Man typing on a laptop in the dark. There is a blue animated font above his head spelling out Security

Security Tips

Consumers rely heavily on multiple forms of technology to gain access to the Internet for everything from shopping, to online banking, to communicating with others, to social media and paying bills. There are numerous benefits of using all of these web services. But with these benefits, there are also risks involved.

Cybersecurity Basics

Some of the most common cyber-related crimes are identity theft, frauds and scams. Identity theft is a crime in which someone wrongfully obtains and uses another person's personal data to open fraudulent accounts, charge to existing accounts, withdraw funds from deposit accounts, or obtain new loans. The loss to a victim may not only include financial losses but also costs and time associated with restoring credit history.

Along with identity theft, many people fall victim to frauds and and scams, which often start with an email, text message, or phone call that appears to be from a legitimate, trusted person or organization. These messages typically ask for you to verify or update your personal information in the hopes that you will visit their bogus site and enter your information.

Tips to Avoid Identity Theft

Do not share information over the phone, via the mail, or over the internet unless you initiated the contact or know the person you are dealing with.
Be suspicious if someone contacts you asking for your personal information.
Only open emails from people and organizations you know and trust. Be cautious if something looks questionable.
Don't give out personal information in response to an unsolicited request.
Shred old account statements and unused credit card offers.
Pay attention to billing cycles and notify your bank if you don't receive your monthly bill or statement.
Review account statements thoroughly to verify all transactions were authorized.
Obtain your free credit report annually and review your credit history.

Tips to Avoid Frauds and Scams

Be aware of incoming messages that ask you to click on a link. Clicking this link may install malware that allows someone to spy on your computer or device.
Be very suspicious of any unsolicited email or phone request to update or verify your personal information.
Confirm a message or request is legitimate by contacting the sender by phone.
Assume any offer that seems too good to be to true, is probably fraud.
Be on guard for fraudulent checks, cashier's checks, or money orders sent to you with requests for you to send part of the money back or to purchase gift cards with it and send pictures of the gift cards to someone.

Here are several effective security techniques that we encourage you to implement when you are using the Internet:

Never reveal your password to anyone or leave your password anywhere that someone else can obtain and use it
Change your password on a regular basis
Choose passwords that would be difficult to guess.
Use the Exit button to end each Internet banking session. Do not use the Back button to exit the site.
Change your session timeout in User Options to a time that meets your needs
Balance your account on a regular basis. Internet Banking makes it easy!
Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) whenever available.
Use an updated security program to protect your computer.

For more about information security while online, please visit any of the following websites:

Source: https://www.fdic.gov/consumers/assistance/protection/idtheft.html