Digital Sunscreen: The NHRS Summer Cybersecurity Series

Summer is approaching, bringing opportunities for travel, family gatherings, and a break from routine. It also tends to bring more use of public Wi‑Fi and less frequent check-ins on financial accounts, including your NHRS My Account. That makes it more important than ever to stay vigilant about your financial and online activity. 

As partners in protecting your personal information, we want to share a few timely reminders and best practices for the warmer months. 

We Are Partners in Security 

NHRS is committed to safeguarding your account with robust cybersecurity measures, but we need your help. As a memberor retiree you are essential to protecting your information. You know your account best and are often the first to spot unusual activity. 

Threats Are Real and Increasingly Sophisticated 

Cybercriminals specifically target retirement and financial accounts. Fraudulent emails, fake phone calls, and websites designed to mimic the real thing have become remarkably convincing. Treat any unsolicited contact claiming to be from NHRS with caution, and never provide personal information in response to an unexpected request. 

If you receive an unexpected message asking for personal information or prompting you to click a link, verify before acting. Go directly to the website rather than clicking links in messages you are unsure about. 

Open Your Mail: Your Inbox and Your Mailbox 

NHRS communicates by both email and postal mail. Each may carry notices, confirmations, and security alerts. Read all correspondence carefully, and do not discard unexpected mail; it may contain important security information. 

Log In to My Account Regularly 

Make it a habit to log in to your NHRS My Account portal and review your information periodically. Watch for anything you did not change yourself: a new address, updated banking information, or unfamiliar activity. The sooner a problem is identified, the less damage it can do. Report anything suspicious to NHRS right away. 

When in Doubt, Contact Us 

Trust your instincts. If something seems off, reach out through a verified channel. No concern is too small; we would rather investigate than let a cybersecurity issue go unaddressed. 

The checklist below summarizes these steps. Keep it handy throughout the summer to help protect your personal information and financial future.

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This post is the first in "Digital Sunscreen: The NHRS Summer Cybersecurity Series." Watch for upcoming installments throughout the season.