Cybersecurity: Simple Steps to Stay Safe

At Columbia Credit Union, your security is always our top priority. When it comes to cybersecurity, criminals are constantly finding new ways to trick people into sharing personal or financial information—but a few smart habits can help you stay protected. Here are some easy steps you can take to keep your information secure at home, on your phone, and anywhere you’re connected.

Watch Out for Password Scams

Scammers often pretend to be trusted organizations—including financial institutions—to get you to reveal account details.

How to protect yourself:

• Verify who’s contacting you. If someone calls claiming there’s an issue with your account, hang up and call Columbia Credit Union directly using the number on our website.
• Never share verification codes. We will never ask for your password or a code sent to your phone.
• Don’t trust caller ID. Phone numbers can be spoofed. When in doubt, call us back.

Spot Common Banking Scams Quickly

Staying alert to red flags can stop fraud before it starts.

What to look for:

• Phishing emails or texts saying there’s a problem with your account—don’t click the link; instead, contact us directly.
• Fake surveys asking for personal or account information—legitimate surveys will never request sensitive details.
• Suspicious calls that feel off—trust your instincts. Our calls may ask for limited info, like your ZIP code, but never your password.

Protect Your Mobile Devices

Your phone holds a tremendous amount of personal data. Securing it is one of the easiest ways to defend your information.

Stay safe with these quick tips:

• Use a strong password or biometrics and update passwords regularly.
• Avoid apps from unknown sources and never jailbreak or root your device.
• Install software updates to get the latest security patches.

Stay Informed and Stay Secure

Cybersecurity threats evolve constantly—but so do the tools and strategies that help protect you. By staying aware and following these simple steps, you’re taking smart action to safeguard your personal and financial information.

REMEMBER: If you ever receive a suspicious message or call, or if something doesn’t feel right, HANG UP. Columbia Credit Union, government agencies, and other financial institutions will never ask you to input your personally identifiable information such as card numbers, online banking credentials, PINs, card expiration dates, or CV2 codes over the phone.

Contact Columbia Credit Union anytime using the Contact Us page—we’re always looking out for you.