Today’s technology allows all of us to shop, communicate, read, and bank or manage finances with incredible speed and convenience. However, those same digital tools that put our lives at our fingertips also create ample opportunities for bad actors to access the personal information we store in apps and on websites. So, protecting your digital identity and safeguarding your financial well-being has become a critical part of online activity.
Identity theft occurs when personal information is stolen and used without one’s knowledge to commit fraud and other crimes. It can cost time and money, harm credit and affect reputation. While banks, software companies, and apps or websites that collect data work around the clock to protect you and your account, it’s important that you also take a proactive role in safeguarding personal information.
USE STRONG PASSWORDS
The first step everyone should take in protecting their data is to create strong passwords and use different passwords for different accounts. Do not use birthdates, children’s or pet names, ZIP codes, birthplaces, or other easily accessible information in passwords.
A strong password should use a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters, avoiding clear patterns. Passwords should also be changed every three months or immediately after your account is compromised, or there is a data breach or malware discovery. There are a variety of password manager applications that help keep your passwords saved in a secure place and can even help generate strong passwords.
ENABLE TWO-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION
Alongside a strong password, be sure to enable two-factor authentication on all your accounts. Two-factor authentication strengthens account security by requiring two forms of identity verification. It helps prevent unauthorized access, reduces the risk of breaches, and supports compliance across systems and users. In addition to a password, signing in will require you to provide an additional PIN code that could be sent to an associated email address or phone number, a security token, passkey, or biometrics identifier such as a fingerprint or facial recognition.
SECURE YOUR DEVICES
It’s also key to secure your devices with security software such as antivirus, anti-spyware, and a firewall while also ensuring your computer and software are regularly updated. Cybercriminals are experts in exploiting outdated software vulnerability to gain access to personal information. Many organizations offer packages so customers can manage their device security through one convenient provider such as BitDefender, McAfee, Norton, or others.
USE TRUSTED WEBSITES
In addition to securing your accounts and devices, it is also essential to practice safe habits online. Never enter personal information into fishy websites – ensure they use an address starting with “https” and have the lock symbol in the address bar. Be sure to only download files from trusted websites and well-known sources, never click links in unsolicited emails, and avoid emails or messages requesting personal or financial information. Financial institutions such as NBT Bank will never request personal information via email, online message, or phone call.
SOCIAL MEDIA SAFETY
Another place to practice safe use is social media. Social media platforms offer bad actors ample opportunities to send unsolicited messages requesting personal information. Never respond to unfamiliar profiles and never send personal information through social media app messaging systems such as Messenger. A good way to ensure only people you trust see your social media posts is to make your page private.
MORE TIPS FOR IDENTITY SECURITY
Your digital identity also extends beyond the internet. Traces of our digital identities and personal information can be found on financial documents, bills, medical information, or other important paperwork. Be sure to shred any documents that have personal information on them before discarding and store your records in a safe, locked location.
In following these steps to protect your digital identity and personal information, you can avoid serious consequences such as credit score damage, financial hardship, loss of insurance or government benefits such as Social Security, challenges accessing accounts, legal fees, and emotional distress.
If you discover that you are a victim of fraud, resources are available. Organizations such as the Federal Trade Commission, the Internet Crime Complaint Center, the Identity Theft Resource Center and the United States Postal Inspection Service provide educational materials, reporting tools and credit monitoring resources. NBT Bank provides advanced security features to protect customers online and on their devices, as well as tips to help prevent identity fraud at the Fraud Information Center on our website (nbtbank.com/Personal/Customer-Support/Fraud-Information-Center).
Randi Fisch is the branch manager of NBT Bank’s Fishkill office (701 Route 9). She has more than 35 years of experience in the banking industry. She is active in the community with the Rotary Club of Wappingers Falls, the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce, Miles of Hope, and the Prevention Foundation of the Mid-Hudson Valley, Inc. (of CAPE). NBT has four additional branches in Hudson Valley, including Dover Plains (5 Dover Village Plaza), Newburgh (801 Auto Park Place), New Paltz (275 Main Street), and Poughkeepsie (40 Garden Street).
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