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Don’t Overshare Information
Social media is a great way to stay connected to family and friends, especially if they don’t live nearby. Keep in mind that what you post online is public for the world to see, so make sure to call or text someone directly if you’re sharing personal information.
Be Careful with Online Shopping
If you’re online shopping and a retailer asks for unnecessary information, be cautious. Keep in mind that no online store will ever ask for your social security number. Also, it’s not a great idea to buy from an unfamiliar retailer, so do your research beforehand and check reviews to make sure the seller is legit. A great place to look is at the Better Business Bureau.
Use Strong Passwords
As nice as it is to have an easy-to-remember password, it also makes it much easier for someone to hack your account. If remembering multiple strong passwords gets difficult, you can use a password manager. Make sure your password:
- Doesn’t include personal information
- Includes numbers, special characters, upper and lowercase letters
- Isn’t too short
Beware of Public Wi-Fi
Using free public Wi-Fi is convenient but can be a bit dangerous depending on what you’re doing. The public airwaves allow hackers to potentially intercept the data you’re sending online. This can include intercepting data such as your credit card info, name and address, so play it safe and use your home Wi-Fi network for things like that.
Be Cautious with Emails
Spam emails are usually easy to point out, but phishing is where it gets tricky. If you receive an email from an unknown sender, don’t click on any links or reply without verifying who it is and whether they’re a trusted sender. Even if it is from a retailer you know, be extra cautious. Try to login to the site itself to see if there are messages within your account. Never click on a link in an email unless you are 100% positive you know where it will go!
Ask for Help
If you have a family member or friend who is tech-savvy, don’t be afraid to reach out to them for help if you’re unsure of something. When it comes to technology and cybersecurity, it’s better to be safe than sorry. If the phone call or email is regarding your financial information, you can always call your bank and discuss the situation – we’d be happy to talk you through it!
For all your financial needs, AbbyBank is ready and willing to assist you. We offer resources for everyone on ID theft and fraud protection as well as regarding elder financial abuse protection. Visit our website to learn more and contact us with any questions!