Online Security
Protect yourself from identity theft and keep your computer data secure.
- Use a firewall
- Keep all software up to date by downloading recommended updates from your device's manufacturer or operating system provider
- Use antivirus and antispyware software
- Make sure that your password are well-chosen, strong and always protected from others
- Don't open suspicious attachments or click on unusual links in messages
- Stay alert for phishing attacks where hackers send seemingly genuine messages to trick you to hand over personal information. For instance, you may receive an urgent message stating that your account or card has been locked and requiring you to enter sensitive personal and/or financial information to unlock it. Financial institutions, including Community Focus FCU, will not ask for personal or financial information via email. To verify legitimacy of the email, please verify the email address that sent the message to ensure it came from the expected sender.
- Browse safely by avoiding sites that offer potentially illicit content
- Don't use USBs or other external devices unless you own them
- Avoid streaming or downloading media that do not come from trusted sources
- Shop online safely by always checking out the website before entering your credit card number or other personal information. Look for "https" in the address bar or an unbroken padlock icon at the bottom of the browser window.
- Be careful what you share on social media and take advantage of privacy settings to restrict the visibility of your posts
If You Become A Victim
- Notify your financial institution and/or the companies where you know fraud occurred.
- Be extra vigilant and watch for suspicious transactions on your account.
- Place a fraud alert on your credit file with all credit report bureaus.
- Review your annual credit reports.
- You may choose to file a report with your local police department.
- If you suspect your information has been breached, put a freeze on your credit file to prevent fraudsters from opening new accounts in your name.
- Go to IdentityTheft.gov in the event of data breach to help you understand your options for what to do next