Best Practices for Protecting Your Computer and Personal Information

Avoid Scams and Phishing Attempts

Be cautious of messages or emails that:

• Come from unfamiliar or international numbers or unknown email addresses.
• Contain urgent requests for payment or personal information.
• Make threatening statements.
• Include links that look suspicious or unusually long.
• Use generic greetings instead of personal details.
• Pressure you to act immediately.

• Click on links or attachments or call phone numbers in suspicious messages.
• Reply to suspicious messages.
• Provide personal or financial information.

Strengthen Your Ongoing Security

• Keep software up to date.
• Use reputable security tools.
• Turn on your firewall.
• Secure your Wi-Fi.
• Back up important files regularly.

Take Action if You Think You’ve Been Hacked

If you suspect fraud, contact your financial institution(s), affected sites or Metro ExpressLanes Customer Service at (877) 812-0022 if you suspect fraud impacting your Metro ExpressLanes account.

Stop the Problem Immediately

• Disconnect your device from the internet.
• Avoid logging into sensitive accounts.
• Disconnect other devices on the same network if possible.

Clean and Secure Your Device

• Run a full system scan using antivirus or anti-malware software.
• Look for and uninstall unauthorized applications.
• Update your browser, operating system, and security software.
• Ask a trusted technician for help if needed.

Protect Your Accounts

• Change passwords using a trusted device.
• Enable Two-Factor Authentication.

Helpful Resources

• https://www.cisa.gov/topics/cybersecurity-best-practices

• https://consumer.ftc.gov/identity-theft-and-online-security/online-privacy-and-security

• https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/business/security-101/what-is-phishing

Stay alert, keep your software up to date, and report suspicious activity immediately.