This Year, Let’s Resolve to Be More Cybersecure

The transition to a new calendar year is synonymous with resolutions. Each January, in the aftermath of a holiday season saddled with excess, we resolve to eat better, exercise more, be more charitable.

All good things, no doubt. But as the new year dawns on an ever-expanding digital world, let’s resolve to pay more attention to cybersecurity. It’s an aspect of our lives that flies under the radar but could entail disastrous consequences if ignored.

Hackers and online thieves are relentless, and they’re drawn to opportunity. More than 60 percent of Americans bank online, according to a 2016 report. E-commerce is growing at a clip of almost 10 percent a year, and shoppers make roughly 51 percent of their purchases online, according to another 2016 survey.

In this ongoing struggle, financial institutions exist at ground zero. Arkansas Federal prioritizes its members’ cybersecurity and extends great effort protecting the financial information with which it’s been entrusted.

While financial institutions continue to defend against cyber-based attacks, a little effort on the part of consumers can go a long way toward protecting sensitive online information. Monitor your online accounts regularly and update your passwords. Be on the lookout for phishing attempts; Arkansas Federal will never ask its members for account numbers or personal log-in information. Members should let us know if someone claiming to represent the credit union asks for such information.

Visit our fraud and identify theft FAQs to learn more about Arkansas Federal’s cybersecurity efforts and further measures you can take to help protect yourself from identity theft or online fraud, plus some simple tips that could make a big difference.

So, let’s resolve to eat better and give more. Absolutely. And while we’re at it, let’s give cybersecurity the attention it deserves.