If you visited the Equifax website to find out if your personal data was breached in the massive cyberattack, you could have faced a different threat. Equifax confirmed that third-party integration on their company website spread malware by tricking visitors into installing a fake Adobe Flash update. Equifax emphasized that its “systems were not compromised.”
Now more than ever, it’s time to tighten up your cybersecurity. Identity thieves can use malicious malware to steal your personal information.
Here are some do’s and don’ts to stay better protected:
CYBERSECURITY DO’S
• Do install security software – and keep it up to date! Antivirus and anti-malware software help protect you from scams that give thieves access to your information.
• Do research on “free” software and the websites hosting it. Before downloading any free software, ensure that the software’s publisher is verified.
• Do keep your guard up on public Wi-Fi. If you’re on public Wi-Fi, avoid websites you aren’t familiar with OR that request your personal/financial information.
• Do protect mobile devices. Smartphones and tablets are just as vulnerable as PCs to viruses and malware.
• Do strengthen your passwords. Use strong passwords where available. Create unique personal identification numbers (PINs). Avoid using the last four digits of your social security number or consecutive numbers.
CYBERSECURITY DON’TS
• Don’t click that link without thinking! Never respond to pop-up ads that show up on your screen from sources you don’t recognize. Scam ads can steal your information in an instant.
• Don’t assume you’re secure. Only share personal information with partners you trust.
• Don’t use an outdated browser. An old browser can leave you vulnerable to attack by malware and compromise the security of your identity.
• Don’t enter personal info on an unsecured site. A lock icon on the status bar of your browser means your personal and financial information will be sent encrypted.
• Don’t use automatic login. This feature saves your username and password, which makes it easier for thieves to access your info on your laptop.
In today’s data-driven environment, monitoring your information is no longer a luxury – it’s an ongoing necessity. It’s critical to keep a close eye on your credit reports from TransUnion®, Equifax® and Experian® for potential signs of fraud or identity theft. ScoreSense® credit monitoring can be a valuable tool by alerting you to account changes and suspicious activity that may pose a threat to your credit and your good name.
