DIFS shares tips to help Michigan residents avoid online scams during Cybersecurity Awareness Month | #hacking | #cybersecurity | #infosec | #comptia | #pentest | #ransomware

LANSING, Mich. (WNEM) – October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) is sharing steps Michigan residents can take to protect themselves from falling victim to scammers and cyberattacks.

“Cybersecurity Awareness Month serves as an important reminder for Michiganders to take necessary precautions to safeguard their information and money from constantly evolving cyberattacks and online scams,” said DIFS Director Anita Fox. “As scams become more sophisticated, the most important step is simple but offers the most protection: never give out any personal information.”

Here are some steps consumers can implement to protect their personal and financial information:

• Never provide any information to anyone calling, writing, emailing, texting or messaging you on social media, even if caller ID or an email looks legitimate or the person contacting you says it’s for “verification purposes.” This information should be provided only when you have initiated contact with the person or business using contact information from their website, statement or other official documentation.
• Create strong, unique passwords. Passwords should have at least 12 characters and never be reused across accounts. Consider using a password manager.
• Use multifactor authentication and protect passwords and security codes. Strengthen your account security by using multifactor authentication, which requires a second step, such as entering a security code via text or email, after you enter your password to access your account. Never share these passwords or security codes with anyone.
• Click safely. Avoid clicking on suspicious links, pop-ups or attachments unless you can verify the source. Reach out to the sender directly to verify the email is legitimate. Never use your work email for personal communications.
• Update software regularly. Promptly install updates on phones, computers and apps to fix security vulnerabilities.
• Check your own credit reports. You are entitled by law to a free copy of your credit report from each of the reporting agencies once a year. You may request your free credit reports by clicking here. Looking at your reports regularly is important to ensure that all the information is accurate and that your identity has not been stolen. Catching inaccuracies and reporting them immediately to the credit reporting agencies is key to clearing fraud from your name, getting approved for loans and other services and protecting yourself as a consumer.
• Report any scams or suspicious activity in a timely manner. Monitor your accounts and report any suspicious activity right away to your bank or credit union.

The DIFS Fraud Investigation Unit (FIU) investigates criminal and fraudulent activity related to the insurance and financial markets, and DIFS works with the Attorney General and other state, county and local law enforcement agencies to investigate these cases and refer them for prosecution.

Suspected fraud in the insurance and financial sectors can be reported to the FIU safely, easily and, in most cases, anonymously by clicking here.

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