6 Simple Ways to Protect Yourself Online

At Geneva Benefits Group, caring for you means more than helping you prepare for retirement or choose the right insurance coverage. It means looking out for your wellbeing in every season of life and helping you protect the things you’ve worked hard to build.

Today, that includes protecting your personal data online.

We rely on email, online banking, investment accounts, healthcare portals, and countless other digital tools every day. That convenience also creates opportunities for scammers and cybercriminals to access personal information and financial accounts. The good news? You don’t need to be a cybersecurity expert to reduce your risk.

Here are six simple things you can do to help keep your personal information and financial accounts secure.

1. Set up online access to your Fidelity NetBenefits account

If you have a Geneva 403(b)(9) retirement account, make sure you’ve registered for online access through Fidelity NetBenefits®. Cybercriminals frequently target unregistered online accounts.

If you haven’t set up your account, visit NetBenefits.com and select “Register as a new user.” Follow the steps provided, including ensuring your mobile phone number and email address are accurate and setting up an authenticator app, which adds an additional layer of security. Once you’re registered, make sure your contact information is correct and keep your account security settings up to date.

2. Use strong, unique passwords

A strong password is one of the simplest ways to protect your accounts. Use a different password for important accounts like your email, banking, and retirement accounts, and avoid using easily guessed information like birthdays or family names. Updating your passwords regularly can provide an added layer of protection. A password manager can also make it easier to create and keep track of strong passwords.

3. Protect Your Home Wifi

Your home Wi-Fi should require a password before someone can connect to it. Check your router settings to make sure your network is password-protected, and consider changing the default password that came with your router. A secure Wi-Fi network helps keep the information you send and receive online private.

4. Turn on two-factor authentication

Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds another layer of protection when you sign in. After entering your password, you’ll complete a second step (such as entering a code sent to your phone) to confirm it’s really you. When you log in to your Geneva retirement account through Fidelity’s NetBenefits, two-factor authentication is required and helps protect your account. We encourage you to turn it on whenever it’s available for your other important accounts.

5. Think twice before clicking an unexpected email

Phishing emails often look like they come from a company you know and trust. They may ask you to click a link, verify your account, open an attachment, or provide personal information. Be especially cautious when an email creates a sense of urgency or asks you to take an unexpected action.

When in doubt, don’t click. Instead, go directly to the company’s website or use a phone number you know is legitimate to verify the request.

6. Verify phone calls or text messages

Scammers may call or text pretending to be from a trusted source like your bank, an insurance company, the government, or another trusted organization. They may ask for your Social Security number, account information, password, or a verification code. Caller ID can also be spoofed, so an incoming call that appears to be from a legitimate organization isn’t always what it seems.

If you receive a call or message you’re unsure about, don’t provide personal information or verification codes. Instead, contact the organization directly using a trusted phone number.

To verify phone communications from Fidelity and protect your retirement account, you can call the team at Fidelity. If you’re concerned that your account may have been compromised or want to report a security concern, Fidelity recommends calling 800-438-2475 for help. You can visit Fidelity’s security webpage for more details and information.

Remember: You don’t have to answer every question just because someone called you. If something feels suspicious, hang up and contact the organization directly using a phone number from an official statement, website, or the back of your card.

A Little Caution Goes a Long Way

Protecting yourself online comes down to developing a few good habits and giving yourself time to think before you act.

Cybercriminals often rely on urgency, distraction, or familiarity to get people to let their guard down. Taking a moment to pause, verify a request, and safeguard your accounts can help you avoid problems before they happen.

Stay alert. Stay protected. And when in doubt, stop and verify.

If you have any questions or concerns about digital scams or cybersecurity related to your retirement and insurance plans, feel free to reach out to us at benefits@genevabenefits.org.