3 reasons your employees’ personal
information may be safer online

In today’s fast-paced world, a digital footprint is relatively common. From online shopping and banking to social media and streaming entertainment subscriptions, the Internet provides people with endless opportunities. Unfortunately, along with the ease that the Internet provides also comes a level of uncertainty. Case in point: 64% of Americans have personally experienced a major data hacking breach, according to the Pew Research Center.¹

While the numbers can be alarming, misinformation regarding digital security can lead to confusion. Understanding the truth behind online security is an important way to help your employees make informed decisions regarding their online accounts — especially their retirement plan account, which could be one of their largest assets. Here are three common myths about digital security, and the truth behind them.

Myth No. 1: Keeping personal information online is entirely unsafe.

The truth: Many people assume that storing information online exposes them to a more significant potential for hacking and fraud. The reality is that multiple layers may safeguard online data. For example, calpers.voya.com takes numerous measures to protect participant online accounts—things like implementing username and password requirements with limits on password entry attempts and multifactor authentication, customer verification, answering security questions when log-on attempts are made from unrecognized computers and timed logoffs to reduce the risk of others accessing plan sponsor and participants’ information from an unattended computer. All of these tactics help keep would-be cyber thieves at bay.

Myth No. 2: Big institutions can’t keep up with evolving cyber threats.

The truth: The companies that store data online know the trust you are putting in them to do so. As such, most work around the clock to keep up on digital security developments, and to provide the highest possible security standards. Cybersecurity has come a long way, and institutions like CalPERS and Voya do everything in their power to utilize industry-leading technology to keep your employees’ accounts safe. Firewalls can help block unauthorized access to company networks, while strong encryption practices protect personal information as it travels virtually from an employee’s device to their retirement account. Constant surveillance is also kept to ensure that only authorized access to a CalPERS account is allowed online.

Myth No. 3: There is nothing my employees can do personally about cyber security when they keep accounts online.

The truth: Most institutions implement high-security cyber standards like using firewalls and sophisticated encryption, but employers and employees can also share in the responsibility to ensure digital profiles are as safe as possible. Individual cybersecurity starts with easy steps like ensuring passwords and PINs are strong and unique to each account. Installing malware security software on devices can help provide an additional layer of protection from harmful viruses. Encouraging your employees to register their accounts online and login to their accounts frequently to monitor for any fraudulent activity is one way to catch issues as soon as they crop up.

Although it’s true that online accounts are subject to potential cyber threats these days, as long as the proper steps are followed, creating online accounts actually can be very safe. Keeping your employees’ digital profiles from prying eyes starts with a high level of vigilance and cybersecurity on their part. With CalPERS and Voya as trusted partners, you can rest assured that your retirement plan’s online accounts are being properly monitored at all times.

¹ Smith, A., & Smith, A. (2017, April 27). Americans and Cybersecurity. Retrieved from
  http://www.pewinternet.org/2017/01/26/americans-and-cybersecurity/

2019 Year-End Payroll Reporting Reminder

Please make sure the payroll contributions your payroll team submits between late December 2019 and early January 2020 are applied for the correct tax year to your participants’ CalPERS Supplemental Income 457 Plan account.

Here’s how to ensure accuracy during the 2019 year-end payroll reporting period:

• Work closely with Voya^®, the company that handles recordkeeping administration for the CalPERS 457 Plan.
• If the pay end date for the last payroll of 2019:
  • Is not the same tax year as your pay date (for example: your pay end date for the last payroll of the year is December 31, 2019, but your employees will not receive their checks for this payroll period until after January 1, 2020), notify Voya^® by sending an email to CalPERS_Plan_Admin@voya.com. Please include your agency name and number in the email subject line.
  • Is in the same tax year as the pay date for the period, there is no need to contact Voya^®.

Employees can now manage their beneficiary designations online

Your employees participating in the CalPERS Supplemental Income Plans can now view, name, and change their CalPERS Plan beneficiary(ies) online by logging into to calpers.voya.com. After logging in, a participant can click Personal Info > Beneficiary Information > Add/Edit Beneficiary to review the current beneficiary designation. If the correct beneficiary(ies) is already listed, no action is required until changes are needed. If no beneficiary is listed, designating someone is easy. Encourage your employees to review their beneficiary today!

Ask for a CalPERS 457 Plan Review

A review of your agency’s CalPERS Supplemental Income 457 Plan is available at your request. Staying informed can help you satisfy your fiduciary responsibility to oversee the CalPERS 457 Plan at your agency. Email Dave Saavedra or call 1-916-795-3908 to arrange a review in person or as a written document.

Personal Phone Reviews for Your Employees

Your employees can get answers and help with their CalPERS 457 Plan accounts from experienced registered representatives.*

When they use www.calpers457.checkappointments.com to set an appointment, they will receive a confirmation and reminder by email. Or they can call toll free 1-888-713-8244 weekdays 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Pacific Time).

* Information from registered Plan Service Representatives is for educational purposes only and is not legal, tax or investment advice. Local Plan Service Representatives are registered representatives of Voya Financial Advisors, Inc. (member SIPC).

Contact Us

CalPERS Supplemental Income 457 Plan representatives are available for my|CalPERS and payroll assistance.
Email us or call 1-800-696-3907, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Pacific Time).