Online Security Tips

Internet Security Tips

• Avoid using public computers or public wireless access points for accessing Online Banking.
• Always "Sign out" or "Log off" of password-protected websites when finished to prevent unauthorized access. Simply closing the browser window may not actually end your session.
• Do not trust sites with certificate warnings or errors. These messages could be caused by your connection being intercepted or the web server misrepresenting its identity.  Email is not a secure method of transmitting personal information.
• Never respond to an email that warns of dire consequences unless you provide information immediately.
• Never reply to a link on a Pop-Up message that requests confidential information. Legitimate companies do not ask for this information via email.
• Never give out your personal information (name, address, social security number, account number, credit card number, etc.) in response to an unsolicited phone call, fax or email, no matter how official it may seem.
• Be cautious about opening any attachment or downloading any files from emails you receive, regardless of who sent them.
• Never click on suspicious links in emails, tweets, posts, or online advertising. Links can take you to a different website than their labels indicate. Typing an address in your browser instead of clicking a link in an email is a safer alternative.
• Only give sensitive information to websites using encryption so your information is protected as it travels across the Internet. Verify the web address begins with "https://" (the "s" is for secure) rather than just "http://." Some browsers also display a closed padlock.

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General Computer Security

• Require a password to gain access. Log off or lock your computer when not in use.
• Update your software frequently to ensure you have the latest security patches. This includes your computer's operating system and other installed software (e.g. Web Browsers, Adobe Flash Player, Adobe Reader, Java, Microsoft Office, etc.). Automate software updates, to when the software supports it, to ensure updates are not overlooked.
• Back up your data and store backups in a different location from your computer.
• Maintain active and up-to-date antivirus protection provided by a reputable vendor. Schedule regular scans of your computer in addition to real-time scanning.
• If you suspect your computer is infected with malware, discontinue using it for banking, shopping, or other activities involving sensitive information. Use security software and/or professional help to find and remove malware.
• Use firewalls on your local network to add another layer of protection for all the devices that connect through the firewall (e.g. PCs, smartphones, and tablets).