Fraud tactics continue to evolve, making it difficult to protect our personal data and privacy. With more funds being lost to fraudulent activity than ever, prioritizing our online safety is vital. Here are four ways to help ensure your safety online:

1. Recognizing and reporting phishing. 
   Phishing is a type of cyberattack that uses fraudulent emails, text messages, phone calls, or websites to trick people into sharing sensitive data, downloading malware, or exposing themselves to cybercrime. Most successful online phishing attacks result when the recipient accidentally downloads malware or unintentionally provides their personal data to a stranger. Identifying the alarming language and offers that seem too good to be true are integral first steps in recognizing phishing. After recognizing, report and promptly delete the attempt.
   
   
2. Use strong passwords and a password manager.
   To ensure a strong password, create passwords that are at least 16 characters long, random, and unique. These should vary for each account. Another tactic to ensure security with passwords is by using a password manager. This is a secure program that maintains and creates passwords. These easy-to-use programs store passwords and fill them in automatically across the web.
   
   
3. Turn on multifactor authentication (MFA).
   Multifactor authentication, such as using a face scan or code sent via text, is another way to ensure safety. This should be used on any site where it is offered. MFA is a secondary action after your password and offers an extra layer of security when logging into accounts and apps. Enabling MFA can help decrease the likelihood that fraudsters will gain unauthorized access to your devices, apps, and accounts. 
   
   
4. Update software.
   Update devices, apps, and software programs, especially antivirus software, as soon as they become available. Updates help protect your personal data by repairing bugs and security vulnerabilities. To make this process even easier, consider enabling automatic updates across your device. 

Prioritizing your online safety is an important aspect of protecting your security and personal data. With these steps, it can be less complicated. Please visit our Fraud Prevention & Alerts page for additional fraud prevention information. 

This article is for general information only and not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.