Protect Your Information
Safeguard your Social Security number
- Never provide your Social Security number unless you have initiated the contact and have confirmed the business or person's identity
- Do not use your full or partial Social Security number as a Personal Identification Number (PIN) or a password
- If you must provide your Social Security number in an email or on a Website ensure that it is encrypted, and you know how the recipient will protect it
- Do not record your Social Security number on a check, traveler's check, gift certificates, etc., unless required by law
- Don't carry your Social Security card and be cautious of your surroundings when disclosing your Social Security number.
Eliminate paper
- Reduce the amount of mail and paper with your personal information printed on it to reduce the chance of criminals stealing it
- Stop receiving paper account statements and canceled checks. View and download them online instead.
- Sign up for direct deposit to have your funds put directly in your account without paper checks.
Secure your computer
- Anti-spyware and anti-virus protection detects and removes viruses and spyware, which can steal vital information
- A firewall prevents unauthorized users from gaining access to a computer, or monitoring transfers of information to and from the computer
- Operating system and software updates, sometimes called "patches" or "service packs," should be installed as soon as possible
- Web browser updates are deployed with your security in mind so keep them current –check to see if yours currently meets our security requirements
