Protect Your Digital Information

With so much of our personal and financial information available online, it is more important than ever to be vigilant in protecting this information. The steps below offer tips on how to reduce the risk of cybercriminals gaining access to that information.

log-in credentials and Password Management best Practices

` If permitted, create unique usernames for each account (avoid your name and email in the username). ` Use a password manager to keep passwords safe. ` Do not use the “save password” option in your internet browser. ` Use passphrases for your passwords (include both upper and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols). ` Implement two-factor authentication. ` Have unique passwords for each account.

Protect Your financial Accounts

` Be sure to register for log-in credentials to ensure that no one else can create a login under you. If you don’t intend to use this feature, ask your financial institution if they can block this option for you. ` Create unique usernames for each financial provider.

Protect Your Mobile Device

` Take advantage of voice biometrics, if available. Voice biometrics will detect and verify your voice on a phone call once you have enrolled. ` Implement security alerts to warn you of significant transactions or changes to your profile.

` Create a PIN or passphrase to prevent criminals from being able to swap your phone to a new carrier and gain access to your phone data. ` Activate automatic updates on your device. ` Install anti-virus software on your device. ` Enable remote wipe feature on your phone so you can erase any data if lost or stolen.

NOTE: If you do not know how to implement the above recommendations, contact your mobile device carrier for more information.

` Activate automatic updates on each device. ` Install anti-virus software on each device.

be cautious on social Media Accounts

` Be careful how much personal information you share (those surveys being posted may seem fun, but they provide a lot of similar data used in security questions, etc. for financial account logins). ` Manage your privacy settings to control who can see your posts. ` Be particular about who you choose as “friends” and “followers” (never accept a friend request from someone you do not know personally).

If you think you have been compromised, act quickly.

1. Freeze Your Credit

You can request a free security freeze by calling 800-525-6285 or by following the steps located at the following website: www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/how-to-freeze-credit. 2. Call the Fidelity Fraud Line

If you have accounts with Fidelity, contact them at 800-544-6666 to notify them of the breach. Fidelity also offers a fraud guarantee which can be accessed at: www.fidelity.com/security/customer-protection-guarantee. 3. Contact Your Bank, Creditors, and Other Key Agencies

Contact your bank and creditors to ask them to close your accounts or to change the account numbers. Also, if necessary, contact key agencies that should be notified of the breach, such as the Social Security Office. 4. Change Account Passwords

Change passwords on all your financial, social media and email accounts. 5. Report the Crime

Visit www.identitytheft.gov to report the incident. 6. Restore Your Computer

If your computer has been compromised, take it to a professional you trust to have the hard drive cleaned and the operating system reinstalled.