Zeus Trojan

Another computer scam to be on the watch for is the Zeus Trojan- a form of Malware.  In its simplest form, a Trojan keylogger monitors and captures keystrokes, logs them to a file and sends them to cyber thieves.  The Zeus Trojan resides on the user's computer without their knowledge.  When a victim's browser is infected with the Trojan, it is capable of modifying the actions of the computer user in real-time and can also work independently of the user.

So far, the cyber thieves have been focusing their attacks on small to medium sized businesses, school districts, and city/ county government units.  However, credit union accounts at third party providers of electronic funds transfer services (e.g., corporate credit unions) have been targeted as well.  It is best to be aware of these scams and take precautionary measures to avoid becoming a victim.

Precautionary measures/ safe computer practices:

Strong Passwords:  It is important to use strong passwords for all of your online accounts and activities.  A strong password is at least seven to nine characters in length, alphanumeric, case sensitive, and require the use of at least one special character (e.g., !, @, #, $, %, etc.)  If all of these requirements seem confusing, don't worry!  A strong password can be as simple as: October2010!

Security Software:  It is also important to protect your home computer with an antivirus program and firewall.

Public Access Computers:  Avoid giving your personal information (login information, passwords, social security number, account numbers, etc.) when using public access computers.  As a guideline, remember that nothing is private when accessed on a public computer.

Logout Procedures:  Always remember to logout of all websites (email, shopping sites, social networking sites, online-banking, etc.) when you are finished. 

PrivacyMaxx

We are plesed to offer a new service to our members: MCU PrivacyMaxx.  If your identity is stolen, MCU PrivacyMaxx protects you with $25,000 of insurance and access to identity recovery specialists to get your identity back to normal.  Choose from MCU PrivacyMaxx Select or MCU PrivacyMaxx Plus depending on the level of coverage and services you desire.  Both great services are available to you at a discounted rate just for being an MCU member; as little as $3.75 per month, and the first month is FREE!  Please visit: www.privacymaxx.com/mcu for more information or to enroll today!