Your phone, tablet, and computer are more than just everyday tools; they’re gateways to your financial life. From mobile banking and BillPay to online shopping and email, our devices store and access sensitive personal and financial information. That makes keeping them secure more important than ever. By following these simple habits, you can significantly reduce your risk of inadvertent exposure through your connected devices.
Below, we’re providing a checklist to help you reduce your risk:
☐ Identify Your Connected Devices
Have you considered before how many devices in your home are connected to the internet? Start with a list before moving on to the next step. Don’t forget things like smart plugs and WIFI-enabled bulbs and appliances.
☐ Start with Strong Device Security
Every device you use should be protected with a strong passcode, PIN, or biometric lock, such as fingerprint or facial recognition. Avoid easy-to-guess passwords like birthdays or names and never reuse the same password across multiple accounts. When available, enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) for an added layer of protection. This extra layer of protection typically means that logging in will require both your password and a code that is texted or emailed to you.
☐ Keep Software Up to Date
Those update notifications can be annoying, but they’re important. Operating systems and app updates often include critical security fixes that help protect against newly discovered threats. Turning on automatic updates can help ensure your devices can stay protected without extra effort. If you prefer to run updates manually, stay aware of when they will become available and install system updates as soon as possible. This includes your phone, tablets, and the apps contained within them. For smart home devices, the vulnerable connection point is through the apps that manage them, so it is crucial that those remain current as well.
☐ Utilize Security Software for Home Computers
Desktop and laptop computers often hold the most personal information of any device in your home. Ensure that you have up-to-date antivirus software. Most of these applications now go well beyond checking for viruses and malware, as they are constantly running in the background, deleting unwanted cookies, and tracking codes. Think of it as an insurance policy for your files and information, and make sure you have current protection on every device.
☐ Check Your Home Network Security Settings
While it might seem like there’s no easy way to help protect every smart device in your home, the best action you can take is to update your router password on a regular basis. You should never have an open network connection, and your password shouldn’t be easy to figure out. Your password should be at least 12 characters and contain letters, numbers, and special characters. It doesn’t need to be impossible to remember, but consider random combinations of words and numbers, rather than something easy to guess like your last name and street number.
☐ Be Cautious on Public Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi at airports, hotels, and cafes can be convenient, but it’s not always secure. Avoid accessing financial accounts or entering sensitive information when using public networks. If you must connect, consider using a trusted virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your data.
☐ Help Secure Your Data if a Device is Lost or Stolen
Enable features that allow you to locate, lock, or erase your device remotely if it’s lost or stolen. Regularly backing up your data can help ensure you won’t lose important information and makes it easier to recover if your device is missing.
☐ Stay Informed and Stay Secure
Cyber threats are constantly evolving, but staying informed and practicing good digital habits can go a long way in keeping your information safe. By keeping your devices secure, you can help protect your identity and your finances.
If you ever notice suspicious activity or have questions about keeping your accounts secure, call our Contact Center or send a secure message through Online Banking. You can also check our Fraud Center to learn about the latest scam attempts and protect yourself online. We’re here to help you bank with confidence.
Remember, if you ever suspect your identity has been compromised for any reason, act immediately. As a HomeFREE Checking™ account holder, you have access to identity protection benefits1. Our identity theft protection specialists are trained to fully manage your identity recovery and are standing by to help.