
Cybersecurity Best Practices
In an increasingly interconnected world, protecting your personal and financial information has never been more critical. Cybercriminals continually develop new scams to exploit vulnerabilities, particularly in the financial sector. Explore these essential cybersecurity tips to help keep you secure, drawing insights from Columbia Credit Union’s expertise in fraud prevention.
Beware of Password Scams
Fraudsters often impersonate trusted entities, like your financial institution, to trick you into revealing sensitive information. Here are some common tactics they use and how to avoid them:
- Credit Union Impersonation: Scammers may contact you pretending to be your credit union, claiming suspicious charges on your account. Always verify the source by calling Columbia CU directly.
- “Forgot Password” Tricks: Scammers may ask for your user ID or request a verification code sent to your phone, claiming they need it to reset your password. Never share these details.
- Spoofed Phone Numbers: Caller IDs can be manipulated to display official numbers. If you’re unsure about who’s calling, always hang up and call our verified number directly to confirm legitimacy.
Remember: Your passwords and verification codes are private. Neither your credit union nor any legitimate entity will ever ask for these details.
Recognize and Avoid Common Banking Scams
Staying alert to red flags can help protect your financial information. Key scams include:
- Phishing Emails: Avoid clicking on unsolicited links in emails or texts claiming account issues. Always contact your credit union directly to confirm.
- Fake Surveys: Scammers may use fraudulent surveys to gather personal data. Legitimate surveys will never ask for sensitive information.
- Spoofed Calls: If a call feels suspicious, trust your instincts. Legitimate calls from Columbia Credit Union will only request limited information, such as your ZIP code.
Leverage Built-in Cybersecurity Features
Columbia Credit Union incorporates robust security measures into our Online and Mobile Banking platforms, including:
- Session Management: Automatic logouts after five minutes of inactivity.
- Encryption: 128-bit SSL encryption ensures your data is secure during transmission.
- Password Security: Your password is never stored on your device, and failed login attempts result in account lockout.
Protect Your Mobile Devices
Your smartphone is a gateway to sensitive information. Follow these best practices to secure your device:
- Enable password protection and change passwords regularly.
- Avoid installing apps from unknown sources or jailbreaking your device.
- Regularly update your operating system for the latest security patches.
- Delete sensitive text messages from your financial institution and clear your browser cache.
If your device is lost or stolen, immediately contact your carrier and Columbia Credit Union to secure your accounts.
Know How Columbia Credit Union Fights Fraud
Your credit union works diligently to combat fraud. Efforts include:
- Partnerships with Cybersecurity Experts: Collaborating with vendors to prevent spoofing and phishing attacks.
- Fraud Call Protocols: Legitimate calls request minimal information and never ask for complete credentials.
- Secure Text Alerts: Fraud alerts come from a 5-digit number and never include links. Account updates and messages may come from a 10-digit number and include links but will never ask for personal details. If you’re unsure about a text message from Columbia CU, call us immediately.
By staying informed and vigilant, you can outsmart cybercriminals and keep your personal information safe. If you suspect fraudulent activity, trust your instincts—hang up, don’t click, and contact your credit union directly.
For more security tips and tools, explore the Digital Services at Columbia Credit Union. Stay safe out there!