Your computer probably contains a significant amount of sensitive information about you. If it falls into the hands of the wrong person, you could be in trouble. Here’s how to protect yourself:

1. Update your operating system (Windows, OSX, etc.), your browser (Chrome, Firefox, IE, etc.), and your online software (Microsoft Office or other web applications) frequently. Sometimes this is automatic, but if not, you need to check manually for updates. Up-to-date software means up-to-date security, which will dramatically reduce the potential that your computer can be accessed by hackers. They usually take advantage of known software weaknesses, so if you keep up-to-date with your patches, you'll be a much tougher target.
2. Use and update your antivirus software regularly. Computer viruses can delete files or send out files to unauthorized users. Your antivirus software should always be active when your computer is turned on, automatically screening your files often.
3. Back up your data weekly. Copy your personal data to an external hard drive and/or a cloud storage site such as iCloud, Google Drive, or Dropbox.
4. Don't download files from strangers or click on hyperlinks from people you don't know. Even if you know the person sending you an email, never open an attached file until you have scanned it first using your antivirus software -- most email programs like GMail will do so automatically, but if something looks unusual, don’t click it.
5. Use a firewall. The firewall allows you to limit uninvited access to your computer. Without a firewall, hackers can take over your computer and access sensitive information.
6. Use a secure browser. This will guard the safety of your online transactions. When you're submitting any sensitive information, look for the "lock" icon on the status bar and/or an https:// at the beginning of the URL. Both are a symbol that your information is secure during transmission.
7. Password protect all sensitive information on your computer using a "strong" password comprised of a combination of letters (upper and lowercase), numbers, and special characters such (#$&!).
8. Avoid using an automatic log-in feature that saves your username and password; and always log off when you're finished. You certainly do not want a burglar to make off with a computer with full access to your online banking or brokerage accounts!
9. Delete any personal information stored on your computer before you dispose of it using a utility program that overwrites the entire hard drive and makes the files unrecoverable. Just deleting them or “sending to trash” isn’t enough. They can be recovered.
10. Read the privacy policy on a site to understand what they do with any information they capture about you . They should answer questions about the access to and accuracy, security and control of personal information the site collects, as well as how sensitive information will be used, and whether it will be provided to third parties.

• Don’t use easy information, such as your birthday or your spouse's name, for your online password, Visa Debit Card PIN or your PIN for our automated telephone banking.
• Never give out personal information online or over the phone unless you have initiated the contact. If someone calls you and asks for your Social Security number or PIN, it is 100% never us. We’ll never ask you for that kind of info.
• Don't include information such as your driver's license or Social Security number on your pre-printed checks.
• Store new and cancelled checks in a secure (preferably locked) place and shred unnecessary financial documents.
• Consider signing up for a check safekeeping service, which allows your financial institution to keep a copy or digital image of all checks for seven years instead of sending them back with the account statement.
• Avoid writing your account number on envelopes or other items that may be thrown away later. Some shady characters go through the trash looking for this kind of info.

• Select a unique Personal Identification Number (PIN) that isn’t easily identifiable (e.g., birth date, phone number). If you have multiple cards, have multiple PINs.
• Memorize all PINs, such as your ATM or debit card PIN and online passwords. Don’t keep them with you in your wallet or an obvious place like your home office desk.
• Keep a list of your card account and customer services numbers in a safe place in case your cards are lost or stolen.
• When you’re online shopping, don't provide your personal or financial information until you’ve checked for indicators that the site is secure. Example: a lock icon on the browser's status bar or a website URL that begins "https:" (the "s" stands for "secure").
• Monitor your card transaction activity on your bank statements and check in online as often as you can.
• As soon as you get your card, sign the back.
• Report suspicious card activity, or lost/stolen CCU credit cards and CCU debit cards at 866.820.3842.

• If you stop receiving bills, statements or other monthly mailings, or if a bill is not received when expected, it may be an indication that your mail is being intercepted, and you should call the company just to be sure.
• Swing by your mailbox to pick up your mail every day, and use a locking mailbox if possible.
• Send outgoing financial mail from a secured mailbox or a post office; avoid leaving checks or personal mailings in your home mailbox. Never send cash through the mail.
• Consider signing up for a check safekeeping service, which allows your financial institution to keep a copy or digital image of all checks for seven years instead of sending them back with the account statement.
• Shred all unwanted financial mail - even those preapproved offers for credit cards, convenience checks or loans.