Fraud Education

ONLINE AND MOBILE BANKING SECURITY

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 steer clear of fraudsters.

Be careful where and how you connect to the Internet. Only access the Internet for banking or for other activities that involve personal information using your own laptop or mobile device through a known, trusted, and secure connection. A public computer, such as at a hotel business center or public library, and free Wi-Fi networks are not necessarily secure. In some cases, it’s easier for cyber criminals to intercept the Internet traffic in these locations.

When in doubt, don’t store it or send it! Never send any personal information (account numbers, Social Security numbers, passwords, etc.) via text message. These are not secure and can be intercepted by hackers. Do not store private information on your phone. Make a habit of frequently deleting any unnecessary information on your device including browser history and text messages. It is very important that you remove all sensitive information before discarding your telephone. Do not open any messages from an unknown sender, and do not click on unfamiliar links that may be sent via text message.

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 passwords – or how to reset them. 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.

Read our Mobile Privacy Policy.