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How do I protect my online information and identity?

If you believe your EGSC account has been compromised, change your password and recovery options from a secure device. Call EGSC IT at 478-289-2004 as soon as possible! Information that we will need to know:

  • How your account was compromised (suspicious website, email attachment, etc.)
  • When and where it occurred
  • Secure your devices (Mac, PC, Phones)
    • Ensure that your devices have the latest updates
    • Install trusted apps and software and keep them up-to-date
    • Limit the number of apps and software installed (uninstall/delete any you don’t use)
    • Lock your device when unattended or not in use
    • Enable device encryption
    • Enable backups
    • Enable device tracking
  • Enable two-factor authentication (when available)
  • Log out of your accounts and/or lock your computer before stepping away
  • Delete or close old accounts you no longer use
  • Be sure to set up and secure your account recovery options.
    • If you have security questions, do not answer them truthfully.
  • Avoid responding to phishing emails
  • Check if your account has been compromised in a data breach and get notifications if your account appears in any other data breaches.
  • Keep your Social Security number secure and ask questions before deciding to share it. Ask if you can use a different kind of identification. If someone asks you to share your SSN, ask:
    • Why they need it
    • How it will be used
    • How they will protect it
    • What happens if you don’t share the number
  • Monitor your Social Security Information
  • Don’t overshare on social networking sites
  • Keep passwords private
  • Shred documents (such as receipts, credit offers, checks, bank statements, etc.) when you no longer need them.
  • Opt out of pre-approved credit offers in the mail.
  • Monitor your credit reports for free. Federal law requires each of the three major credit reporting agencies to give you a free credit report — at your request — each year. Visit AnnualCreditReport.com — the only authorized website for free credit reports. If you want to monitor your reports over time, you can spread out your requests, getting one free report every four months.
  • Place a credit (security) freeze at each of the nationwide credit reporting companies. This makes it more difficult for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name.
  • If possible, request a pass phrase to access or make changes to your account information over the phone at your bank, phone provider, etc.
  • if possible, apply for an Identity Protection PIN from the IRS

Phishing is the act of attempting to scam a user into revealing their personal information such as passwords and/or credit card information through email by impersonating a legitimate source. Other variations include scams using text messages and phone calls.

Look out for:

  • Unusual or unfamiliar email address associated with a familiar name
  • Typos and/or poor grammar
  • Links to a website that appear identical to the real one (such as to a legitimate bank website). Hover over the link to see if it matches what’s typed in the message. On a phone, tap and hold the link to preview it. Use URL scanners like CheckShortURL or Unshorten.It to expand shortened URLs and verify their destination. Look for typos or extra characters in URLs that mimic legitimate websites.
  • Emails that include threats or a sense of urgency to respond by clicking a link or opening an attachment
  • Unexpected emails from someone you know

What should you do if you are unsure it’s legitimate?

  • If you know and trust the sender, contact them directly (by phone or in person) to verify that they sent the message.
  • Avoid clicking on links within the email. If this is from a familiar source (such as a bank acct. or school), open your browser and go directly to their website and log in from there.
  • Contact EGSC IT at csworkFREEOMNIUPDATE or call 478-289-2004

 

Scam Alerts from EGSC PD