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3 Ways to Improve Your Online Security

2 years ago
Digital background keys and lock data protection

This summer should be more fun and relaxing than 2020. But nothing kills that summer mood like realizing you left the garage door open, the stove on, or your accounts open to fraudulent activity.

Here are some tips to secure your myCalPERS account today, so you can relax easier this summer.

Password Protection

We all have dozens of online account passwords these days. It’s easy to take shortcuts when choosing a password, but that makes it easier for bad actors to access your account.

Updating your myCalPERS password is a quick to-do that provides peace of mind. Here are some tips to help:

  • Use a complex mix of letters, numbers, and, when allowed, symbols.
  • Aim for a password length of at least 16 characters.
  • Never reuse the same password for another site. You might want to try using a password manager on your computer or mobile device. These applications can store all your unique passwords in one place, with a single master password providing you access to them all.
  • Always keep your passwords to yourself.
  • Avoid storing passwords in areas where they can be found by others (like under your keyboard).

Changing your password is easy:

  1. Log in to your myCalPERS account.
  2. Select My Account in the top right of the page.
  3. Choose Security Settings.
  4. Under Passwords, select Change Your Password.

Update Your Contact Info

We’re diligent about monitoring your accounts for fraudulent activity and contacting you when any changes are made to your account. The only way we can do this successfully is if we have your current email and phone number.

If you’re unsure what contact information is on file, it’s easy to check:

  1. Log in to your myCalPERS account.
  2. Select My Account in the top right of the page.
  3. Select Contact Information.
  4. Review and change the information, if necessary.

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a widely used tool that provides an extra layer of online security. Besides logging in with your username and password, 2FA requires you to enter an additional verification code to access your myCalPERS account.

2FA is an opt-in feature, so you’ll need to enable it through your account security settings:

  1. Log in to your myCalPERS account.
  2. Select My Account in the top right of the page.
  3. Choose Security Settings.
  4. Select Enable Two-Factor Authentication.
  5. Follow instructions to download an application to your mobile device, scan a QR code, and enter a unique authentication code.

Once enabled, each time you log in to your myCalPERS account, open your mobile device’s two-factor authentication application and enter the six-digit code in myCalPERS to access your account.

More Cybersecurity Tips?

Looking for more guidance to create the safest online experience? We have you covered with our Cybersecurity Best Practices tips page.