Cybersecurity is so important to understand, especially in the world we are living in today. Your personal and confidential information is just like your money – valuable! Here are a few ways to help protect yourself and your devices from fraud.

Know the Red Flags
If anyone contacts you and insists on payment by wire transfer or gift card, it’s a scam. End the conversation immediately.

Verify to Clarify
Be suspicious of emails, text messages, or phone calls that create a sense of urgency and require you to respond to a crisis or give sensitive information, such as your credit card number or bank account information. Don’t respond immediately. Hang up or walk away from the computer and contact a trusted source to verify the legitimacy of the request.

When in Doubt, Throw it Out
Links in emails, tweets, texts, posts, social media messages, and online advertising are the easiest way for cybercriminals to get sensitive information. Be wary of clicking on links or downloading anything from a stranger, or you were not expecting.

Keep a Clean Machine
Keep all software on all internet-connected devices current. These updates not only improve the security of your device but also improve its functionality. Stop clicking postpone on that update.
Pro Tip: Configure your devices to update automatically or to notify you when an update is available.

Lock Your Devices
You lock the front door to your house, and you should do the same with your devices. Require a passcode to unlock your phone or tablet. Securing your devices keeps prying eyes out and can help protect your information in case your devices are lost or stolen.

Make a Long, Unique Password
Length trumps complexity. A strong passphrase is a sentence that is at least 12 characters long. Focus on positive sentences or phrases that you like to think about, and that are easy to remember. (for example, “IL0veCountryMusic!.”). Everyone can forget a password. Keep a list that’s stored in a safe, secure place away from your computer.

Own Your Online Presence
Whenever you sign up for a new account, download a new app or get a new device, immediately configure the privacy and security settings to your comfort level for information sharing. Regularly check these settings (at least once a year) to ensure they are still configured to your comfort.

Share With Care
Be cautious about how much personal information you provide on social networking sites. The more information you post, the easier it may be for a hacker, or someone else to use that information to steal your identity, access your data, or commit other crimes, such as stalking.

Just because a website asks you for your address, photo, or mother’s maiden name doesn’t mean you have to answer honestly.

People Aren’t Always Who They Say They Are Online
Adults of all ages need to be wary of strangers and those appearing to be their friends or loved ones online. It is too easy for criminals to hide their true identity and appear trustworthy.

If someone asks to be your friend on a social media platform, only accept their request if you know them.

If someone online asks you for money or sensitive information, pick up the phone and call a trusted number.

Dating online? Don’t send money or sensitive financial or personal information to anyone you have never met.

These are just a few of the ways you can help protect yourself, your future, and your family from fraud.

Pillar Bank is here to help you and answer any questions you have concerning Cyber security. We care about you and your money. If you have a feeling something isn’t right, or you see suspicious activity on your account, don’t hesitate to give us a call!