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Security tips

You play an important role in protecting your identity and securing your financial accounts.

Here are some best practices. Please follow them to help secure your identity, data and Empower Retirement accounts.

Passwords
  • Use complex passwords. Create a unique password for each financial institution with which you do business.
  • Change your passwords often. Don’t reuse them.
  • Never give out your passwords.
  • Consider using a password manager.
Stay connected
  • Check your financial accounts frequently.
  • Ensure your financial institutions have your current contact information.
  • Add mobile phone and email information to your account.
  • Enable status notifications that inform you of account activity.
  • Review status notifications and other security alerts; contact Empower as needed.
  • Watch for emails from Empower. They may contain information about activity on your account. If you didn’t request any activity, contact Empower immediately. (Note: Empower will never ask for your password, PIN or account credentials in an email.)
  • Check your Social Security statement each year to ensure no one else is using your Social Security number.
  • Review your credit reports at least annually.
Keep current
  • Stay up to date on security threats.
  • Keep your browser and operating system updated by turning on automatic updates.
  • Activate your computer’s firewall.
  • Install anti-virus and anti-spyware software on all platforms.
  • Keep email accounts secure. Follow your technology and email providers’ most current email and web browsing practices.
Exercise caution
  • Use secure websites. Look for a lock symbol in the address bar (or in your browser window) and a web address that begins with https://. Make sure the https:// is on every page — not just the login page.
  • Be wary of public computers. Never use them for financial activity. If you use them, clear the browser’s history and cookies before you leave.
  • Only use wireless networks you trust.
  • Be skeptical of email. Don’t click on suspicious links or open attachments.
These best practices are for informational purposes only. They apply to U.S. residents. Security risks and recommendations change frequently. Check this site for updates. Follow the alerts, recommendations and announcements from your service providers, law enforcement agencies and consumer protection agencies.
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For more information, here are some helpful links:

National Cyber Security Alliance
Stay safe online

Federal Bureau of Investigation
How to protect your computer
Common fraud schemes

U.S. Computer Emergency Readiness Team
Avoiding social engineering and phishing attacks

U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
Protecting your online investment accounts

Federal Trade Commission
Keeping your personal information secure
Computer security
Online security

Department of Homeland Security
Protect yourself from cyber attacks

Suspect fraud?
  1. Contact us first at the telephone number on your statement. If we confirm unauthorized activity, notify the credit bureaus:
  2. After contacting the credit bureaus, visit the Federal Trade Comission's Identity Theft site to learn more about other government agencies you should notify.