Over half of consumers will be skipping traditional retail stores and buying online this holiday season; unfortunately, many of us will likely end up with more than just gingerbread and mistletoe. With the average cost of fraud coming in at about $1,000 per victim, not securing your devices can be an expensive lesson to learn.
Add a passcode or fingerprint.
Most phones require this now, but if yours doesn't, make sure you add one. An average of 5 million Americans lose their cellphone every year, and unfortunately, much of their personal data with it, such as apps indicating where they bank, personal addresses, access to their email, and more. For even better security, consider adjusting your settings so that your phone locks after 30 seconds or 1 minute of inactivity.
Use secure wifi connections.
Save your banking and correspondence that includes sensitive information for wifi connections that are non-public and secured. Some phones auto connect to the nearest wifi, consider removing this setting for extra security.
Install the latest software upgrades.
Software companies and cell phone providers are constantly updating and improving security features. Unfortunately they're only effective if you choose to install them. When a new upgrade's available, be sure to download it as soon as possible.
Use complex passphrases.
Not passwords, passphrases. Stop using pet, spouse, street, and town names and start using actual phrases that are more secure. For example, you may want to use FiveYearsToGo for the login that you use to check and pay your student loan.
Get your computer, laptop or tablet protected.
This usually includes antivirus, firewalls or malware software. Unless you're fluent in tech speak, making sure your PC is secure can become confusing quickly. The right protection software for your devices will vary depending on the device type and what you use it for. Check out TechRadar's recent compilation of the best antivirus software for businesses or PCMag's personal software reviews.
To keep you and your family's identity protect even more secure, ask us about IDProtect, a standard feature of our Green Checking account. With IDProtect, you'll receive total identity monitoring of your information. If your identity is compromised, then a dedicated fraud specialist will be assigned to handle the recovery process until your identity is restored. Click here to find out more about IDProtect and Green Checking.
Green Checking requires $25 to open and is $6 a month. IDProtect is not insured by FDIC or any Federal Government Agency; not a deposit of or guaranteed by the bank or any bank affiliate. Benefits require registration/activation.