Follow these helpful tips from Fidelity to protect yourself against cybercriminals.
Register and manage your accounts
- Register your credentials to log in to NetBenefits and other online accounts before a
cybercriminal can. - Create unique usernames and passwords. Avoid using your name or email address as
a username; if your provider (for example, Microsoft) uses your email address, be sure to
enable multifactor authentication. Don’t reuse passwords, and avoid weak, commonly used
passwords like 123456. Consider using passphrases like “I LOVE ice cream!” instead. - Consider using a reputable, secure password manager protected with a strong, unique
password or passphrase. Don’t keep passwords stored in files saved on your electronic
devices. - Periodically check your account activity and associated documents for unauthorized activity.
- Activate security alerts to warn you about suspicious behavior or changes to your account.
Account login and transactions
- Enable multifactor authentication when available, particularly with your financial, email,
phone and social media accounts. - Provide your current mobile phone number and email address to Fidelity and other
institutions you do business with so that you can be contacted in real time in case of fraud or
high-risk transactions. - Use biometrics where available, such as Fidelity MyVoice (call us to enroll), thumbprint and
facial recognition. - Be cautious about using public Wi-Fi without a dedicated, encrypted virtual private network
(VPN). - Use trusted devices for sensitive transactions. Avoid conducting financial transactions
using shared devices or unsecured networks.
Apply for and monitor your credit
- Register for your free Experian identity theft coverage through UC
- Periodically review your credit and freeze it to prevent credit fraud. Check for any suspicious activity, including profile changes or transaction attempts, and review alerts you may receive. Temporarily unfreeze it when you need to apply for credit.
- Request a free annual credit report, available from the major credit reporting services:
- Equifax | Equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services | 800-685-1111
- Experian | Experian.com/help | 888-EXPERIAN (888-397-3742)
- TransUnion | TransUnion.com/credit-help | 888-909-8872
Secure your devices
- Call your cell phone provider to enable a PIN or passphrase to prevent criminals from
porting your phone to a new carrier or swapping their SIM card for yours. - Secure your mobile devices before they’re lost or stolen. Activate the PIN or lock functions
for each device — set them to auto-lock, and enable remote lock and data wipe. Use the
“find my phone” and Face ID or Touch ID features, if available. - Enable the auto-update feature for your operating system and apps. Install antivirus
software on all computing devices. - Back up your data to a secure cloud location.
Scams, social media and mail
- Report suspicious emails to your location’s cybersecurity team. Don’t click
any links. Additionally, if you receive a call that you are not expecting or that you find suspect,
hang up. - Watch out for scams. Business email compromise; phishing via SMS/text, voice, or email;
and email and social media impersonation are the most common ways cybercriminals take
over accounts and defraud executives each year. If you are faced with one of these scams,
stop all communications immediately. Never give an unverified individual remote access to
your computer. - Limit sharing personal and company information on social media or other public websites. Fraudsters and cybercriminals often use this information to attempt to conduct social engineering attacks.
- Protect your mail by signing up for USPS Informed Delivery, FedEx Delivery Manager and UPS My Choice.
For more helpful tips on being cyber-savvy, visit the UC Information Security page.