MCUL Newsroom

DIFS Shares Cybersecurity Tips to Help Michiganders Protect Their Information

In recognition of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) is reminding Michiganders to take steps to protect their personal and financial information from online scams and cyberattacks.

As scams continue to become more sophisticated, DIFS is encouraging consumers to be cautious about unexpected requests for personal information and to take advantage of tools that can make their accounts more secure.

“Cybersecurity Awareness Month serves as an important reminder for Michiganders to take necessary precautions to safeguard their information and money from constantly evolving cyberattacks and online scams,” said DIFS Director Anita Fox. “As scams become more sophisticated, the most important step is simple but offers the most protection: never give out any personal information.”

Steps Consumers Can Take

DIFS recommends several simple steps to strengthen personal and financial security:

• NEVER provide any information to anyone calling, writing, emailing, texting, or messaging you on social media, even if caller ID or an email looks legitimate or the person contacting you says it’s for “verification purposes.” This information should be provided only when you have initiated contact with the person or business using contact information from their website, statement, or other official documentation.
   
• Create strong, unique passwords. Passwords should have at least 12 characters and never be reused across accounts. Consider using a password manager.
   
• Use multifactor authentication and protect passwords and security codes. Strengthen your account security by using multifactor authentication, which requires a second step after entering your password, such as a security code sent via text or email, in order to access your account. Never share these passwords or security codes with anyone.
   
• Click safely. Avoid clicking on suspicious links, pop-ups, or attachments unless you can verify the source. Reach out to the sender directly to verify the email is legitimate. Never use your work email for personal communications.
   
• Update software regularly. Promptly install updates on phones, computers, and apps to fix security vulnerabilities.
   
• Check your own credit reports. You are entitled by law to a free copy of your credit report from each of the reporting agencies once a year. You may request your free credit reports at AnnualCreditReport.com. Looking at your reports regularly is important to ensure all the information is accurate and your identity has not been stolen. Catching inaccuracies and reporting those immediately to the credit reporting agencies is key to clearing fraud from your name, getting approved for loans and other services, and protecting yourself as a consumer.
   
• Report any scams or suspicious activity in a timely manner. Monitor your accounts and report any suspicious activity right away to your bank or credit union.

DIFS also encourages consumers to report suspected fraud promptly. The department’s Fraud Investigation Unit investigates criminal and fraudulent activity involving Michigan’s insurance and financial markets and works with state and local law enforcement agencies on cases that may warrant prosecution.

Suspected fraud in the insurance and financial sectors can be reported to DIFS, in most cases anonymously, at Michigan.gov/ReportFraud2DIFS.

Consumers with questions or concerns about financial services or insurance can also contact DIFS at 877-999-6442 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, or submit a complaint at Michigan.gov/DIFScomplaints.

Cybersecurity Awareness Month is recognized each October to promote steps individuals and organizations can take to improve cybersecurity and protect personal information.