Online Security Tips

Protect your information online.

Be Safe Online and On Your Mobile Device

When sending emails, shopping online, using social media, or surfing the web, remember to keep your account information and identity secure. These tips can help you to avoid compromising your information.

Online Security Tips

  • Do not use your Social Security number as a username or password.
  • Use a unique username and password for your Patriot Online Banking account – DO NOT use any part of your email address as your username or password – and update them regularly.
  • Protect your online passwords. Don’t write them down or share them with anyone.
  • Protect your answers to security questions. Do not write down or share your answers with anyone. Remember, Patriot will never ask you to provide answers to security questions.
  • Use a unique password for each account.  Having separate passwords for every website helps thwart cybercriminals. At a minimum, separate your work and personal account and make sure that your critical accounts have the strongest passwords.

Email Security Tips

Computer

Be wary of suspicious emails. Never open attachments, click on links, or respond to emails from suspicious or unknown senders.

Notifications

If you receive a suspicious email that you think is a phishing attempt, do not respond or provide any information.

Phone

If you respond to a phishing email with personal or account information, contact 1-888-777-9982.

Mobile Security Tips

  • Use the security functions that come with your device, such as the keypad lock or phone lock function when it is not in use, or the “find my phone” or “wipe out memory” functions if it is lost.
  • Keep your account numbers, passwords, Social Security number and date of birth private. Never share your personal or financial information in a text message, phone call or email.
  • If you lose your mobile device or change your mobile phone number, sign on to Online Banking to remove the old number from your mobile banking profile or call our member service contact center at 1-888-777-9982.
  • Be cautious when using public hotspots. Carefully consider your Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connection settings, even at a trusted retailer, as fraudsters can spoof the name of reputable hotspots.
  • Download banking applications from reputable sources only to ensure the safety of your account information. Download the Patriot Mobile app by searching “Patriot Federal Credit Union” in your phone’s app store, or visit www.patriotfcu.org on your phone’s browser.
  • Treat QR codes with the same suspicion as you would any URL or link you find in an email. Much like links in email, QR codes can be used by fraudsters to send you to websites that may request your personal and financial information or could corrupt your mobile device.
  • When you finish banking on your mobile device or using the Patriot mobile app, always log off and not just close the browser or app.

Computer Safety Tips

  • Avoid downloading programs from unknown sources.
  • Ensure your computer operating system, software, browser version, and plug-ins are current. Before downloading an update to your computer program, first go to the company’s website to confirm the update is legitimate.
  • Install a personal firewall on your computer and keep antivirus software installed and updated.
  • Be wary of conducting online banking activities on computers that are shared by others. Use public computers with caution. Online banking activities and viewing or downloading documents (statements, etc.) should be conducted, when possible, on a computer you know to be safe and secure.
  • Configure your devices to prevent unauthorized users from remotely accessing your devices or home network. For example, if you use a home wireless router for your home internet connection, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations to configure the router with appropriate security settings.

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Disclosures

  • NCUA

    This credit union is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration.

  • Equal Housing Lender

    Equal Housing Lender