October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a perfect time to strengthen your digital habits. Protect your finances and personal information with these five essential tips:

1. Watch for Imposter Scams

Scammers often impersonate trusted institutions. Be cautious of unsolicited requests for money, verification codes, or personal details. When in doubt, always contact Provident directly to verify.

2. Use Strong, Unique Passwords

Create complex passwords for each account and update them regularly. Avoid reusing passwords across multiple accounts. Consider using a secure password manager to keep them organized.

3. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

MFA adds an extra layer of protection by requiring a second verification step. Enable MFA on all accounts whenever possible to prevent unauthorized access.

4. Protect Your Devices

Avoid accessing sensitive accounts on public Wi-Fi or shared devices. Keep your devices’ operating systems and antivirus software up to date and use tracking or anti-theft features to safeguard your information.

5. Know What to Do If You Are Attacked

If your account is compromised: 

• Contact Provident immediately to secure your account

• Change passwords on affected accounts and any accounts sharing those credentials

• Run a full antivirus scan on your devices

• Monitor accounts for unusual activity and report suspicious transactions

• Consider a fraud alert or credit freeze if personal information was exposed

At Provident Credit Union, we’re committed to keeping your information safe. For more information on securing your accounts and protecting your personal information, visit our Online Security Resources.