Make a Payment Rates About Careers Contact Locations

How To Beware Of Malware

August 9, 2023 It’s a big world of tech out there. What would we do without our phones, laptops and tablets? Unfortunately, scammers love what we have on there as much as we do – and try to steal it through malware (short for malicious software).

So, what exactly is malware?

Malware is a virus or other type of unwanted software that gets installed onto your device – usually without you knowing. Scammers then use that malware to access your personal info, send unwanted ads, demand payment to fix issues they’ve caused and even make your device more vulnerable to other malware.

How do you avoid malware?

While scammers have gotten crafty with how to install malware, the good news is there are things you can do to protect yourself:
  • Only download content from reputable, secure file-sharing sites.
  • Install security software and set it to update automatically.
  • Make sure you have the most secure settings in place for your web browsers (e.g., Chrome, Safari and others).
  • Don’t listen to requests from callers to download an app to “fix” banking or security issues.
  • Never click on pop-ups or ads about security warnings, or on links or attachments in suspicious emails or texts.
  • Avoid plugging “USB” flash drives or external hard drives you don't own into your computer. If you have to use one, run a scan on it through your anti-virus program.
     
If you think your device has been affected by malware, or if you’ve given out your username, password, PIN or account info, contact your financial institution right away. Summit members, we're here to help at 800-236-5560.  Sources:
 You might also be interested in For many, Social Security is a main source of income later in life, and no one wants to lose out on those funds or a perceived opportunity for more be If there’s anything we know for sure about scammers, it’s that they’re going to take advantage of new technology. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is crea With over 500 million daily active users, Instagram has become a popular app for sharing photos, connecting with friends and even following the lives “My daughter was excited to watch her high school team play for the state title. To livestream the game, she clicked what she thought was an official Fraudsters are getting trickier by the day, and it can be tough to tell if that email, text or online ad is fake or legit. Especially when they pose a For many, Social Security is a main source of income later in life, and no one wants to lose out on those funds or a perceived opportunity for more be Whether you’re grabbing a bite to eat at an airport restaurant or at a happy hour after work, chances are you’ll see a QR (quick response) code on the Whether you need some cash to pay off holiday debt, get snow tires or cover a surprise medical bill, be aware that loan scammer are all too eager to o Scammers love fresh opportunity and they’ve found it in cryptocurrency, like Bitcoin and many others. Along with running investment scams, crypto frau Featured Products Certificates Checking Accounts Home Equity Loans Home Loans Business Banking Certificates Checking Accounts Home Equity Loans Home Loans Business Banking Financial Education Upcoming Events Programs Tools & Calculators On-demand Webinars Podcasts Upcoming Events Programs Tools & Calculators On-demand Webinars Podcasts About Equity in Money™ About Summit Careers News Community Giving Equity in Money™ About Summit Careers News Community Giving Help & Support Contact Us Member Support Center Schedule an Appointment Find a Branch Contact Us Member Support Center Schedule an Appointment Find a Branch Please read the following before proceeding to: The website you are about to visit is solely the responsibility of the merchant or other party providing the site. The content of this third-party site, including materials and information, is solely the responsibility of the provider of the site. The Credit Union is not responsible for any such third-party content. Any transactions that you enter into with a vendor, merchant or other party that you access through this third-party site are solely between you and that vendor, merchant or other party. The Credit Union does not endorse the content contained in this third-party site, nor the organization publishing the site, and hereby disclaims any responsibility for such content. The Credit Union Privacy Policy does not apply to this third-party site, and for further information you should consult the privacy disclosures of the third-party site. NCUA Insurance Estimator Privacy, Security & Accessibility Rates, Fees, Terms & Disclosures Routing Number *  The Wisconsin's #1 Mortgage Lender designation is based on the number of loans in 2022, gathered from the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act data compiled annually by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. The results of the data were obtained through the LEI: 254900NTAC4H10MGSU23 **  SBA Lender of the Year Award for Credit Unions as awarded by the Small Business Administration of Wisconsin in 2023. Copyright 2024 © Summit Credit Union. All rights reserved. If you are using a screen reader and are having problems using this website, please call 608-243-5000 for assistance. Insured by NCUA