Download Adobe® Acrobat Reader to view PDF documents. Citizens Bank Search Menu Login/Enroll Online Security Keep your online information safe and secure. A Guide to Your Cybersecurity Tips and Advice for Preventing Online Fraud and Theft The internet offers access to a world of products and services, entertainment, and information. At the same time, it creates opportunities for scammers, hackers, and identity thieves. Learn how to protect your computer, your information, and your online files. Update Your Software. Outdated software is easier for criminals to break into. Keep your software – including your operating system, the web browsers you use to connect to the Internet, and your apps – up to date to protect against the latest threats. Most software can update automatically, so make sure to set yours to do so. Protect Your Personal Information. In an effort to steal your information, scammers will do everything they can to appear trustworthy. Your Social Security number, credit card numbers, and bank and utility account numbers can be used to steal your money or open new accounts in your name. So every time you are asked for your personal information – whether in a web form, an email, a text, or a phone message – think about why someone needs it and whether you can really trust the request. Protect Your Passwords. Here are a few ideas for creating strong passwords and keeping them safe: Use at least 10 characters; 12 is ideal for most home users. Try to be unpredictable – don’t use names, dates, or common words. Mix numbers, symbols, and capital letters into the middle of your password, not at the beginning or end. Don’t use the same password for many accounts. If it’s stolen from you – or from one of the companies where you do business – thieves can use it to take over all your accounts. Don’t share passwords on the phone, in texts or by email. Legitimate companies will not ask you for your password. If you write down a password, keep it locked up, out of plain sight. Change your passwords every 90 days. Consider Turning On Two-Factor Authentication. For accounts that support it, two-factor authentication requires both your password and an additional piece of information to log in to your account. The second piece could be a code sent to your phone or a random number generated by an app or a token. This protects your account even if your password is compromised. Give Personal Information Over Encrypted Websites Only. If you’re shopping or banking online, stick to sites that use encryption to protect your information as it travels from your computer to their server. To determine if a website is encrypted, look for https at the beginning of the web address. That means the site is more secure. Back Up Your Files. No system is completely secure. Copy your files to an external hard drive or cloud storage. If your computer is attacked by malware, you’ll still have access to your files. Monitor Your Credit Files and Account Statements Closely. If you feel your information has been compromised, contact your financial institution immediately. Citizens Bank customers, contact your local branch (Opens in a new Window) or call (844) 770-7100. If you have disclosed sensitive information in a phishing attack, you should also contact one of the three major credit bureaus and discuss whether you need to place a fraud alert on your file, which will help prevent thieves from opening a new account in your name. Here is the contact information for each bureau’s fraud division: Equifax: 800-525-6285 Experian: 888-397-3742 TransUnion: 800-680-7289 Children's Online Policy (Opens in a new Window) In 2021, an estimated $29.8 billion was lost to phone scams.* Learn what to watch for and protect yourself. (Opens in a new Window) *Source: Truecaller Insights/Harris Poll (Opens in a new Window) Don't take the bait. Learn what to watch for with phishing scams. (Opens in a new Window) Have a question? Full Name Email Address Message Send Message Helpful Links Locations Privacy Community Reinvestment Act Lost/Stolen Card 888-297-3416 Call Us 844-770-7100 Additional ©2021 Citizens Bank. All rights reserved. Created by ProfitStars® Member FDIC (Opens in a new Window) Verified: Nov 30, 2021