By: Laurie Gable, WaFd Bank Mesquite Branch Manager
There are few things more convenient than online shopping. But with that convenience comes risks. Cybersecurity is essential to protect your information, and it includes a wide range of practices and technology to protect networks, systems, and data from cyber criminals and
threats. Since just about everything we do is digital, cybersecurity is essential. From phishing scams to malware, here are 10 simple things you can do to help protect yourself.
Laurie Gable
1. Keep Security Programs Running and Your Computer Up to Date
Install anti-virus software to protect against malware (malicious software) that can steal information like account numbers and passwords, and use a firewall to prevent unauthorized access to your computer. Keeping your phones and other devices up to date means you’ll get
the newest patches as they become available, so your devices stay protected.
2. Don’t Conduct Private Business on Public Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi networks and computers at places like libraries or hotel business centers can be risky if they don’t have up-to-date security software. Even if they do, using public Wi-Fi can make you an easy target because they don’t encrypt your data. So, if you’re thinking about
logging in to check your bank account balance or credit report, wait until you’re at home to use private Wi-Fi or your phone’s data instead.
3. Strong Passwords
Strong passwords have at least eight characters, including upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Never use your first or last name, pet’s or children’s names, sequential numbers, or birthdates, and never reuse passwords. If you want to see how strong
your password really is, you can enter it into our password strength testing tool and see where it falls on the strength scale. If keeping track of all those passwords sounds like a lot to remember, consider using a secure password manager to keep track for you.
4. Look Out for Phishing Emails and Scams
Cybercriminals are good at creating fake emails that look legit but can install malware. Do not click on links or open any attachments or pop-up screens from sources asking for login information or to confirm credentials. Check email addresses to ensure emails, texts, and phone
calls come from legitimate senders. If in doubt, don’t click, and beware of any messaging that asks you to act immediately. Forward phishing emails to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at spam@uce.gov and to the company, bank, or organization impersonated in the email. When in doubt, always contact companies using information you get directly from their site or in person.
5. Keep Personal Information Personal
Hackers can use social media profiles to figure out passwords and answers to security questions in the password reset tools. Lock down your privacy settings and avoid posting birthdays, addresses, mother’s maiden name, and similar information. This includes fun posts you might see on social media, such as ones asking everyone to share their first pet’s name or their favorite song in high school. These are likely thinly veiled ploys to help fraudsters guess answers to security questions so they can reset your password and hack into your accounts.
6. Set Alerts and Keep Your Phone Secure
Set up alerts and get notified when your cards are used in an unusual location or a transaction is over a certain dollar amount. Reviewing your monthly statements and confirming you made the purchases listed is also important. You can also log in and review recent transactions in your banking app. Remember, if you find charges on your statement or online activity you don’t recognize, contact your bank or credit card issuer as soon as possible to report them and request a new card with a new account number, thus blocking further charges on the card.
7. Watch for Fake Websites and Social Pages
Scammers will set up fake domain names that are just a letter or two off from popular sites and even (illegally) use well-known company logos to try to fool people. If you find a great deal on a website you’ve never heard about before, always ask around and do your research before buying. The Better Business Bureau’s easy online search function is a helpful starting point. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If you see one of these deals or a supposed contest, sweepstakes, or giveaway, report it directly to the company. That way, you can help remove the page or website, and if it is legitimate, you can participate if you’d like to.
For More Help or Information on Cybersecurity
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation has computer and internet security tips, including tips for small businesses. Check out the basics of cybersecurity awareness at fdic.gov/consumersecurity, which includes consumer information about protecting and maintaining computer systems and information. It also has information for business owners on safeguarding their systems and data.
Laurie Gable is a vice president and branch manager for WaFd Bank in Mesquite.
