Fraud Hurts. Protect Yourself Against the Bad Guys. Here’s How.

In today’s deeply connected world, technology permeates almost every aspect of our lives, so it is essential to prioritize your cybersecurity. It is crucial to adopt a comprehensive approach to protect our digital lives. Here are some practices and strategies to consider:

Online criminals are sending fraudulent text messages, emails, and phone calls impersonating financial institutions. Their goal is to trick you into revealing sensitive personal information.

It is vital to remember: First New York will never contact you to request your member number, social security number, or any other personal information. If you receive a call, email, or text message requesting sensitive information, ignore the request and call our Contact Center (518)-393-1326 opt 2 to report the incident.

  • Rock Solid Passwords: You know those passwords you use? Make them unique and strong! Mix up uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. And please, no easy-to-guess stuff like birthdays or names.
  • Extra Locks with MFA: Ever heard of multi-factor authentication (MFA)? It’s like having an extra lock on your digital door. When you log in, you’ll need a code from your phone or something else you have, along with your password.
  • Stay Updated: Just like you update your apps for new features, update your devices and software for security patches. This helps keep those sneaky hackers away.
  • Lock it Down with Encryption: Look for “https://” in your browser’s address bar. That little ‘s’ means the connection is secure. Also, consider encrypting important files on your devices.
  • Keep an Eye Out: Regularly check your bank statements, credit reports, and online accounts. If you spot anything fishy, take action ASAP to nip any issues in the bud.
  • Develop a healthy skepticism towards unsolicited messages, suspicious websites, or offers that seem too good to be true. Stay informed about the latest cyber threats and educate yourself on attack techniques to better protect yourself.
  • Exercise caution when opening email attachments or clicking on links, especially from unknown or suspicious sources. Verify the sender’s identity and look for signs of fraud, like misspellings, unusual links, or anything strange.

Remember, while these steps can significantly reduce the risk of fraud, no method is foolproof. Staying informed about the latest cybersecurity practices and being vigilant is essential in maintaining your privacy and security.

Stay smart and stay safe out there. When you have questions, reach out to us at First New York for help and education.