Golden Rules for Cyber Security

Over the past few months, we’ve covered quite a few different tactics that criminals use to try to scam you. While criminals constantly change their methods, these industry-standard rules will help protect your identity and money.

• Spot artificial urgency. Scammers try to rush you. They threaten you with arrest. They tell you not to hang up. They say not to talk to your family or friends. These are always scams. Do not say another word. Not even “goodbye.” Hang up immediately.
• Do not call phone numbers that pop up on your screen. Real companies will never show flashing pop-ups with a phone number and demand you call them to fix a virus or computer problem. If you see one, close it and ignore it.
• Never grant remote access to unsolicited callers. Legitimate support does use remote tools to help troubleshoot issues, but companies like ITC will never call you out of the blue and ask you to download AnyDesk, TeamViewer, or similar software. If anyone does, hang up immediately. This gives scammers full control of your device.
• Don’t buy a gift card for the government. The IRS, FDIC, Medicare, or law enforcement will never call and ask you to send money via wire transfer, gift cards, Venmo, or cryptocurrency. 
• Use strong, unique passwords or passphrases. Avoid reusing the same password across sites. A memorable passphrase or short sentence from a favorite movie or song, including numbers and symbols, works well. Example: Ilovemy2dogs! 
• Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA or MFA). Turn it on for your email, banking, and other important accounts. Even if scammers steal your password, they still need the second code sent to your phone. 
• Create a family code word for emergencies. Scammers now use AI to mimic voices and claim a grandchild is in trouble. Agree on a secret code word known only to your family to verify real emergencies. 
• Think before you click. Never click links or open attachments in unexpected emails or texts, even if they look official. Hover over links to check the real web address, or type it manually. When in doubt, contact the company directly through their official website or phone number.
• Don’t lie to the bank teller. If anyone tells you to lie to the teller or use certain words when speaking to them, it’s a scam. Bank staff ask verification questions to protect your money.

If you receive an unexpected email, your screen suddenly freezes, or a pop-up you can’t close appears, don’t panic. Talk to someone you trust before taking any action. Remember, we’re here to help. Call ITC at 1.800.417.8667 during business hours or our 24/7 help desk at 1.888.217.5718.