Stay Safe Online

Cybersecurity Awareness 

At Universal 1 Credit Union (U1), protecting your financial well-being goes beyond your accounts—it’s also about helping you safeguard your personal information online. 

Criminals are constantly finding new ways to trick people into giving up personal and financial details. By staying alert and adopting smart online habits, you can reduce your risk of becoming a target.

Common Cybersecurity Threats and How to Avoid Them

1. Malicious Advertising (“Malvertising”)
Scammers place fake ads—even on reputable websites—that lead to harmful sites designed to steal your information. Instead of clicking on an ad, search for the product and purchase directly from the retailer’s official website.

2. Saving Card Information & Public Wi-Fi Risks
Never save your debit or credit card details on shopping sites and avoid entering payment information when connected to public Wi-Fi. This reduces the chances of fraudsters gaining access to your data.

3. Reusing Passwords
Using the same password across multiple sites makes it easy for hackers to access your accounts. Create strong, unique passwords for each site—or use a trusted password manager to generate and store them securely.

4. Phishing Emails
Phishing scams often appear to come from well-known companies and trick you into revealing personal information. Don’t click links or open attachments from unknown senders and remember—legitimate businesses will never ask for your financial details via email.

5. Unsecured or Fake Websites
Watch for misspelled URLs or websites that look “off.” Always check for “https” in the web address—it means the site is secure and your connection is protected.

How to Protect Yourself from Cybercrime

Online safety starts with awareness and caution. A few simple steps can make a big difference:

• Think before you click. Verify emails, texts, and links before opening them.
• Use strong passwords. Create unique credentials for every site you visit.
• Stay skeptical of deals that sound too good to be true. They usually are.

At U1, your financial security matters to us. By practicing safe online habits, you can help protect your personal information—and your peace of mind. For more tips on keeping your information secure, visit our Online Security Page.