5-Minute Security Fixes You Can Make Today

Protecting your finances doesn't require a whole weekend or technical expertise. Most of the safeguards that prevent identity theft and account fraud take less time than your morning commute. October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and throughout the month, Fort Worth City Credit Union has been explaining how common scams operate and how you can recognize them before they cause damage. Now it's time to translate that awareness into action. Below are five practical security fixes, each of which you can complete in about five minutes, beginning today.

1. Activate multi-factor authentication

Think of a strong password as a reliable lock and multi-factor authentication (MFA) as the deadbolt that reinforces it. With MFA turned on, signing in requires your password plus a second step. That might be a one-time code sent to your phone or an approval prompt in an authenticator app. Even if a criminal obtains your password through a data breach, they still can't access your account without that second credential.

Begin with your email account, because most password reset links go straight to your inbox. Anyone who controls your email can reset their way into your banking, shopping, and social media accounts. Open your email provider's security settings, locate "two-step verification" or "multi-factor authentication," and activate it. Then repeat the process for your other key accounts, starting with anything tied to your money.

Remember one simple rule: verification codes are meant only for you. Fort Worth City Credit Union will never call, text, or email you requesting a security code, password, or PIN. If someone asks, it's a scam.

2. Establish a password manager

Reusing the same password across several websites is risky. A single breach can expose every account that shares it. A password manager eliminates that risk. It creates long, random passwords for each account and stores them in an encrypted vault. It also fills them in when you sign in, so you only need to remember one strong master password.

You don't need to buy special software to get started. Most major web browsers and smartphones include a free password manager. Activate yours, allow it to save your existing credentials, and then replace your weakest or most frequently reused passwords, starting with your email and financial accounts.

3. Review your free credit report

Your credit report lists every loan, credit card, and financial account opened under your name, which makes it one of the most effective tools for detecting identity theft early. Visit AnnualCreditReport.com, the official, federally authorized site for your free credit report from each of the three nationwide credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. You're entitled to review your reports from all three bureaus free of charge every week.

Check each report for unfamiliar activity, such as credit cards you didn't request, loans you never applied for, or addresses where you've never lived. If you find something wrong, report it at IdentityTheft.gov to receive a personalized recovery plan, and contact the company that opened the fraudulent account immediately.

4. Freeze your credit

A credit freeze is among the most powerful identity theft protection tools available, and federal law guarantees that it's completely free. When your credit is frozen, lenders can't access your credit report, which prevents anyone, including you, from opening new credit in your name until you lift the freeze.

Learning how to freeze your credit is much simpler than most people expect. Create an online account with each of the three credit bureaus and select the option to place a security freeze. Plan on spending a few minutes with each bureau. A freeze doesn't affect your credit score or your existing accounts, and you can temporarily lift it whenever you apply for a loan, mortgage, or credit card.

You don't need to wait for a problem before freezing your credit. It works best as prevention, particularly if you've recently received a data breach notification. If you'd prefer a lighter option, you can place a free one-year fraud alert by contacting any one of the three bureaus, which will notify the other two.

5. Opt out of prescreened credit offers

Those "You're pre-approved!" envelopes are more than clutter. If one is stolen from your mailbox, an identity thief can attempt to use the information inside to open an account in your name. You can opt out of prescreened credit offers at OptOutPrescreen.com, the official website operated by the major consumer credit reporting companies, or by calling 1-888-5-OPT-OUT (1-888-567-8688).

An online opt-out lasts five years. To make it permanent, start the request online and then mail the signed confirmation form. Either way, you'll receive fewer unwanted offers and give fraudsters one less opening.

Bonus: Recognize phishing scams

Even the best security settings can't protect you if you hand over your login details. Phishing scams use fake emails, text messages, and phone calls designed to imitate organizations you trust, including your financial institution. Be cautious of urgent warnings, unexpected links, unfamiliar attachments, and any request for verification codes or personal information. Also remember that caller ID can be manipulated, so a familiar phone number doesn't guarantee a legitimate caller. When you're unsure, don't click and don't respond. Instead, contact the organization directly using a phone number or website you know is real.

What to do if you suspect fraud

Acting quickly can greatly limit the financial and personal consequences of fraud. If you notice unfamiliar transactions, receive an alert you don't recognize, or believe you've shared sensitive information with a scammer, contact your financial institution immediately. Next, change the passwords on any affected accounts, beginning with your email. Finally, report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, which helps authorities identify patterns and prevent future crimes.

Your security, supported by your Fort Worth credit union

Since 1929, Fort Worth City Credit Union has helped North Texas members protect the financial futures they've worked hard to build. Through our mobile banking app, you can monitor your accounts at any time and manage your debit and credit cards from the Card Management tile in digital banking. If anything ever appears suspicious, contact our Call Center at 817.732.2803, Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to noon.

Five minutes today can prevent hours of stressful recovery later. Choose one step, complete it now, and return for the next one tomorrow. For additional tips, educational resources, and fraud prevention guidance, visit fwccu.org/cybersecurity.