Online Security

Our member’s privacy and account security is a priority to Ontario Shores Federal Credit Union, and we would encourage you to follow some simple guidelines to add to that protection.

Never reveal your password to any one for any reason.
Change your password frequently.
Log out to end a session; do not use the back key. Or simply exit out of the browser.
Change your password whenever you delete a signer from your account.
Balance your account at a minimum of once a month, so any discrepancies can be reported in a timely manner.

Online Security Tips

Limit your sharing of personal information online and read privacy statements.
Keep your computer, and access to it, secure by adding passwords. Remember to change your password regularly and include password complexity.
Look for the secure, locked padlock in your browser to make sure your information is encrypted. Also, look for “https” in the web address, as the “s” stands for secure.
Only send personal and account information through secure messaging. Never share your personal account information using email.
Never respond to emails or web pages that ask for your personal/financial information especially account, PIN and Social Security numbers. Legitimate financial institutions will never ask you for that information via email or by phone.
Delete emails from unknown senders with nonsensical information, subject line typos, or suspicious links.
Make sure you log out of your accounts each time you leave them, especially when you are using public computers.
Cancel any credit cards that have been used fraudulently.
Contact your financial institution if you notice any suspicious account activity or information security-related activities.
Ignore the “remember my password” options on shopping and banking websites.
Install and update anti-virus and spyware-detection software, as well as a firewall.

Password Tips

Use a unique password for each of your important accounts like email and online banking.

Choosing the same password for each of your online accounts is like using the same key to lock your home, car and office – if a criminal gains access to one, all of them are compromised. So don’t use the same password for an online newsletter as you do for your email or bank account. It may be less convenient, but picking multiple passwords keeps you safer.
Writing down your passwords isn’t necessarily a bad idea. But if you do this, don’t leave notes with your passwords in plain sight, on your computer or desk.

Use a long password made up of numbers, letters and symbols.

The longer your password is, the harder it is to guess. So make your password long to help keep your information safe. Adding numbers, symbols and mixed-case letters makes it harder for would-be snoops or others to guess or crack your password. Please don’t use ‘123456’ or ‘password,’ and avoid using publicly available information like your phone number in your passwords. It’s not very original, and it isn’t very safe!

Try using a phrase that only you know.

One idea is to think of a phrase that only you know, and make it be related to a particular website to help you remember it. For your email you could start with “My friends Tom and Jasmine send me a funny email once a day” and then use numbers and letters to recreate it. “MfT&Jsmafe1ad” is a password with lots of variations. Then repeat this process for other sites.

Phishing Scams

Phishing is a particularly devious form of Internet scam. Customers of banks and financial institutions are often prime targets for “phishers” who trick them into divulging sensitive personal information such as their credit- or debit-card account numbers and personal identification numbers (PINs), by making bogus offers using spoof e-mails and fake Web sites. The technique is also used to steal identities.

Be suspicious – A legitimate business would never send you an email asking you to enter personal information to verify an account. If you are contacted this way call the company to let them know there’s a problem.
Watch for social engineering – Cybercriminals take advantage of our natural instincts to trust those we know as well as the viral nature of social networks. Be wary of links sent though social media, text messages, or email.
Think before you click – If it looks unusual, unlikely or too good to be true, it probably is.
Protect Yourself – Use comprehensive security that is up to date with a safe search tool that identifies risky website in social networking sites, email, chat, and search engine results.