Information & Resources for Security Issues

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Provident Credit Union takes the safety and security of your accounts very seriously, and we take extensive safeguards to protect your information and your funds. We urge you to click on the links below and read about what you can do to further protect yourself against fraud and identify theft. We will continue to add to this section, so be sure to check back here frequently.

Instructional Videos

• Phishing Scams: in Plain English run time: 02:54 What is phishing? Why you need to know and what you can do to protect yourself. Explained clearly in a plain-speaking, easy to understand way.
• Computer Viruses and Related Threats Explained run time: 03:24 Understand what a computer virus is, along with related items.
• Protecting Reputations Online run time: 02:41 This video helps you understand how the internet can destroy a reputation, and how you can conduct yourself in a way that protects your reputation and that of others from careless actions with long term effects.
• Choosing Secure Passwords run time: 03:26 Learn the dangers of insecure password picking practices, and easy methods of coming up with secure passwords that you can remember, to keep your data and privacy protected. Don't let an insecure password cause you to be the subject of humiliation or crime.
• Be Secure by Understanding Secure Web Sites run time: 03:08 What is a secure Website? Understanding the answer to this question is important for keeping your data secure and avoiding online theft and fraud.

Staying Safe

• About Fake E-Mails & Phishing The latest attacks use e-mails made to look like they are from government agencies, in order to try to get you to reveal sensitive information, such as your PIN, Social Security Number, or credit card number. Learn about these and similar types of e-mail based fraud, and what you can do to protect yourself.
• Telephone Denial-of-Service Attack to Target Your Money Imagine getting hundreds or thousands of calls on your home, business, or cell phone, tying up the lines. It could be a sign that you're being victimized by a "telephone denial-of-service attack" as a precursor to a crime targeting your bank or credit union accounts.
• Enhanced Security Sign On: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Provident is offering a new way to sign on to home banking that provides more security to members, which goes beyond just Member Number and PIN, and also helps protect against phishing.
• Don't Fall for this Cashiers Check / Money Order Scam Are you offering something for sale on the Web or in a classified ad? Beware of anyone who wants to overpay and get change, even if their check or money order seems to clear.
• Encrypted E-Mail at Provident Provident Credit Union doesn't take any chances when it comes to protecting your sensitive information. Read about our mail encryption program, and what you should do if you receive an encrypted e-mail from Provident.
• How Did They Access My Account Without My Card? Scam artists are continuously finding new ways to commit credit card and ATM fraud against you, and they no longer need the actual card. Find out how to protect your Visa from the latest threats.
• Beware of Credit/Debit/ATM Card Fraud Criminals have more than one way to try to get access to your cards and their numbers. Avoid letting someone you don't even know go on spending sprees with your accounts.
• Ten Simple Things You Can Do to Fight Fraud Fraud and theft are things we all have to be aware of and vigilant against. Here are 10 things you can do to protect yourself.
• Keep Your Info Up to Date, and Protect Your Account with a Password You never know when we may need to contact you, so keeping your contact information up to date is important. Also, did you know that you can add a password to your account to use over the phone?
• Identity Theft: Reduce the Risk by Using Provident's Online Services Is fear of identity theft keeping you from using online services, such as online banking? Learn how frequent use of Account Manager and e-Statements actually reduces your risk.

Other Sites

• Using Your Smartphone Safely (CNET News, 1/5/2010) Worms, Trojans, and SMS attacks are risks for mobile devices like the iPhone, but the biggest practical threat to users is losing the device. Get your questions answered about protecting yourself in this age of mobile phone computing.
• The National Cyber Security Alliance: Stay Safe Online The go-to resource for cyber security awareness and education. A public-private partnership, NCSA provides tools and resources to empower people to stay safe online.
• On Guard Online | Your Safety Net OnGuardOnline.gov provides practical tips from the federal government and the technology industry to help you be on guard against Internet fraud, secure your computer, and protect your personal information.
• Don't Fall for the Nigerian Scam It's a con that's been separating people from their cash since the 1920s, but its gotten much worse in the age of e-mail. Learn about this prevalent crime so that you do not become its next victim.
• FTC Resources to Help You Deal with Spam A list of Articles and Microsites with information you should know about Spam (unsolicited and unwanted e-mail), what you should do to avoid it, what to when you get it, and why this is important.
• FTC: How Not to Get Hooked by a Phishing Scam Don't be conned! Some e-mail looks legitimate, but is just there to get you to type in enough info for other people to steal your identity or spend your money, and ruin your credit.
• FTC: Protect Yourself Against Identity Theft Avoid being a victim of identity theft and learn what to do if you are victimized; visit this FTC Web site.
• US Treasury Department: Warning About Fraudulent E-Mail Schemes In spite of what that e-mail might say, federal financial agencies do not communicate with consumers by e-mail requesting important personal information such as your name, account numbers, date of birth, or social security number.