Protect Your Electronic Devices

Protecting you and your accounts is more than just technology, it’s working together so we can keep your financial information secure.

Protection

On our end, we use 256-bit secure sockets layer (SSL) encryption and multiple security layers while constantly monitoring and updating our systems.

Security

At home and on the go, protect your electronic devices with these tips.

• Log off Online Banking when you have completed your transactions.
• Keep your Internet browser up-to-date with auto updates or:
  • Chrome: Click the Chrome menu and select About Google Chrome. The current version number is the series of numbers beneath the Google Chrome heading. Chrome will check for updates when you're on this page. Click Relaunch to apply any available update.
  • Firefox: If you have an older version, click Check for Updates in the Help menu. For newer versions, go to Options, and the Update tab allows you to select how to check for updates.
  • Internet Explorer: Go to Tools, click Windows Update and follow instructions to download the latest patches.
  • Microsoft Edge: Click the Edge menu and select About Microsoft Edge. Edge will check for updates when you're on this page.
  • Safari: Keep Safari updated by keeping your system updated.
• Keep your computer system and anti-virus software up-to-date with auto updates or:
  • Windows: Go to Tools in your browser. Click Windows Update and follow instructions to download the latest patches.
  • Mac: Choose Software Update from the Apple menu or set up automatic updates.
• Physically unplug from the Internet or shut down your computer when you’re not using it.
• Do not store more personal information on your device than is necessary, especially on laptops.
• Run anti-spyware software to remove any spyware from your computer.
• Use spam filter software.
• Install a personal firewall or use your computer’s firewall to help prevent unauthorized access to your home computer.
• Leave suspicious sites and do not follow instructions on them.
• Utilize resources available to you, such as CEFCU's Security Center that provides articles to help keep your information safe.
• Monitor your free credit report at least once a year by visiting annualcreditreport.com.
• Look for the padlock symbol to see if a website is secure before you enter confidential personal information.

Fraud

If you think someone is trying to get your personal information, or if you are worried you gave out too much information, report the incident immediately. Then change your passwords and monitor your account online to verify account transactions are valid.

Strong Passwords

Passwords keep others from getting into your personal information, so it’s important to make them strong and change them periodically.

• Misspell a word or change a letter to a symbol.
• Try using a phrase.
• Avoid keeping a list of passwords by your computer.
• Change your password immediately if you believe it has been compromised.
• Don’t give your passwords to anyone, even your best friend.
• Check out our Password Selection & Storage Tips article.

Email

Regular emails are not encrypted or secure and are much like sending a postcard. Anyone can read them. If you are emailing personal information, be sure to use secure email options.

Remember these tips when using email.

• Don't reply to emails requesting or asking you to update your password, Personal Identification Number (PIN), credit or debit card number, Social Security number, or other personal information.
• Delete spam (do not unsubscribe from it).
• Avoid get-rich-quick offers.
• Open an email and/or email attachments only when you know the sender.

Remember, CEFCU and Credit Union industry groups, like Credit Union National Association (CUNA) or National Association of Federal Credit Unions (NAFCU), never send emails requesting personal information.

Pop-up Windows

Some pop-ups are safe, like those used throughout TurboTax to guide you through the program. However, random pop-ups can actually be malware and install spyware to hijack your browser and capture your personal information.

Contact CEFCU for more information, to report a lost or stolen card for a CEFCU account, or to report a suspicious email.