In today’s digital age, cyber security has become an essential aspect of our daily lives. With the increasing number of cyber attacks and data breaches, it has become crucial to take necessary steps to protect your personal and sensitive information from falling into the wrong hands. In other words, you are the first step to protecting your personal information!

In this article we will cover:

• What is Cyber Security
• Tips for keeping your bank account secure
• Some General Cyber Security tips

What is Cyber Security?

Cyber security involves a range of practices and measures that are designed to safeguard our digital devices, networks, and data from unauthorized access, theft, and damage. From using strong passwords and two-factor authentication to regularly updating our software and being wary of suspicious emails or links, there are various ways to enhance our cyber security.

By taking the necessary precautions, you can prevent cyber criminals from stealing your personal information, financial details, and other valuable data. Cyber security is not just about protecting yourself, but also about safeguarding your businesses and communities from cyber threats.

Protecting Your Bank Accounts From Cyber Threats

Cyber security is of the utmost importance, especially when it comes to protecting your bank accounts. With the rise of online banking and mobile apps, it’s more important than ever to take steps to secure your financial information.

Here are some tips to help keep your bank account information protected:

1. Banks and government agencies will never send an unsolicited email asking for your personal information.
2. Never provide personal information in response to an unexpected email, phone call, or text message.
3. Do not share your account information, including passwords, PINs, etc. with anyone.
4. Make sure to log out of Online Banking before leaving your computer unattended.
5. Avoid logging into Online Banking when the Wi-Fi is public and open to everyone.
6. Set-up alerts on your accounts to monitor activity.
7. Use Bill Pay to reduce the number of checks you mail.
8. Sign up for electronic bank statements to reduce the amount of account information in your mailbox.
9. Ensure the contact information on your bank account is up-to-date, including your cell phone number and email address, so that we can easily reach you if potential fraud were to occur on your account.
10. Regularly review your statement(s) or online banking account for unauthorized transactions and contact us immediately if you discover fraudulent activity.
11. If your account information is needed for direct deposit, only provide it to verified businesses or individuals.
12. It is important to monitor your credit report for unusual activity. To obtain a free annual credit report, visit: https://www.annualcreditreport.com/index.action

By following these simple tips, you can help to protect your bank accounts and keep your financial information safe from cyber threats.

General Cyber Security Tips

It is not just your bank accounts that you have to keep protected online. It is becoming increasingly more important to keep yourself and your personal information safe online in general. Here are some general cyber security tips to help protect yourself:

1. Password protect your devices to secure against unauthorized access.
2. Ensure that your devices, including operating systems, browsers, and software, stay up to date.
3. Install a trusted antivirus solution on computers and mobile devices.
4. Use caution when opening emails, downloading attachments, or clicking on links. Malicious software, capable of stealing information or damaging your devices, may be in attachments or links.
5. Be cautious when answering questions in social media surveys as these may be designed to gather enough information to guess your passwords or to steal your identity.
6. If you receive a suspicious email, social media message, or text message from someone you know, call them and ask if they sent the message before interacting with it. Their email, social media account, or device may have been compromised, and the message you received may be from a fraudster hoping to steal your personal information.

In conclusion, cyber security is important to keep ourselves and our information safe in the digital world. By being vigilant and proactive, you can ensure that your online presence remains secure and protected.