BY ERB IT AND CYBERSECURITY TEAM
Protecting your personal and financial information is a
shared priority. While our systems employ robust security measures to safeguard your account, cyber
safety also starts with the everyday habits you use across your personal devices.
Adopting a few best practices will significantly reduce your risk of fraud and help keep your identity and online access secure:
- Create Strong, Unique Passwords: Avoid using the same password across multiple websites. If a single platform experiences a security breach, reused passwords put your other accounts—including your retirement portal and personal email—at risk. A strong password should be a long phrase mixing letters, numbers, and symbols.
- Use a Secure Password Manager: Writing passwords down on sticky notes or saving them directly in web browsers can leave your credentials exposed to anyone who accesses your device. Instead, consider using a reputable, encrypted password manager to generate and store complex passwords safely.
- Protect Your Device When Unattended: Whether you are using a shared family computer or checking personal accounts on a laptop in public, always log out or lock your screen when stepping away, even for just a few minutes.
- Never Share Your Login Credentials: Legitimate organizations will never contact you to ask for your password. Keep your login details completely private. If you ever need to transmit sensitive personal information, ensure it is sent only through secure, encrypted channels.
- Stay Alert for Suspicious Messages: Phishing attempts often disguise themselves as urgent notices from trusted institutions asking you to verify sensitive data, click an unfamiliar link, or provide your login details. If an email, call, or text feels off, do not click links or reply. Reach out to the organization directly using a verified phone number or official website.
Taking a few minutes to review your online security habits helps ensure your personal data andaccount access remain protected around the clock.