Tips to protect your personal information, avoid scams, and keep your finances secure online.
October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month — a time dedicated to ensuring all of us understand how to protect ourselves, our loved ones, and our financial well-being in an increasingly connected world. With cyber threats becoming more sophisticated every day, it’s essential to stay proactive when it comes to online safety.
At Coca-Cola Credit Union, protecting our members’ information and accounts is a top priority. But security is a shared responsibility — your awareness and smart online habits make a big difference in keeping your personal and financial data safe.
One of the simplest yet most powerful steps you can take is to lock down your logins. Use strong, unique passwords — never reuse the same password for multiple sites — and consider turning them into passphrases made up of random words, numbers, and symbols. Adding Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) to your accounts gives you an extra layer of defense by requiring both your password and a security code from your phone or authenticator app.
It’s also important to stay alert for phishing attempts. Cybercriminals often send emails or texts disguised as trusted businesses or contacts to trick you into revealing sensitive information. Look out for suspicious email addresses, spelling mistakes, or urgent messages that pressure you to click a link. Remember — Coca-Cola Credit Union will never ask for your password or full Social Security number via email or text. If something feels off, don’t click; contact us directly to verify.
For members who enjoy the convenience of mobile banking, there are a few best practices to keep your device — and your finances — secure. Use only the official Coca-Cola Credit Union app from trusted app stores, keep your phone’s operating system updated, enable biometric sign-in like fingerprint or facial recognition, and log out when finished. These small steps make a major difference in your protection.
Finally, make it a habit to guard your identity. Review your credit report regularly for suspicious activity, set up account alerts in online banking to catch unauthorized transactions quickly, and shred or securely store sensitive documents. Acting fast can stop identity theft before it causes lasting damage.
Cybersecurity Awareness Month is a reminder that staying safe online is everyone’s job. Share these tips with friends and family, encourage safe online practices, and help build a stronger, more secure digital community.
For more information and additional resources, visit the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) page.
