Cybersecurity Awareness Month: Simple Steps to Stay Safe Online

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to review your digital safety habits. Cybercriminals are constantly finding new ways to target concumers through phishing emails, text message scams, fake websites, and identity theft attempts.

The good news? A few simple precautions can go a long way in protecting your personal and financial information.

At TEG Federal Credit Union, your security is our top priority. Here are some practical tips to help keep your accounts and personal information safe year-round.

🔒 Smart Cybersecurity Habits Everyone Should Follow

• Create Strong, Unique Passwords: Use a different password for each account and avoid using easily guessed information such as birthdays, names, or common words.
• Use a Password Manager: Password management software helps generate and securely store complex passwords, making it easier to protect all of your accounts without having to remember them individually.
• Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Whenever available, turn on MFA. This extrra layer of security helps prevent unauthorized access, even if someone obtains your password.
• Think Before You Click: Be cautious of unexpected emails, texts, links, attachments, or QR codes. Scammers often disguise malicious messages as communications from trusted companies.
• Keep Software and Devices Updated: Updates often include important security patches that help protect your devices from newly discovered threats.
• Monitor Your Accounts Regularly: Review your bank accounts, credit cards, and online accounts frequently so you can quickly identify and report suspicious activity.
• Back Up Important Files: Regular backups can help you recover valuable information in the event of device failure, theft, or ransomware attacks.
• Trust Your Instincts: If something feels suspicious, stop and verify before taking actions. It’s always better to be cautious.

🚨 Know the Signs of a Scam

Fraudsters often create a sense of urgency, claiming:

• Your account has been locked
• Suspicious activity has been detected
• You need to verify personal information immediately
• You’ve won a prize or are owed money

If a message pressures you to act quickly, take a moment to pause and verify the source through official channels.

🛡️ Protect Your Personal Information

TEG Federal Credit Union will never ask for the following through email, text message, or an unsolicited phone call:

• Online banking password
• Debit or credit cards PINs
• Social Security number
• One-time passcodes or verification codes
• Full account information
• Any other sensitive personal information

Even if a message appears to come from TEG, never provide confidential information unless you initiated contact through our official website or a verified phone number.

📞 What To Do If You Suspect Fraud

If you receive a suspicious email, text, phone call, or social media message:

1. Do not click links or open attachments
2. Do not share personal or financial information
3. Delete the message or end the call
4. Report it immediately to TEGFCU at 845.452.7323 or visit your local branch

The faster suspicious activity is reported, the sooner steps can be taken to help protect your accounts.

🔎 Stay Informed, Stay Protected

Cybersecurity isn’t about being perfect. It’s about building smart habits that help reduce risk every day.

By using strong passwords, enabling multi-factor authentication, monitoring your accounts, and staying alert to scams, you can better protect yourself, your family, and your finances.

This Cybersecurity Awareness Month, take a few minutes to strengthen your defenses and stay one step ahead of fraudsters.

Together, we can stay cyber-smart, secure, and protected all year long!

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