Staying safe and secure from fraud and online crime has become a vital aspect of life today. There are many ways for criminals to steal your personal information, banking information, and even your identity. The State Bank of Wynnewood wants to help you prevent this from happening, so we have some helpful tips and information about what, and what not, to do to protect yourself.
Password Security
One of the first steps in protecting your personal and banking information is to keep your usernames and passwords private and to also have a strong password. Some tips for making a strong password include:
- Make your password a sentence
- For every unique account, have a unique password
- Keep a list of your passwords, but keep them in a safe and secure place
Personal Information Protection
Secondly, always keep your personal information safe and secure by doing the following:
- Never keep a copy of PIN numbers, passwords, or your Social Security card in your purse or wallet
- Use multiple usernames and passwords
- Do not use personal information in your passwords
- Shred unneeded documents containing personal information
- Review your credit report annually
- Review bank and credit card statements monthly
- Be aware of the information you are receiving and sending through emails, and do not click on links inside an email if you are unsure they are safe or if you do not know the sender
- If in doubt, always verify and never give personal or confidential information to anyone you do not know very well
Mobile Device Security
In an age of technology and fast-moving innovations, keeping your mobile devices protected is just as important as keeping your personal information protected. Smartphones and tablets contain significant information not only about you but also your family and friends. Such information may be phone numbers, addresses, location, and more. Some tips for keeping your mobile devices safe include:
- Keep security software current on all devices that connect to the internet
- Delete apps and other software when you are no longer in need of them
- Secure your devices with strong passwords, pass codes, or other features
- Be conscious of giving personal information through apps and websites
- Use security and privacy settings on websites and apps to manage what is shared about you and who sees it
- Disable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth when not in use
- Be aware of Wi-Fi networks you are connecting to; public wireless networks and hotspots are not secure and should never be used for financial transactions or communications
- When in doubt, don't respond to texts or calls from numbers not familiar to you
- Use an auto-lock or time-out feature so your device will lock when it is left unused for a certain period of time.
- Do not jailbreak or root your mobile device. Doing so exposes the security controls and makes your device vulnerable to cyber-attacks.
- Check your account history often to make sure there are no fraudulent transactions.
- Don’t send account numbers or PINs in emails or text messages, because those methods are not necessarily secure
- Security Resources
For more information on personal privacy and security please visit these resources:
Digital Security Best Practices
http://staysafeonline.org (Opens in a new Window)
https://www.ftc.gov(Opens in a new Window)
https://stopthinkconnect.org(Opens in a new Window)
https://www.fdic.gov/consumers/(Opens in a new Window)
Protecting Yourself Online
Here are a few suggestions on ways to keep your personal information and money more secure when you go online:
- Beef Up Your Security. Personal firewalls and security software packages (anti-virus, anti-spam, and spyware detection features) are a must-have for those who engage in online financial transactions. Make sure the computer you are using has the latest security patches, and make sure you access your online account using a secure web page. The website address of a secure website connection starts with “https” instead of just “http” and has a key or closed padlock in the status bar (which typically appears in the lower right-hand corner of your screen). To double-check, click on the padlock icon on the status bar to see the security certificate for the site. Following the “issued to” in the pop-up window you should see the name matching the site you think you’re on. If the name differs, you are probably on a spoofed site.
- Be Careful What You Download. When you download a program or file from an unknown source, you risk loading malicious software programs on your computer. Fraudsters often hide these programs within seemingly benign applications. Think twice before you click on a pop-up advertisement or download a “free” game or to complete a deal which seems too good to be true
- Don’t Respond to Emails, Texts or Pop-Up Messages Requesting Personal Information. Phishing is a growing form of online identity theft - when internet fraudsters impersonate a business to trick you into giving our personal information. Legitimate entities will not ask you to provide or verify sensitive information through a non-secure means, such as email. If you believe the request is legitimate, pick up the phone and call the company yourself-using a number publicly available, not the one the email provides. Don’t click on links within them either – even if the message seems to be from an organization you trust. It isn’t. These messages direct you to spoof sites that look real but whose purpose is to steal your information so a scammer can commit fraud in your name. The State Bank of Wynnewood will never contact you requesting sensitive information through an email or text.
- Use Extra Caution with Wireless Connections. Wireless networks may not provide as much security as wired Internet connections. In fact, many “hotspots”- wireless networks in public areas like airports, hotels and restaurants – reduce their security so it’s easier for individuals to access and use these wireless networks. These networks should not be used when conducting financial transactions.
- Avoid Public USB Charging Stations. These charging stations in areas such as airports, hotels and other public areas have often been altered to steal information from your device or download malware.
- Log Out Completely. Closing or minimizing your browser or typing in a new web address when you’re done using your online account may not be enough to prevent others from gaining access to your account information. Instead, click on the “log out” button to terminate your online session.
Please contact State Bank of Wynnewood at 405-665-2001 or at our toll free number 800-752-2624 with any questions or concerns you may have.
