With the convenience of online accounts comes a heightened risk of cybercriminal activity. It is important to make sure your information is secure, and you remain protected.
Here are five steps you can take to help improve the security of your online accounts:
- Check your bank statements. Make it a habit to review your bank account online at least once a week or even daily. You should report any unauthorized transactions immediately after you see them.
- Create strong and unique passwords. Use a password only you would know, keep it in a secure place, and schedule a date to update and change your password as often as you feel necessary to secure your data.
- Protect your passwords and PIN number. Do not give your personal identification number (PIN) or password to anyone who asks, and do not keep them written down anywhere. Turn off the 'Save Password' feature in any internet browsers you use. Also, make sure to use different passcodes for your financial accounts and other sites you use online.
- Be careful what you click. Do not click strange links or attachments in emails, messaging apps, and social media messages. As a best practice, it is best to only view communication (email, text) from someone you trust.
- Keep technology up to date and use a secure internet connection. It is so important to keep your operating system, apps and browsers up to date. Always try to use a secure internet connection. If you do join a public Wi-Fi, refrain from financial transactions or doing anything that requires you to enter a password.
- If you ever discover unauthorized charges to your NC ABLE checking account, please contact Fifth Third Bank at 888-516-2375 (Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST, Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST) as soon as possible.
- If you have general or investment questions about your NC ABLE account or discover unauthorized activity, contact NC ABLE’s customer support team at 888-627-7503 (Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST).
Additional banking and online security resources:
- How to Avoid and Prevent Identity Theft (Fifth Third Bank)
- Privacy & Security (Fifth Third Bank)
- Online Privacy and Security (Federal Trade Commission)
- 4 Things You Can Do to Keep Yourself Cyber Safe (US Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency)
- CISA Director Easterly’s Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2023 Message (Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency; video)
Remember, YOU are the best defense against cybercriminals!