Knowing how to protect your privacy and security in cyberspace can seem a bit complicated, even for the most tech-savvy consumer. But with threats to data, information breaches, identity theft, and fraud becoming more commonplace, having knowledge about protecting yourself and your finances is increasingly important. This is why the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the National Cybersecurity Alliance (NCA) teamed up to create Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Introduced in October 2004, Cybersecurity Awareness Month is recognized each year as a way to facilitate better privacy practices and increase knowledge about online security. Today, we'll be sharing four suggestions you can adopt today that may keep you safer as you navigate the Internet.

Safeguard your Social Security Number
A Social Security Number (SSN) is a number given to U.S. citizens and residents, mainly used for tax and financial purposes. It's especially important, and if it winds up in the wrong hands, can result in the identity theft of an individual. One of the best ways to keep your SSN safe is by limiting who gets to know it. By being selective in determining who gets to know this information, you have more control. Another way to protect your SSN is by leaving your card at home, rather than carrying it around in your wallet or a purse. Finally, never use your Social Security Number—partial or complete—as a password for any account.

Be aware if scam warning signs
In this increasingly digital age, scams—which are electronic attempts to gain access to an individual's sensitive or financial information—are an unfortunate reality. But knowing what one looks like can go a long way in helping you avoid becoming a victim of one. Scammers will often pretend to be from an organization you are already familiar with (like the IRS, Social Security Administration, financial institutions, etc.) to gain your trust. They may also build a sense of urgency, often pressuring you to act immediately or risk being arrested, sued, etc. For additional warning signs of a scam, please visit our Fraud Prevention page.

Use strong passwords & consider additional authentication
Cybersecurity is about making sure your online presence, mobile devices, and information online stay safe and out of the wrong hands. To increase your security, consider creating strong passwords that are long (at least 12 characters), difficult to guess, free from personally identifying or common words, and creative. Another way to better protect yourself is by enabling Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) across your accounts and devices. Doing so will add layers of security and protection as you will be required to verify your identity in at least two different ways. Enabling MFA makes it more difficult for hackers to access your accounts because they need to have multiple ways to access your information.

Enable fraud alerts on all debit and credit cards
Another good way to shield your digital security is by enabling fraud or security alerts on your debit and credit cards. Most financial institutions offer this level of additional security on their cards, which monitor your accounts and notify you immediately if any suspicious or fraudulent activity is suspected. DCCU Security Alerts can be enabled from within Online or Mobile Banking.

The Internet is vast, and having a little know-how about protecting yourself is essential to staying safe. Guarding your sensitive information, recognizing common signs of a scam, creating unique and strong passwords, and enabling fraud alerts on your cards are relatively small steps you can employ that can make a huge difference in preserving your online integrity. To read more about protecting yourself online, please visit our Fraud Prevention page.