Follow These Steps to Improve Your Online Security
Staying safe and secure online is a major production these days. You play the starring role. Get started by securing all of your online VRS accounts.
1. Log in to Your myVRS Account Often
If you’ve already registered your myVRS account, log in at least every 90 days to review your information and also update your passphrase. Your myVRS account includes important information about your monthly retirement benefit, direct deposit instructions, beneficiaries and life insurance. You may also download income verification documentation, change your tax withholding, update banking information for direct deposit and review other benefit information.
2. Set Up Multifactor Verification
Password theft is constantly evolving. Having a multifactor verification option enabled on all your online accounts can make passwords more difficult to crack. When you use multifactor verification, you will need to approve each login to your account(s) on another device. This helps ensure it’s really you who’s logging in. Most sites allow you to use a mobile phone or email address as an added layer of protection.
When you log in to myVRS, you will be prompted to set up multifactor verification through a mobile phone number or an email address if you have not already done so.
If You Have Not Registered Your myVRS Account
VRS has locked your account for your protection. To establish your online account, call VRS at 888-827-3847 for assistance. Otherwise, your account will remain locked for your security.
3. Register Your DCP Online Accounts
If you have funds in the Commonwealth of Virginia 457 Deferred Compensation Plan or the Hybrid 457 Deferred Compensation Plan, you should also register those accounts through Account Access.
4. Create Strong and Unique Passphrases
Passphrases use a combination of uppercase and lowercase characters, symbols and numbers, making them harder to guess than short, stand-alone passwords. Do not use the same passphrase for multiple accounts, and remember to change your passphrase at least every 90 days.
5. Keep Your Info Up to Date
Moving to a new address or changing your email or phone number? Update VRS promptly so we can always reach you with important communications. To update your contact info in myVRS, click your name in the top right corner, then select Update Profile. Be sure to make the necessary changes in your defined contribution accounts also.
For more online safety tips, check out the VRS Security Center.
