Some Not-So-Naughty, Credit Union-Approved Four-Letter Words for Security

Protect your accounts against fraud and phishing. 

Nowadays, DFCU Financial members face numerous security challenges, particularly when it comes to fraud and phishing attempts. As technology advances, so do the tactics of cybercriminals. To counter these threats, it's crucial for both personal and business members to be armed with effective security measures. Here are four cleverly crafted – if we do say so ourselves - DFCU Financial-approved four-letter words to help safeguard your finances against fraud and phishing. 

1. LOCK  

To protect against unauthorized access and breaches of security, remember to lock your computers and phones when you step away from your devices, even if it's just for a short period. This prevents anyone nearby from gaining unauthorized access to your sensitive information. This may seem obvious in public settings, like work or when traveling, but also at home when you have guests or maintenance personnel present. To make it easier, configure your devices to automatically lock after a specified period of inactivity. 

2. CODE  

Unlocking your computer or phone typically involves some sort of code, be it a password, PIN, pattern, or biometric authentication (such as fingerprint or facial recognition). When creating a strong and unique password for your accounts, optimize it with a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols - or better yet – try using a passphrase. Additionally, defend your accounts by enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) whenever possible. This extra layer of protection adds a vital barrier against unauthorized access. 

3. SCAN 

Regularly scan emails and websites for potential phishing attempts. Pay close attention to email senders, scrutinize the email content for suspicious requests or unusual language, and hover over links to verify their destination before clicking. Look for signs of poor grammar, generic greetings, or urgency that phishing emails often exhibit. Similarly, when visiting websites, ensure they have a secure connection (https://), double-check the URL for misspellings or variations, and examine the website's design and content for any inconsistencies. By making a habit of scanning emails and websites, you can reduce your risk of falling victim to phishing attacks and better protect your personal information and online security. 
 

4. EXIT 

Exiting is another great defense against phishing attacks. End suspicious phone calls immediately if they request computer access or personal/financial information, delete suspicious emails without clicking links or downloading attachments, and exit any doubtful website pages. To ensure their security, retype trusted website links or verify authenticity with official contact numbers. Trust your instincts and remember that exiting suspicious communication channels is crucial for safeguarding against phishing attacks. 
 

As fraud and phishing attempts grow more sophisticated, it's necessary to arm yourself with solid security measures. These DFCU Financial approved four-letter words unlock the path to fraud prevention. By incorporating these words into your daily routines, you strengthen your financial security against threats. There’s nothing naughty about that! And hey, it saves you from using those four-letter words that mom definitely wouldn't approve of. 

More tips: 

- If you receive a suspicious call or text, please call us at 888.336.2700 to confirm the message is truly from us. 

- Visit our Security and Fraud Protection page for more support.