Cybersecurity Awareness

Protecting Your Accounts Starts With You

Online and mobile banking provide convenient access to your accounts anytime, anywhere. While we employ multiple layers of security to help protect your information, customers play an important role in safeguarding their accounts from fraud and unauthorized access.

Security Best Practices

Use Strong Passwords

  • Create unique passwords that are difficult to guess.
  • Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
  • Avoid using personal information such as birthdays, names, or addresses.
  • Never share your password with anyone.

Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Whenever available, enroll in multi-factor authentication. MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring additional verification beyond your password.

Keep Your Devices Secure

  • Install security updates promptly on your computer, tablet, and smartphone.
  • Use reputable antivirus and anti-malware software.
  • Protect your devices with passwords, PINs, or biometric authentication.
  • Avoid using public or unsecured Wi-Fi networks to access online banking.

Monitor Your Accounts Regularly

Review your account activity and statements frequently. Report any unauthorized transactions or suspicious activity immediately.

Recognizing Common Fraud Scams

Phishing Emails and Text Messages

Fraudsters may send messages that appear to come from your bank and ask you to:

  • Click a link
  • Open an attachment
  • Provide account information, passwords, or security codes

Do not respond to these requests. Instead, contact the bank using a known phone number or website.

Phone Scams (Vishing)

Scammers may call claiming to be from the bank, law enforcement, or a government agency. Never provide:

  • Online banking credentials
  • One-time passcodes
  • Debit card PINs
  • Security verification codes

 

Our bank will never call, email, or text you requesting your password or authentication code.

QR Code Phishing (Quishing)

Be cautious when scanning QR codes received by email, text message, or social media, particularly if they direct you to a login page or request personal information. To protect yourself:

  • Inspect physical codes for signs of tampering, such as a sticker placed over the original QR code.
  • Preview the website address before opening the link.
  • Do not scan QR codes from unexpected emails, text messages, or flyers.
  • If a QR code prompts you to download an app, do not use the link. Instead, search for the app directly in your device’s official app store.

Fake Websites

Always verify that you are visiting the bank’s official website. Look for:

  • “https://” in the address bar
  • A secure padlock symbol
  • The correct website address

Mobile Banking Safety Tips

  • Download mobile banking apps only from trusted app stores.
  • Keep your banking app updated.
  • Log out after each session when using shared devices.
  • Enable device notifications to receive account alerts.

Protecting Your Business Accounts

Business customers should:

  • Use dual controls and transaction approval processes when available.
  • Reconcile accounts daily.
  • Implement Positive Pay and ACH monitoring services.
  • Train employees to identify email fraud and business email compromise schemes.

If You Suspect Fraud

If you believe your account has been compromised:

  1. Contact the bank immediately.
  2. Change your online banking password.
  3. Review recent account activity.
  4. Report suspicious emails, texts, or phone calls.
  5. Monitor your accounts for unauthorized transactions.
Report Security Breaches Law enforcement can use tools and legal authorities that are unavailable to private entities to identify and apprehend whoever is responsible for the incident. Federal investigators can obtain data to trace an intrusion or attack to its source using search warrants, court orders, and subpoenas. You can report a security breach to:

Our Commitment to Security

We are committed to protecting your financial information through advanced security technologies, continuous fraud monitoring, and customer education. Working together, we can help keep your accounts and personal information secure.

Remember: Never share your password, PIN, authentication code, or account credentials with anyone. If you receive a suspicious communication claiming to be from the bank, contact us directly at 770-847-2265.