Cybersecurity is becoming increasingly important as more daily activities and financial transactions shift online. Staying aware of common online security practices can go a long way in safeguarding your personal data and ensuring your retirement benefits remain secure. By making cybersecurity a routine part of planning for retirement, LAGERS members can feel confident that they’re doing their part to keep their personal data safe.
Here are a few best practices to keep your online information secure.
- Use strong, unique passwords.
Avoid using the same password across different sites and services as a measure to limit an attacker’s access if one of your passwords is compromised. Use longer passwords with passphrases and special characters to make your account even more secure. You may use a reputable password manager to securely store passwords, help generate strong passwords, and even detect compromised passwords. A few reputable password managers include: Bitwarden, LastPass, and 1Password. - Enable multi-factor authentication.
Adding this extra verification step helps protect accounts even if your password becomes compromised. In July, LAGERS implemented multi-factor authentication for all myLAGERS accounts to reduce the risk of identity theft and fraud. If you have not logged in to your myLAGERS account since the security update, you will be automatically prompted to set up a new username, password, and multi-factor authentication. Once your new login is created, you will be able to use your account as usual. - Be cautious with links and attachments in emails.
Always verify email links before clicking and avoid opening attachments from unfamiliar senders. Tip: When being asked to click on a link, hover over the link to see the URL, as the text itself doesn’t always represent the true destination of the link.
LAGERS emails will always be sent from a @molagers.org account and will usually be from a familiar contact. LAGERS will never ask for a wire transfer, PayPal payments, gift cards, or personal identifying information to be sent in an email or text. If you are unsure that an email you’ve received regarding your LAGERS benefit is authentic, call our office at 1-800-447-4334. - Be aware of common phishing scams.
Phishing emails and texts are becoming increasingly common and more sophisticated. Common phishing attempts include:
Emails about “suspicious account activity” or “security alerts.”
These emails typically contain links leading to fake login pages designed to capture your credentials. Before entering your login credentials on any web site, be sure the link is safe and takes you to the expected web page.
Text messages claiming to be from reputable organizations.
These messages urge recipients to click on links or provide personal identifying information. Common examples include fake notifications about bank account issues or delivery confirmations. Never provide sensitive information by text message.
Emails pressuring a user to submit a payment for services they did not request.
LAGERS will not email you an invoice regarding your benefits. - Keep your devices updated.
Regular updates on your devices help protect against security vulnerabilities, so make sure your phone, computer, and apps are up to date.
