Dow Chemical Employees CU Encourages Community to Be Aware of Cybersecurity

October 05, 2021 — Dow Chemical Employees’ Credit Union (DCECU) announced its commitment to Cybersecurity Awareness Month, held annually in October, by signing up as a 2021 Champion and joining a growing global effort to promote the awareness of online safety and privacy. The Cybersecurity Awareness Month Champions Program is a collaborative effort among businesses, government agencies, colleges and universities, financial institutions, and individuals committed to the Cybersecurity Awareness Month theme of ‘Do Your Part. #BeCyberSmart.’

“Supporting this important online safety awareness and education initiative is important to DCECU,” said DCECU Chief Executive Officer Michael Goad. “With so much of our lives spent online, protecting sensitive information in our personal and professional lives is more important than ever. We all have to do our part.”

Technology plays a part in almost everything we do. Connected devices have been woven into society as an integral part of how people communicate and access services essential to their well-being. Cybersecurity Awareness Month aims to shed light on security vulnerabilities, while offering actionable guidance surrounding behaviors anyone can take to protect themselves and their organizations. Everyone has a responsibility to do their part in securing our interconnected world.

This year, the Cybersecurity Awareness Month’s main focus areas include:

• Understanding and implementing basic cyber hygiene, including the importance of creating unique passwords, using multi-factor authentication, performing software updates and backing up data.

• Recognizing and reporting phishing attempts whether it’s through email, text messages, or chat boxes.

• Empowering individuals to practice safe online behavior.

DCECU makes cybersecurity a priority and is committed to protecting the data and finances of its members. Complementing the traditional security of online accounts, DCECU offers products and services members can utilize to protect their accounts and personal information including Mobile and Digital Wallets, Alerts, Biometric Authentication, and the ability to review the devices or applications that have recently accessed their accounts and when they were last used.

“DCECU has many security measures in place to protect the personal data and finances of our members. We are also committed to providing our members and community with relevant information to protect themselves,” said Director of Marketing & Community Relations, LaShanta Green. “Using unique passwords, shredding documents with personal information, making sure web browsers, operating systems and anti-virus software are kept up to date, recognizing phishing attempts, making sure the credit union has accurate and up to date contact information including phone number and address, and reviewing account statements to detect unusual activity, are just a few things we encourage our members to do to keep their information secure.”

Cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility. If everyone does their part – implementing stronger security practices, raising awareness and educating the community – our interconnected world will be safer and more resilient for everyone.

Now in its 18th year, Cybersecurity Awareness Month continues to build momentum and impact with the ultimate goal of providing everyone with the information they need to stay safer and more secure online. DCECU is proud to support this important online safety awareness and education initiative which is co-led by the National Cyber Security Alliance and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA) of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

For more information about Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2021 and how to participate in a wide variety of activities, visit staysafeonline.org/cybersecurity-awareness-month/. You can also follow and use the official hashtag #BeCyberSmart on social media throughout the month.

Learn more about DCECU’s commitment to the security of Online Services, ways to protect yourself, best practices, and how DCECU protects members at www.dcecu.org/security.

About Dow Chemical Employees’ Credit Union

Dow Chemical Employees’ Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial institution that is owned by its members and dedicated to providing them with smart, affordable banking solutions. Located in Midland, Michigan, DCECU has $2.1 billion in assets and nearly 73,500 members and has been recognized multiple times by the Credit Union National Association (CUNA) for top performance in saving members money. Membership is open to employees and retirees of nearly 100 Select Employer Group companies and their family members, as well as donors to the Midland Area Community Foundation’s DCECU Members Endowed Scholarship Fund. For more information, visit dcecu.org or call 989.835.7794 or 800.835.7794.

Follow DCECU on Facebook at facebook.com/dcecu and on Instagram at instagram.com/dcecu_mi.

About Cybersecurity Awareness Month
Cybersecurity Awareness Month is designed to engage and educate public- and private-sector partners through events and initiatives with the goal of raising awareness about cybersecurity to increase the resiliency of the nation in the event of a cyber incident. Since the Presidential proclamation establishing Cybersecurity Awareness Month in 2004, the initiative has been formally recognized by Congress, federal, state and local governments and leaders from industry and academia. This united effort is necessary to maintain a cyberspace that is safer and more resilient and remains a source of tremendous opportunity and growth for years to come. For more information, visit staysafeonline.org/cybersecurity-awareness-month/