Anyone can be a victim of an online scam. Follow these basic tips to protect yourself online:

• Phishing scams. Emails that look like correspondence from a company or organization you know may seem legitimate, but be aware if something looks off. MissionSquare Retirement will never ask you to provide personal information via email, including your date of birth, Social Security number, or account number.
• Online ads. Ads and pop-up messages that are not from your antivirus or antispyware software saying your computer is infected may be malware in disguise. Clicking on them could compromise your system and personal information.
• Public computers. Public computers are good for public information, such as checking the weather or catching up on the news, but using them to access password-protected information is a security risk. Use them wisely and sparingly, and avoid sharing devices when it comes to personally identifiable information.
• Public Wi-Fi. Similar to public computers, public Wi-Fi is inherently insecure. Wi-Fi accessibility in stores, libraries, restaurants, commuter trains, and airports can pose a danger if you log in to password-protected sites or purchase items online while connected to it. Refrain from the convenience and wait until you are on a secure, private network to access your accounts.
• Online account access and transactions. Be cognizant of where and when you access your MissionSquare Retirement account(s) and make transactions. Avoid online transactions from a device that isn’t yours or on a public computer or Wi-Fi network. It’s best to wait until you are on your own device on a private, secure network to ensure your security.