Every year, millions of consumers fall victim to cybercrime. According to Javelin Strategy and Research, more than $16 billion was stolen from 15.4 million U.S. consumers in 2016 alone. In recognition of Internet Safety Month in June, Busey’s experts highlight seven tips to help consumers protect themselves from online fraud.
- Keep your computers and mobile devices up to date. Having the latest security will help protect yourself from online threats.
- Set strong passwords—eight characters long with a mix of letters, numbers and special characters.
- Watch out for “phishing” scams—where criminals use fraudulent emails and websites to steal personal information from victims. Do not click links or open attachments from unfamiliar sources.
- Keep personal information personal. Hackers can use details from your social media profiles to guess your passwords.
- Secure your internet connection with a password. Having an unsecured wireless network can allow anyone within range to access your network or use your internet connection.
- Shop safely—ensure the web address begins with HTTPS and check for the tiny locked padlock symbol on the address bar.
- Read the site’s privacy policies.
With constant changes in technology, there are always new threats to your security. The best way to protect yourself is to be proactive. Busey wants you to be informed on any security issues, scams or alerts that may impact you. Visit the Information Security Center on busey.com to stay informed.
