3 Common Cybersecurity Mistakes

A strong password is your first and most important line of defense against cybertheft. Using the same password for every account or creating passwords with easy-to-find information can make you more vulnerable to hackers.

How to avoid it:

• ✓ Make your passwords difficult to guess. Avoid names and birthdays, and include all four character types: Uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols.
• ✓ Consider using a password manager, which can both generate strong passwords and keep them safely stored on your devices.
• ✓ If you have difficulty remembering your passwords, try a passphrase instead. Create a sequence of 4–7 unrelated words and use that phrase as your password.
• ✓ Multi-factor authentication (MFA) will prompt you to add a code sent to you by email or text before you’re granted entry to your account. This adds another step to your login, but it also makes it extremely difficult for hackers to access your account—even if they have your password in hand.

Cyberthieves and hackers use a variety of tactics to access your data. For example, "phishing" is a common approach in which criminals contact strangers, often pretending to be a trusted person or organization. The emails or texts sent by these scammers contain viruses that allow them to hack your devices, or fake logins that allow them to steal your usernames and passwords.

How to avoid it:

• ✓ Don't share your online credentials with unknown sources.
• ✓ Examine emails and texts requesting your information carefully before responding.
• ✓ Never share one-time passcodes with someone who calls you. These codes are typically sent only when you initiate the call.  
•        A One-Time Passcode (OTP) is a code Apple Bank sends to verify your identity. Apple Bank will never call you and ask you to provide an OTP. We will only send you an OTP and ask you to confirm that code when you initiate a call or request to us.
   
• ✓ Be cautious of red flags, such as someone requesting payment via gift card-legitimate companies never do this.
• ✓ If you're unsure if a request is legitimate, reach out to the company or individual through their phone number or official website to make sure it's real.
• ✓ Sign up for electronic statements and bill pay to keep sensitive information from falling into the wrong hands through the mail.
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It's tempting to ignore software update alerts, but these patches give you an added layer of protection. Technology companies regularly issue these updates to keep up with new cyberthreats, and installing them is crucial to protecting your data.

How to avoid it:

• ✓ Most devices have an option to update your software as soon as new patches are available. Enabling automatic updates makes it easy to keep your devices protected against new threats. 
• ✓ Instead of selecting "Remind me later" when an update alert appears, install updates on all your devices as soon as possible. It's the easiest way to make sure you have the latest security patches and updates on your device.
• ✓ Regularly check for updates if automatic updates are unavailable.
• ✓ Ignore unsolicited messages claiming to be tech support. Never share passwords or allow remote access unless you're sure it's legitimate.

Use the Apple Bank Mobile App¹ to set up balance and transaction alerts.
Notifications regarding withdrawals, transactions, or other account activity that you didn't initiate can signal fraud.

Check your email and mobile number on file regularly.
Ensure your account's contact information is current so alerts can reach you without delay.