In recognition of Cybersecurity Awareness Month this October, Columbia Gas of Maryland is sharing reminders about the red flags that could signal cybercriminals are at work, and the proactive steps customers can take to protect themselves.
“Cybersecurity is a vital part of our responsibility to our customers. We invest in ongoing employee education and training, use advanced encryption and follow strict security protocols to keep their data safe,” said Columbia Gas of Maryland President and Chief Operating Officer Mark Kempic. “We also encourage customers to stay alert to the warning signs that you could be dealing with a bad actor, such as creating a false sense of urgency, requiring an unusual form of payment or discouraging independent verification of identity and information.”
Columbia Gas recommends customers follow these practices when accessing their accounts or interacting through the company’s website, mobile app, phone line, or chat:
- Use strong, unique passwords. Do not reuse passwords across websites. Consider using a password manager to create and store unique credentials.
- Confirm you are on the correct website. Check the web address carefully and look for the lock icon to the left of the address, which indicates that information exchanged with the site is encrypted.
- Use caution with unsolicited messages. Do not click a link in an unexpected email or text. Review the destination before selecting a link when possible, and avoid it if anything appears suspicious.
- Keep software current. Install current browser, operating system and mobile app updates to receive the latest security protections.
- Know what company representatives will not request. Our representatives will not ask for a password by phone or live chat, or request a credit card number through live chat. If a request seems suspicious, end the interaction and call the number shown on the company’s official website or your bill.
- Protect sensitive information. Do not provide an account number, Social Security number or banking information to an unverified source. We will ask for a Social Security number only when establishing new service or verifying a customer’s identity.
- Verify account status directly. If someone claims an account is past due, confirm the balance by signing in to the official Columbia Gas account or contacting Customer Care at 1-888-460-4332.
For more information, visit our website at www.columbiagasmd.com/safety/home-safety/impostors-and-scams.
