Your security matters to us.

At Spectrum Credit Union, the protection of your financial and personal information is our priority.

Using the latest technology and tools, we protect your online identity and keep your confidential information secure.

In line with our cooperative roots, we believe in a teamwork approach to securing and protecting your information. We work alongside you to maintain strong and comprehensive protection.

To learn more about how to protect yourself, visit our blog.

Steps you can take to protect your information

Keep your software updated
Always make sure your systems, browsers, and software on both your PC and mobile devices are running the latest versions. This stops hackers from finding any vulnerabilities in your system.

Practice safe password management
Always select strong passwords. Do not reuse your passwords, or use the same password for multiple sites or devices. You can also install a secure password manager to keep track of all your passwords and log you securely into sites you visit often.

Use antivirus software
Install security software on all computers and mobile devices to protect your personal data against viruses and malware.

Avoid online fraud
The instances of online fraud only seem to grow every year. However, that doesn’t mean you need to swear off the Internet forever. In fact, surfing the web can be safe and worry-free as long as you’re careful; you just need to know how to spot a scam. To keep your identity and money secure, here’s a quick guide to identifying—and avoiding—online fraud.


Steps Spectrum Credit Union takes to protect your information

Multiple layers of security
We employ a multi-layered security structure to protect our Online and Mobile Banking applications and networks. This helps to make sure your information is safe from hackers and identity thieves. 

Encryption protocols
At Spectrum Federal Credit Union, we use some of the strongest available high-security protocols. We ensure your online and mobile transactions are secured using sophisticated encryption tools that prevent your data from being accessed by unauthorized parties.

Monitoring for fraud
Oftentimes, consumers don’t find out about fraud until it’s already happened. At Spectrum Credit Union, we have a dedicated, in-house team that specifically focuses on protecting and safeguarding your accounts, transactions, and data.

Keeping you informed
As part of our promise to protect your data and keep you informed, we regularly share best practices on our blog for safeguarding your financial information. 

Safeguard your children online

Along with the safety measures you take to protect your financial and personal information, you may also want to extend that knowledge to your family. Safeguarding Kids’ Identity and Online Privacy is a video we’ve created to provide guidance in helping your children navigate the Internet safely.

Safeguarding Kids’ Identity and Online Privacy

More information about security

How does Spectrum Credit Union prevent unauthorized access to my account?
Online Banking and Mobile Banking use multifactor authentication to verify your identity at login.

What measures does Spectrum Credit Union take to keep Online and Mobile Banking information (including login credentials) secure?
Our Online and Mobile Banking platforms do not store any information in the user’s device or the web browser cache. All data is securely transmitted to servers using Transport Layer Security (TLS).

Does Spectrum Credit Union use challenge questions on the mobile channel?
No. The answers to challenge questions can be discovered or guessed easily. Alternatively, we use one-time passcodes (OTPs) sent out via SMS or phone calls.

Should I install software that will locate and remotely wipe my mobile device in case it gets lost or stolen?
It’s a good idea to be able to wipe your mobile device remotely in case it gets lost or stolen. This will prevent unauthorized access to your confidential information. You can Install and configure an app that will let you remotely locate and wipe your mobile device (’Find My iPhone’ for iOS devices is an example of such software).

Can users access the same functionality on mobile devices as they do on laptop or desktop computers?
In order to minimize risk, our mobile solutions do not allow risky activities like changing one’s profile information.

If my mobile device is lost or stolen, can anyone access my banking information or take over my account and identity?
No. Once a mobile device or tablet has been authenticated, one will still need their username and password to log in to Mobile Banking.

Does going paperless help protect me from fraud?
Going paperless will reduce the chance of mail fraud. You can sign up for paperless statements by logging in to Online Banking.

Which apps are safe to download and use?
In order to protect yourself from fraudulent or malicious apps, only download apps from trusted sources such as the Apple App Store, Google Play, and Amazon Stores. 

Can I use mobile payment technology?
Yes; you can add your Spectrum Credit Union debit or credit card into mobile payment apps that use tokenization – like Apple Pay®, Android Pay™ or Samsung Pay™. Using mobile payment technology may help to protect your card number from fraud.

How can I protect the information on my electronic devices?
Whether on desktop or mobile, there are many things you can do to protect the information on your electronic devices:

  • Be sure to log out of your account on Online Banking and Mobile Banking when your transactions are complete.
  • Make sure ’Discoverable’ mode is disabled on Bluetooth-capable devices. This prevents your phone from being detected by others scanning for Bluetooth devices in the area.
  • You can keep keep your internet browser up-to-date with auto updates, or you can update manually:
  1. Internet Explorer: Go to Tools, click Windows Update, and follow instructions to download the latest patches.
  2. Firefox: If you have an older version, click Check for Updates in the Help menu. For newer versions, go to Options, and the Update tab allows you to select how you’d like to check for updates.
  3. Chrome: Click the Chrome menu, and select About Google Chrome. The current version number is the series of numbers beneath the Google Chrome heading. Chrome will check for updates when you’re on this page. Click Relaunch to apply an available update.
  4. Safari: Keep Safari updated by keeping your software system updated.
  • You can keep your computer system and anti-virus software up-to-date with auto updates, or you can update manually:
  1. Windows: Go to Tools in your browser. Click Windows Update, and follow instructions to download the latest patches.
  2. Mac: Choose Software Update from the Apple menu.
  • Disconnect from the internet, or shut down your computer when you are not using it.
  • Limit the amount of personal information you store on your computer, especially on your laptop computer.
  • Run anti-spyware software regularly to check for and remove any spyware from your devices. 
  • Use anti-spam filters to prevent malicious emails.
  • Install a personal firewall, or use your computer’s firewall, to help prevent unauthorized access.
  • If you end up on a suspicious website, do not follow any instructions on them, and navigate away as soon as possible. For Internet Explorer (IE) users, you can adjust your browser security setting to Medium, which makes it more difficult for some malware to attack (select Internet Options from the Tools menu, then choose the Security tab).
  • Browse safely — avoid using Online and Mobile Banking on public WiFi networks. 
  • Educate yourself on internet fraud with the Federal Trade Commission’s Identity Theft section.
  • Monitor your credit report regularly, and conduct an in-depth review once per year.
  • Before entering confidential information into a website, check to see that there’s a locked padlock symbol in the url bar.
  • Make sure your passwords are strong by following these tips: 
  1. Change your Online Banking password regularly.
  2. Misspell a word or change a letter to a symbol.
  3. Do not keep a list of passwords near your computer. 
  4. If you believe your password has been compromised, change it immediately. 
  5. Never share your passwords with other people.
  6. Avoid using the same password on multiple sites.
  • Email
  1. Most emails are not encrypted or secure, which means they are not safe from hackers. Be sure to use our secure email options in Online Banking and Mobile Banking if you need to email confidential personal information.
  2. When using email:
    • Do not reply to emails that ask for or request you update: passwords, Personal Identification Number (PIN), credit or debit card numbers, Social Security number, or other personal information. 
    • Delete spam (do not unsubscribe from it or click on any other links).
    • Avoid get-rich-quick offers.
    • If you do not recognize the sender of an email, do not open any attachments and avoid opening the email if possible.
    • Spectrum Credit Union will never send emails requesting personal information.
  • Fraud - If you think someone is trying to get your personal information, or if you are worried you gave out too much information:
  1. Report the incident to Spectrum Credit Union immediately by calling 800-782-8782 (those outside the U.S. can call 510-251-6000).
  2. Change your passwords.
  3. Monitor your account online to verify account transactions are valid.
  • Balance your account(s) at least once per month. Report any discrepancies in a timely manner.


What kinds of security attacks happen online?

An unauthorized users may attempt to infiltrate or exploit online or mobile systems through: 

  • Identity theft — A successful social engineering attack in which a person deliberately assumes the identity of another person for financial gain.
  • Phishing — a form of social engineering designed to gain access or personal information through impersonating a legitimate organization or individual via email, instant message, or a website.
  • Pharming — the exploitation of vulnerabilities in the DNS servers that allows a hacker to acquire the Domain Name (e.g. “mycompany.com”) for a site and to redirect traffic from that company’s legitimate site to the hacker’s website.
  • Viruses / Trojans — this malicious software aims to intercept or take control of a computer’s operation without the user’s consent. Viruses can be used to harm the computer, destroy data, and/or capture personal information and transmit it back to the hacker’s website.
  • Spyware / Keystroke loggers — this malicious software is used for capturing personal information without the user’s knowledge. Although similar to viruses and trojans, spyware and keystroke loggers are not usually self-replicating.

Need help?

We’re just a phone call or click away, anytime.

Give us a call at 800-782-8782. For those outside the U.S., call 510-251-6000.

Visit our Contact Us page for more ways to get in touch. 

 

Report your card as lost or stolen

Credit card

  • Report a lost/stolen credit card: 866-633-9958
  • Report a lost/stolen credit card outside the U.S.: 701-461-1878 (collect call)


ATM/Debit card

Send us a Secure Email from Online Banking or Mobile Banking, or call us:

  • Report a lost/stolen ATM/debit card: 866-782-8782, Select Option 2
  • Report a lost/stolen ATM/debit card outside the U.S.: 212-444-0986

Change your password or PIN

Log in to Online Banking to change your password or PIN anytime.

Set a Travel Notification

Before traveling, set a Travel Notification through Online Banking or by calling Spectrum Credit Union at 800-782-8782. This will ensure you’re able to use your credit and debit cards while you’re away. For those outside the U.S., call 510-251-6000.

Suspend your account

If you believe you have been a victim of fraud and you want us to temporarily suspend your account, call us at 800-782-8782. For those outside the U.S., call 510-251-6000.

Where can I learn more about security topics?

Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)

The IC3 accepts online internet crime complaints from either the actual victim or from a third party to the complainant.

Learn more.
NCUA Fraud Prevention Center

Visit the National Credit Union Administration’s (NCUA) Fraud Prevention Center to learn how to recognize common scams, what you can do to protect your finances from fraud, and how to take action if you think you are a victim of fraud.

Learn more.
IdentityTheft.gov

IdentityTheft.gov is the federal government’s one-stop resource for identity theft victims. If you are the victim of identity theft, the site provides checklists and sample letters to guide you through the recovery process.

Learn more.

* If you are a Spectrum Credit Union member and you need to send or receive sensitive account information, please log in to Online Banking or Mobile Banking and transmit your message via Secure Email.

 

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