October is Privacy Protection Month

Keeping your personal information safe 

If your personal information falls into the wrong hands, it could cause significant financial, legal and even reputational damage. To prevent identity theft, hacking or fraud, it is important to take the necessary precautions including choosing strong passwords and keeping certain identity aspects offline, like your Social Security number.  

What you can do 

• Create and use strong passwords: The longer the password, the stronger your account security. Use a phrase of random words that include numbers or special characters you can easily remember, but avoid using names or birthdays. Do not use the same password on all your important accounts. 

• Choose security questions wisely: Many security questions ask for answers that include public information. Avoid questions like your zip code, mother’s maiden name or birthplace. Additionally, avoid using questions with a limited number of responses that someone could easily guess – like the color of your first car. 
  

Utilizing digital security tools 

• Set up AutoPay: Carrington’s AutoPay feature provides secure options that can protect and automate your payments each month. By setting up AutoPay, you cut down on bills that come in the mail each month, minimizing the risk of experiencing mail or identity theft.  Additionally, you reduce the risk of missed deadlines and potential late fees while ensuring your sensitive payment information is handled securely and consistently.
  
  To get started, login at CarringtonMortgage.com and click “AutoPay” in the top menu, or download our mobile app in the Apple store or Google Play and “Set up AutoPay” from the menu. 
• Go Paperless: Switching your Carrington account to paperless is a great way to keep your information safe and sound, decreasing the likelihood of risks such as mail fraud. With Carrington’s Go Paperless program, documents and statements are ready for instant access on our secure website, and you’ll get all the same information that a paper statement would contain. You can update your paperless preferences at any time by following these steps: 
  • Log into your account at CarringtonMortgage.com
  • Click "Manage Alerts" in the top menu
  • Click the green "Go Paperless" icon on the left side of your screen

• Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): At Carrington, we’re committed to taking proactive measures to safeguard your information. To provide extra protection for your Carrington account, we require the use of Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) to access your online account. 
  
  Using 2FA means that in addition to your username and password, you'll also need to enter a verification code, sent via text message or email address, to access your account. This added layer of security helps further protect you from unauthorized access and potential threats. Since Carrington implements manadatory 2FA, we encourage you to turn on 2FA for all your other digital accounts, and going paperless or setting up automatic payments may help to keep your other financial and sensitive information secure. 

Keeping your information secure in an online world can be overwhelming, but at Carrington, we have your account’s security top of mind. By signing up for AutoPay, Carrington’s Go Paperless program and using mandatory 2FA, you can improve your information’s security and give yourself peace of mind. Learn more about the benefits of servicing with Carrington, or contact us today.