How Every Military Move Increases Your Cyber Security Risk

When you’re in the middle of a PCS, the last thing on your mind is cybersecurity. You’re dealing with boxes, deadlines, housing applications, maybe even coordinating flights or new schools. It’s a logistical storm, but behind the scenes, your digital life is just as exposed as your household items.

What many military families don’t realize is that a PCS creates the perfect storm for identity theft and cybercrime. You’re logging into public Wi-Fi, emailing sensitive documents, and juggling passwords on the go. You’re moving fast, and cybercriminals are counting on that.

According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, active-duty military personnel report identity theft and fraud at higher rates than civilians. That risk increases during relocation.

Why PCS Moves Put Your Digital Life at Risk

A permanent change of station means more than just a new ZIP code. It means reconnecting your entire life—from internet service to insurance to banking. And every time you input your information, log into a new network, or forward a document, you’re opening a digital door.

Here’s where the real danger creeps in:

• Public and temporary Wi-Fi: Whether it’s hotel internet, airport lounges, or temporary housing, these connections often lack proper encryption. Logging into personal accounts here can expose your credentials to nearby hackers.
• Sensitive documents in transit: PCS moves require a lot of paperwork—orders, birth certificates, and financial statements. These are often emailed or uploaded without encryption, especially when time is tight.
• Forgotten or borrowed devices: Using a sponsor’s laptop or your installation’s library computer to print a form may seem harmless until your email stays logged in or your data is cached.
• Phishing scams disguised as military resources: Scammers know when PCS season hits. Fake housing listings, fraudulent relocation reimbursements, or emails posing as base support services often spike during this window.

Protecting Your Digital Identity During PCS Season

You don’t need to be an expert in cybersecurity. But taking a few proactive steps before, during, and after your move can make all the difference:

• Use secure portals whenever possible. If you need to submit documents, choose official platforms over email attachments.
• Avoid logging into sensitive accounts on public Wi-Fi.  Use a trusted VPN if you must.
• Enable two-factor authentication on banking, benefits, and military logins—it adds a strong extra layer of protection.
• Store physical documents in your carry-on, not your checked baggage, and password-protect digital files in case your device is lost.
• After your move, review your credit report and account activity for any signs of fraud, and change your passwords on major accounts.

These actions are more than just “nice to do"; they act as your reliable shield for safeguarding your digital presence.

IDShield^® with USBA: Real Protection, Not Just Monitoring

Through our partnership with IDShield, USBA offers a member-only discount for comprehensive IDShield Identity Theft Protection that’s built to keep up with you and your military life. It goes beyond monitoring—it actively protects your information and provides expert support if things go wrong.

With IDShield, you get:

• Continuous monitoring of your identity, credit and online privacy
• Alerts when suspicious activity is detected
• Licensed Private Investigators who will restore your identity to its pre-theft status
• Mobile App with real-time identity threat and credit inquiry alerts

Cyber Safety is Financial Safety

PCS moves will always bring stress. But cybercrime doesn’t have to be part of the package. Protecting your identity is one of the most important ways you can protect your finances and your family.

At USBA, we’re here to help you prepare not just for the next stop on the map, but for everything that comes with it. That includes affordable life insurance coverage, identity protection with IDShield, and trusted guidance every step along the way.

Because military families deserve peace of mind—online and off.