You're busy. You have a lot on your plate. The last thing you need to worry about is the security of your utility account. However, with the rising threat of phishing attacks targeting customers of America's electric utilities and telecoms, including electric co-op SmartHub® accounts, your personal information could be at risk.
Phishing attacks are a sneaky way for cybercriminals to trick you into revealing sensitive information, like your login credentials or financial details. These are not system breaches or applications being hacked but social engineering attempts. They might send fraudulent emails or texts that look legitimate, hoping you'll click on a malicious link or give them the information they want, such as login credentials.
That's where Valley Rural Electric Cooperative comes in. To combat the threat of phishing attacks, we recommend using an extra layer of protection for your SmartHub account: Two-Factor Authentication (2FA).
With 2FA, you'll know your account is much safer from unauthorized access. It's simple: you'll enter a unique code sent to your phone or email in addition to your usual login details. This makes it much harder for cybercriminals to get into your account, even if they somehow manage to get your password.
The following links will take you to videos on the Vimeo website that will show you how to set up two-factor authentication in SmartHub using a mobile device or a web browser. The videos will open in a new browser tab or window.
Take control of your account security and enroll in 2FA today! Visit https://valleyrec.smarthub.coop/ui/#/login to get started.
We are asking you to stay vigilant! Don't click on links or give out personal information in response to emails or texts you weren't expecting. If you have any questions or concerns about phishing or 2FA, our support team is always here to help.
For more information about hackers and scammers targeting SmartHub accounts, read the article Scammers Targeting SmartHub Users with Phishing Attacks.
Image and text are courtesy of and copyrighted by National Information Solutions Cooperative, Inc. (NISC), with modifications by Valley Rural Electric Cooperative, and are used with permission.