Find out what you can do to protect yourself and your personal data.

Keep your software & web browsers current

Your computer should have virus and spyware protection software and keep your computer operating systems and browsers updated with the latest released versions.

Carefully select and closely guard your passwords

• Change your passwords annually.

• Set up screen-lock passwords on all phones, tablets and computers you use.

• Use a different password for each site, and never reuse the same password on multiple financial sites.

• Create strong passwords that include lowercase & capital letters, numbers, and symbols. Your mother's maiden name is not a protected password. Identity thieves can easily obtain a maiden name from a birth certificate, which is a public record. Do not use your phone numbers or address numbers as passwords.

• Create a password-protected Excel sheet of your passwords or store in your Passwords and Accounts section on a password-locked / thumb print / FaceID protected device. Do not keep passwords in things such as a planner or purse.

• DO NOT SHARE PASSWORDS OR PIN NUMBERS WITH OTHERS.

Shred everything

Before discarding any documents which list personal information, shred them. Examples include:

• Pre-approved credit applications

• Canceled checks

• Payroll check stubs

• Credit card receipts

• Mail order offers

• Any other personal information

Enable direct deposit

Have your paychecks and dividends deposited directly to your account to keep from having lost or stolen checks. To receive future statements electronically, register to use eStatement, our online statement service.

Conduct annual credit report checks

Order annual credit reports from each of the three national credit-reporting agencies. These reports list personal data, including loans and brokerage accounts. If your identity is stolen, credit bureaus suggest installing a fraud alert on all your credit files. This should prompt creditors to call you before they open a new account.

Also, file a police report any time you are a fraud or theft victim. Copies of your credit report can be obtained online or using the phone:

• Equifax: www.equifax.com

• Experian: www.experian.com

• TransUnion: www.transunion.com