In today's high-tech world, we are able to do things more quickly and conveniently electronically, whether it is sending a letter via email, paying bills or even shopping online. With this increase in speed and convenience also comes increased risk. Every day, unscrupulous individuals are busy developing new scams targeting the unsuspecting public. At The State Credit Union, the security of our member's information is a priority. We are strongly committed to the safety and confidentiality of your records.

One of the best ways to avoid fraud is to become an educated consumer and we would like to help you in this endeavor. Please take a moment to read this important information on how to keep yourself and your information safe when conducting business online. Here are some great tips on how to stay safe in cyberspace:

1. Set complex passwords. A complex password is a combination of upper and lower case letters and numbers, and is one that is not easily guessed. Change your password frequently. Don't write it down or share it with others.

2. Don't reveal personal information via email. Emails and text messages can be masked to look like they are coming from a trusted sender when they are actually from someone else. Play it safe - do not send your personal information such as account numbers, social security numbers, passwords etc. via email or texting.

3. Don't download that file! Opening files attached to emails can be dangerous as they can allow harmful malware or viruses to be downloaded onto your computer. Make sure you have a recognized antivirus program (i.e. Symantec/Norton, McAfee, etc.) on your computer that is up-to-date. Most importantly, don't open attachments from people you don't know.

4. Links aren't always what they seem. Never log in from a link that is embedded in an email message. Criminals can use fake email addresses and make fake web pages that mimic the page you would expect. To avoid falling into that trap, type in the URL address directly and then log in.

5. Web sites aren't always what they seem. Be aware that if you navigate to a Web site from a link you don't type, you may end up at a site that looks like the correct one, when in fact it's not. Take time to verify that the Web page you're visiting matches exactly with the URL that you'd expect.

6. Logoff from sites when you are done. When you are ready to leave a site you have logged in to, logoff rather than just closing the page.

7. Monitor account activity. Monitor your account activity regularly either online or by reviewing your monthly statements and report any unauthorized transactions right away.

8. Assess your risk. We recommend periodically assessing your online banking risk and putting into place increased security controls where weaknesses are found, particularly for members with business accounts. Some items to consider when assessing your online banking risk are:

• Who has access to your online accounts?
• How and where are user names and passwords stored?
• How strong are your passwords and how often are they changed?