Computer & Email Safety

Here are some tips you can use to protect yourself and your computer.

Install anti-virus software.

Viruses, spyware, trojans, keyloggers and malware are all forms of malicious programs meant to steal information from your computer. Good anti-virus software is important to keep your computer and your information safe. The software should be set to update automatically and you should always make sure your computer and programs are kept up to date. Out-of-date software is vulnerable to hackers.

Use a trusted computer.

It’s especially important to be vigilant about your personal information when using a public computer. When using a computer you’re not familiar with, do not go to sites where you input any personal information or go to your online banking. Hackers could have already put malicious software on the computer to capture your login credentials or other personal information.

Secure your wireless network.

Wireless networks (Wi-Fi) are very convenient. However, you must take steps to protect yourself from eavesdroppers looking to steal your information. Make sure your home Wi-Fi network is encrypted using a method called WPA2 and the password is strong and only shared with users you know and trust.

Be careful with public wireless networks.

When using public Wi-Fi networks popular at libraries, hotels, airports and coffee shops, you never know who else might be on the network. If you must use a public wireless network, send information only to sites that use encryption. Look for “https” at the start of the web address. The "s" in “https” stands for secure.

Always log out when you are done.

A hacker can't take immediate control of your online service if you are logged out. Whether it's online banking, email or any other service you log in to, it’s a good practice to log off once you’re finished using it.

Use a strong password.

Kinecta has various safety measures to prevent hackers from trying to repeatedly guess your password, and we have robust password requirements for your credentials. However, it’s good practice to always use a strong password that is difficult to guess, and not repeat the same password for other applications.

Never share your password.

No one at Kinecta will ever ask you for your password, credentials or one-time passcode. Your password is encrypted, so not even Kinecta representatives can see or verify it. If someone contacts you asking for your password or one-time passcode, it is a scam.

Be careful opening attachments and clicking links.

Phishing occurs when a scammer sends an email impersonating a legitimate company, such as your financial institution or a friend or family member and lures the victims to reply, open an attachment or click a link. By doing so, the victims unknowingly risk getting a virus, sharing their personal information or losing money. If you receive an email you suspect to be phishing, do not open any attachments or click any links and delete the email.

Additional Resources

• Visit OnGuardOnline.gov for information on securing your computer.

Need Assistance?

To report fraud, suspicious activity, or a lost or stolen card, contact us immediately by calling our Member Contact Center, starting a chat or sending us a message.

Learn More

Learn more about how to protect your money and personal information at our Security Center.