we’re dedicated to keeping our members’ data secure and empowering them with tools and tips to help protect personal information online.

What Should I Not Share Online?

Cybercriminals don’t need much information to attempt identity theft or account fraud. In some cases, a screenshot, photo, or seemingly harmless comment can expose more than intended.

To better protect yourself, avoid sharing the following details online:

Social Security Number (SSN)

Your SSN is one of the most sensitive pieces of personal information you have. If obtained, it can be used to open credit accounts, apply for loans, or even file fraudulent tax returns in your name.

Debit Or Credit Card Numbers

Sharing or storing card numbers in unsecured places can lead to unauthorized purchases or account access if the information is compromised.

One-Time Passcodes Or Verification Codes

Temporary codes sent by text, email, or authentication apps are used to confirm your identity. Sharing these codes, even with someone claiming to be your financial institution, can give fraudsters immediate access to your accounts.

Security Question Answers

Fraudsters can sometimes find answers to common security questions online. Be cautious about participating in social media quizzes that ask for details like your first pet’s name, mother’s maiden name, or where you met your spouse.

Date Of Birth

Your full birth date, when combined with other personal information, can be used to guess passwords, verify identities, or answer security questions.

Personal Address Or Phone Number

Posting contact information publicly can increase your risk of phishing attempts, impersonation scams, or unauthorized account access.

Government-Issued Identification Numbers

Documents such as passports, driver’s licenses, voter IDs, or national identification cards contain unique identifiers. If exposed, they could be used to create fraudulent documents or facilitate identity theft.

Photos Of Sensitive Documents Or Cards

Images of checks, debit or credit cards, or identification documents, even if partially covered, may reveal more information than intended through visible details, barcodes, or digital metadata.

What Are The Biggest Online Security Threats?

Cybersecurity threats are among the most common. These are malicious activities aimed at stealing personal information, accessing financial accounts, or disrupting digital systems. Because these threats take many forms, understanding how they work is your first line of defense.

Below are some of the biggest cybersecurity threats and steps you can take to stay safe:

Malware

Short for malicious software, malware refers to programs created to damage devices, steal data, or gain unauthorized access to systems.

Here are the most common types of malware and how they work:

• Trojan – Disguised as legitimate apps or documents, Trojans trick users into downloading harmful software
• Computer virus – Attach to authentic files and spread when those files are opened or shared
• Worms – Self-replicate and spread across systems without needing to attach to other files
• Ransomware – Locks or encrypts data and demands payment in exchange for restoring access
• Spyware – Secretly monitors activity and collects sensitive data

How to help prevent a malware attack:

• Install reliable antivirus software and keep it up to date
• Don’t click unfamiliar links, especially those found in unsolicited emails or texts
• Only download apps or files from trusted, verified sources
• Regularly update your device’s operating system and all your software to fix vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit

Compromised Usernames & Passwords

Usernames and passwords are prime targets for cybercriminals. If stolen, they can provide access to your email, social media, and even your mobile banking accounts.

Reused passwords make it easier for fraudsters to break in, often resulting in credential stuffing. If your login credentials get compromised in one data breach and you use the same details elsewhere, hackers can exploit that across multiple platforms.

Protect your sensitive details against unauthorized access by implementing these tips:

• Use a strong, unique password for each account
• Enable multi-factor authentication whenever available for an added layer of security
• Change your password frequently, especially if you notice suspicious activity or receive breach notifications
• Avoid saving passwords on shared or public devices

Remember, financial institutions will never ask for your password or PIN. Scammers often impersonate trusted organizations through emails, calls, or texts to trick individuals into revealing login credentials.

Phishing & Smishing Scams

Approximately 3.4 billion fake emails are sent every day, making phishing the most common security threat affecting individuals and businesses alike.

While phishing is mostly carried out through email, fraudsters will also deceive victims through text messages – a tactic know as smishing (SMS phishing). Whether by email or text, these messages appear to be valid and often create a sense of urgency to prompt quick action.

Scammers frequently impersonate trusted organizations, such as financial institutions, online retailers, delivery services, or even employers, in an attempt to steal sensitive information or gain account access. They’ll carefully craft messages that appear credible using familiar logos, branding, or language to gain your trust.

The goal is simple: to trick you into revealing sensitive information, like login credentials, account numbers, or verification codes, or to get you to click malicious links or download harmful attachments.

How Phishing Scams Work

While tactics vary, most phishing attacks follow a similar pattern:

1. A deceptive message is sent. The scammer poses as a trusted person or organization.
2. The message creates urgency. This could include threats, account warnings, or limited-time offers that seem too good to be true.
3. You’re prompted to take action. Such as clicking a link, downloading an attachment, or providing personal information.
4. Information is captured. The scammer will attempt to gain access to login credentials, financial details, or install malware on your device.

If you receive a phishing message, report it to your service provider, block the sender, and delete it.

Common Signs Of A Phishing Message

Phishing emails and texts often share recognizable warning signs:

• A limited-time offers or deals that are too good to be true
• Requests for sensitive information like your password, SSN, or banking details
• Mismatched or misspelled domain names
• Unexpected attachments which may contain malware
• Typos or awkward phrasing
• Urgent or threatening language

How To Help Protect Yourself

Taking a few preventive steps can reduce your risk, such as:

1. Think twice before clicking on unfamiliar links
2. Verify the sender’s email address before responding or downloading files
3. Use a password manager – it won’t autofill on lookalike websites
4. Enable spam filters and anti-phishing browser extensions

When in doubt, contact the sender directly through their verified website or customer service number – not through the message you received.

Data Breaches & Website Security Risks

While many cyber threats target individuals directly, others occur behind the scenes – affecting the websites and platforms you use every day.

Understanding these risks can help you better protect your personal and financial information online.

Data Breaches

A data breach occurs when an unauthorized party gains access to confidential information stored by a company or organization.

Even major brands aren’t immune. For instance, Adobe experienced one of the worst data breaches in history, exposing 38 million credit card numbers to the dark web in 2013.

When breaches happen, exposed data may include email addresses, passwords, or payment information. To help protect yourself after, or regardless of, a data breach:

• Use a unique password for every account – if one gets breached, the others remain safe
• Monitor your accounts and credit card transactions regularly for unusual activities
• Change your password immediately if a data breach occurs
• Enable account alerts for unusual activity

How Website Attacks Can Lead To Data Breaches

Some data breaches occur when cybercriminals exploit vulnerabilities within a website’s system.

For example, SQL injection is a type of attack where malicious code is inserted into a website’s database to access confidential information stored behind the scenes.

While organizations actively monitor and defend against these threats, consumers can still be impacted if their data is exposed.

To help reduce your risk:

• Use trusted, secure websites when making transactions
• Avoid entering personal information on unfamiliar platforms
• Monitor financial accounts for unusual activity

How To Check If A Website Is Secure

Before entering sensitive information online, take a moment to confirm the website is legitimate and secure.

Here are two quick ways to check:

Look For An SSL Certificate

An SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate creates an encrypted connection between your browser and the website, helping protect sensitive data like passwords and credit card numbers from malicious actors.

Here are key indicators that a website has a valid SSL certificate:

• The URL starts with “https” instead of “http” – here the “s” stands for secure
• A padlock icon appears in the browser address bar

If you try to visit a site without a valid SSL certificate, you will receive this warning: “Your connection is not private.” Exit immediately. Hackers may steal your private information from the website if you proceed.

Review The Domain Name Carefully

One way to spot a fraudulent website is by inspecting the URL. When scammers clone an existing website, you will find inconsistencies in the domain name.

Using Facebook.com as an example, here are common red flags:

• Spelling errors (Faecbook.com)
• Extra characters (Faceb0ok.com)
• Hyphens or added words (Facebook-login.com)
• Incorrect domain extensions (Facebook.net)

A fraudulent website is often new and isn’t associated with any known brand. When in doubt, use a free public directory, like Whois, to check when the domain was registered.

Protect Your Finances With A+FCU

Staying safe online doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right tools and few simple habits, you can protect your personal information and your money. At A+FCU, we offer resources like Card Management, eAlerts, monthly credit score updates, and secure online banking through A+ Online Banking and our #1 rated A+ Mobile App to help you stay in control, monitor your accounts, and respond quickly if anything seems off.

Your safety is our priority – and with these tools at your fingertips, protecting your finances has never been easier.

If you ever have questions about safeguarding your finances or recognizing potential fraud, A+FCU is here to help.