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CYBERSECURITY GUIDE

How to Bank Safer When Using a Computer, Tablet or Smartphone

Computer-related crimes affecting businesses and consumers are frequently in the news. While federally-insured financial institutions are required to have vigorous information security programs to safeguard financial data, financial institution customers also need to know how to avoid fraudsters.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has developed a guide, which provides cybersecurity information for financial institutions’ customers on how to protect and maintain their own computer systems and personal information when conducting personal or financial transactions on the internet. Below are excerpts from the FDIC Guide.

Protect your computer and keep device's operating system and apps updated.

Install software that protects against malicious software, commonly known as malware, which can access a computer system without your consent to steal critical information, such as passwords or account numbers. Also, use a firewall to prevent unauthorized access to your PC.
Consider opting for automatic updates to help reduce your vulnerability to software problems, and to obtain the latest fixes for security weaknesses the manufacturer discovers.

Use the strongest authentication offered, especially for high-risk transactions, such as logging into your financial accounts.

For ALL online accounts, create “strong” user IDs and passwords that are difficult to guess and keep them secret.
Use combinations of upper- and lower-case letters, numbers and symbols when creating passwords and change them regularly.
Use unique passwords. Do not reuse the same password or PIN between accounts. A criminal who obtains one password or PIN can then log-in to other accounts.

Understand Internet safety features.

Take precautions with your tablet or smartphone.

Consider using mobile security software and apps from a reputable vendor to protect your devices.
Never leave your mobile device unattended.
Use a password, PIN, or other security features to restrict access in case your device is lost or stolen.
Make sure you enable the “time-out” or “auto-lock” feature to secure your mobile device when it is left unused for a certain period of time.
Research any app before downloading it. Consult your financial institution’s website to confirm where to download its official mobile application.

Be careful where and how you connect to the Internet.

For banking or other activities that involve personal information, use your own electronic devices and only access the Internet through a known, trusted and secure connection.
A public computer, such as at a hotel business center or public library, as well as free Wi-Fi networks, are not necessarily secure. It can be relatively easy for cyber criminals to intercept the Internet traffic in these locations.

Be careful when using social networking sites.

Cyber criminals use social networking sites to gather details about individuals, such as their place or date of birth, a pet’s name, their mother’s maiden name, and other information that can help them figure out your passwords, or even how to reset your passwords using your security questions.
Don’t share your “page” or access to your information with anyone you don’t know and trust. Cyber criminals may pretend to be your “friend” to convince you to send money or divulge personal information.

Be suspicious of unsolicited e-mails asking you to click on a link, download an attachment, or provide account information.

Educate yourself.

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CYBERSECURITY GUIDE

How to Bank Safer When Using a Computer, Tablet or Smartphone

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