Tools and Resources

In this increasingly connected world, consumers must take proactive steps to safeguard their data. Channels (such as online and mobile banking) and tools (such as social networks) have become a part of our daily landscape. Due to the increased risk of personal data being compromised and also the increased probability of fraudulent transactions from these added conveniences, consumers should take the time to review the following recommendations for risk mitigation:

1. Be vigilant in reviewing your account statements and monitoring your transactions. Develop the habit of monitoring your financial accounts (e.g., bank, credit card, retirement, etc.) at least weekly through online, mobile, voice banking, or ATM.

2. Never leave your computer, tablet, or mobile phone unattended when using Internet banking, mobile banking, or other financial services.

3. It is good practice to log off after you have completed your Internet or mobile banking session to ensure that it is completed.

4. It is also a good practice to password-lock your computer or mobile device whenever you plan to leave it unattended.

5. Never use publicly available information to create your password. Examples to avoid are common names or phrases, birthdates, social security numbers, etc. Of course, it goes without saying that you should never reveal your password to anyone.

6. Change your passwords frequently. Establish a routine of changing your password every few weeks to reduce the risk of a compromised account.

7. Avoid using password managers. Even though they may be convenient, they encourage the habit of not changing passwords regularly and, therefore, make it easy to forget your passwords over time.

8. Never click on links or applications you receive in e-mail, as those are common ways viruses, malware, and malicious software are installed. If you get an e-mail with links purporting to be from your financial institution, please visit your financial institution’s main website through your browser or call your financial institution to verify legitimacy.

9. Keep your passwords/PINs confidential. Under no circumstance will you be asked to provide it to your financial institution.

10. While using the Internet, verify the use of a secure session (“https://” and not “http://”) in your browser’s address bar. This is your indication that the data being transmitted between your browser and your financial institution’s systems is securely encrypted.

11. Install anti-virus and anti-malware software. Many good applications are available for both your computer and your mobile device, and some are even free. Also, remember to keep these products updated regularly so they can be most effective.

12. If you have a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet, ensure that you install software capable of remotely wiping it should it be stolen or lost.

13. The minute you suspect that your device is lost or stolen, notify your mobile carrier and suspend your service.

14. Install mobile software only from the Android Market or the Apple App Store and never a 3rd party site. Android users should read the permissions requested by the application carefully and determine whether the permissions coincide with the alleged function of the application.

15. Do not “jailbreak” your iPhone or “root” your Android to avoid unintentionally opening “backdoors” for malicious software.

16. Turn off wireless device services such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS when not being used.

17. Avoid using unsecured public wireless connections. If you must, then use VPN software to provide a secure “tunnel” within which to work.

18. Be aware of the types of information that you post to social networking sites. Ensure you know who your “friends” are on such sites and do not accept “friend” requests from unverified parties. Statistics show that users of such sites experience a higher incidence of fraud. Use privacy settings on social networking sites to control who is able to access your personal information.

19. If your Internet and mobile banking service has extensive alerts available for your use, be sure to take advantage of these alerts. Once you set up the alerts you need, your financial institution’s systems will notify you of activity on your accounts.

20. Guard your checkbook and your account statements to keep your personal information safe. Shred personal financial information; don’t simply put it in the trash. To keep paper records at a minimum, sign up for electronic statements and consider online bill pay. Save postage, paper, and time while keeping your financial information more secure.

21. If you suspect fraudulent activity or have doubts about the authenticity of a site or communication you have received via any medium, please call your financial institution at (580) 225-2580.