In this digital age, it’s more important than ever to keep your financial and personal information secure. That’s why we wanted to share these five ways to help you protect yourself online and in your day-to-day activities.
1. Keep your smartphones, tablets, and computers updated.
The developers of your devices—as well as the apps and programs you use—make regular updates to their software that keep everything running smoothly and safely. If you’re worried about forgetting to check every so often, consider choosing the “automatic updates” feature within each program or app.
Install software that protects your device from malware and computer viruses that can log your keystrokes and even capture your password and payment information while you’re online.
2. Never respond to an unsolicited email or phone call from us.
Neither BayCoast Bank nor its affiliates will ever ask you for personal information like your account number, Social Security number, or username and password combo by email, phone, or text message. However, if you call us, we might ask you to validate your identity by confirming personal information.)
BayCoast Bank nor its affiliates will ever ask you for personal information like your account number, Social Security number, or username and password combo by email or phone.
3. Check the web address of every site you visit.
In the online world, you’ll come across website addresses that begin with either http:// or https://. Pay close attention, because only the ones that start with https:// can be considered secure because they encrypt information sent to you and from you online. When you’re planning to shop or do online banking, this becomes even more important. Make sure https:// is included at the beginning of every site you visit. We’d also recommend only banking from a personal computer and devices you’re familiar with—and always log out of your online accounts when you’re done.
4. Put some work into your passwords.
Sure, it might seem easier to have the same password for every site and account you access online. It’s easier for scammers and cybercriminals to get your info that way, too. Use a different password for every account, and make sure they’re tough to crack—even a nonsensical series of letters, numbers, and symbols is better than using your dog’s name or your anniversary date. If you’re worried about coming up with (and forgetting) passwords, there are easy-to-use programs that will create and store them for you.
Use a different password for every account, and make sure they’re tough to crack—even a nonsensical series of letters, numbers, and symbols is better than using your dog’s name or your anniversary date.
5. Don’t be too social on social media.
While you’re keeping in touch with friends and family, cybercriminals are on the lookout for your information—things like where and when you were born, your pet’s names, and other details that can help them decipher passwords you use there and elsewhere online. Only connect with people you know, and be wary of sending money or other financial info to anyone through social sites.
Check out our Cyber Security videos for more tips
Online Banking Threats
Debit Card Threats
Email Phishing Threats
Following these simple tips can go a long way in helping keep your financial information away from online scammers. At any time, visit our online Security Center to stay up to date with the latest news—including scam alerts, consumer news, and security information.
