Keeping your personal information safe can seem overwhelming and time-consuming. If you had to choose just two things to better protect your financial accounts, these should be at the top of the list:

A strong password and multi-factor authentication (MFA).

They’re simple. They’re effective. Yet they’re often overlooked.

The reality is that many cases of account fraud start the same way: a weak or reused password.

The good news? These are also some of the easiest risks to fix.

Why Passwords Still Matter More Than You Think

It’s easy to assume that security systems will catch most threats, but your password is still your first line of defense.

Many people:

• Reuse the same password across multiple accounts
• Use simple or predictable passwords
• Don’t update passwords regularly

This makes it much easier for fraudsters to gain access, especially if one account is compromised and used to unlock others.

What Makes a Strong Password?

A strong password doesn’t have to be impossible to remember, but it should be difficult to guess.

Here are a few simple guidelines:

• Use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols
• Avoid personal information (like birthdays, anniversaries, or names)
• Make it longer than you think you need
• Don’t reuse passwords across accounts

A helpful approach is to create a passphrase: a short sentence or combination of unrelated words that’s easy for you to remember but hard for others to guess.

Add a Second Layer of Protection with MFA

Even the strongest password has limits. That’s where multi-factor authentication (MFA) comes in.

MFA adds a second step to the login process, usually a code sent to your phone or email before access is granted.

That means even if someone gets your password, they still can’t get into your account without that second factor.

And it’s incredibly effective. MFA blocks the vast majority of automated attacks.

What MFA Looks Like in Practice

If you’ve ever received a one-time code when logging in, you’ve already used MFA.

It might look like:

• A text message with a verification code
• A push notification to your device
• A code generated by an authentication app

It only takes a few extra seconds, but it adds a powerful layer of protection. Just like a password, your MFA code should not be shared, and Members First will never request it from you.

Don’t Forget About Account Alerts

While passwords and MFA help prevent unauthorized access, account alerts help you respond quickly if something does happen.

With MFCU’s online banking tools, you can set up alerts to notify you of:

• Transactions on your account
• Changes to your account information
• Unusual or potentially suspicious activity

These alerts keep you informed in real time, so you’re not relying on memory or waiting for a statement to notice something is wrong.

🚫 Quick Security Checklist

Take a moment to ask yourself:

• Am I using a strong, unique password for my financial accounts?
• Have I enabled multi-factor authentication?
• Do I have account alerts set up?

If the answer to any of these is “not yet,” now is a great time to make a change.

Why These Small Steps Matter

Fraud prevention doesn’t always require complex tools or technical knowledge.

Sometimes, it comes down to simple habits, like strengthening your password or turning on an extra layer of security.

These small steps can:

• Prevent unauthorized access
• Reduce your risk of fraud
• Give you more confidence in your financial security

Take a Few Minutes to Protect Your Accounts

If you have any questions about keeping your accounts safe, you can reach out to Members First at any time.