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Strengthen Your Digital Defenses with Cybersecurity Best Practices

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April 10, 2025

At Arlington Community Federal Credit Union, your security is our top priority. We’re highlighting simple yet effective ways to protect your personal and financial information. Here are some essential tips to help you stay safe online.

Strengthen Passwords with Three Simple Tips

Weak passwords are one of the easiest ways for criminals to access your accounts. A few simple changes can make a big difference in protecting your data:

  1. Make them long: Your password should be at least 16 characters long – longer is stronger!
  2. Make them random: Use a random string of letters (both capital and lowercase), numbers, and symbols for the strongest passwords. Alternatively, create a memorable passphrase of 5-7 unrelated words and get creative with spelling.
  3. Make them unique: Use a different password for each account. A password manager can help you remember them.

How to Turn on Multifactor Authentication (MFA)

MFA provides extra security for your online accounts and apps. This security could be a code sent via text or email, generated by an app, or biometrics like fingerprints and facial recognition. Using MFA confirms your identity when logging into your accounts.

  1. Go to Settings: It may be called Account Settings, Settings & Privacy, or something similar.
  2. Look for and turn on MFA: It may be called two-factor authentication, two-step verification, or something similar.
  3. Confirm: Select how to provide extra login security, such as by entering a code sent via text or email or using facial recognition.

More Tips to Protect Yourself

  1. Verify Communications: Fraudsters can pretend to be your credit union and make it look like a call or text is from us. Remember, ACFCU will never ask for your online banking password or one-time code.
  2. Government Impersonation: Fraudsters often impersonate the US government. The government will never ask you to withdraw funds from your credit union for safeguarding.
  3. Law Enforcement Scams: Fraudsters often impersonate law enforcement. No law enforcement agency will demand money to avoid arrest.
  4. Credit Report Safety: Fraudsters can use your credit report to take out loans in your name. Freeze your credit report for free at usa.gov/credit-freeze and review it annually for free.
  5. Tech Support Scams: Fraudsters pose as help desks for companies like Amazon, Apple, and Microsoft. Never allow remote access to your computer.
  6. Suspicious Links: Fraudsters send unexpected links in texts, emails, or social media posts. Don’t click them.
  7. Social Media Safety: Fraudsters hunt for victims on social media. Don’t accept friend requests from strangers.
  8. Document Shredding: Fraudsters mine dumpsters for documents with personal information. Shred them and review your statements regularly.
  9. Report Fraud: If you ever suspect fraud on your ACFCU account, contact us immediately at 703.526.0200 x4.

Taking these simple steps can go a long way in ensuring your online safety.

Thank you for trusting us with your financial security. If you have any questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. Together, we can protect what matters most. Find more information on our Fraud Prevention page.