Personal Cybersecurity Tips

Overwhelmed by banking acronyms? Unsure of the steps needed to take out a loan? Confused about different lending options? Don’t worry. We’ve got you.

We cover all these topics and more in our video series, Making Cents. Our knowledgeable associates break down a variety of banking topics, offering viewers education and clarity. Each video will leave you feeling empowered to make smart financial decisions that fit your needs

In this edition, Don Nummi, our SVP – Chief Information Officer and Enterprise Risk Management Director, sits down with Hannah Willis, Marketing Director, to discuss all things security. Here’s what we learn:

• As the digital revolution has taken hold, banking security has changed from just protecting money to protecting all of the customer’s information we hold, as well.
• The best way to avoid falling victim to an email, text, or phone scam, it’s important to always verify that the sender of the message is who they claim to be.
• Always. Be. Skeptical.
• Caller ID can be spoofed. Your phone may tell you the call is coming from NBC, but that doesn’t mean it is.
• NBC will never call you proactively and ask for non-published information like your birthdate, account numbers, or Social Security number.
• Most scams come via email, a tactic called “Phishing.” Email red flags to watch for are a mismatch between the email address and the purported company (it’s not coming from NBC if the email address ends in “hotmail.com,” for example.), generic greetings like “Dear Sir,” and misspellings and grammar mistakes.
• Phone calls create a sense of urgency in that you feel compelled to answer their questions. The trick here is to hang up and call your bank from the number you have, not the number the caller gives you.
• If you feel like you’ve been the victim of a scam, call your bank branch immediately and let them know what has happened. We’re here to help you.
• Make sure you have a complex password that is unique for each account, and max out the character count allowed. Cybercriminals have tools that allow them to crack shorter passwords much easier.
• Never write down your actual password. Give yourself a hint that only you will understand, instead.
• Always keep your devices updated. Install patches for your apps and your operating system as soon as they are made available. 
• Multi-factor authentication (MFA) requires a second form of identity verification (like a code texted to your cell phone). This is an excellent feature to enable everywhere you can, as it helps protect your devices and your data.
• Be proactive in your security. Too many people learn this information and take these steps only after they’ve been compromised.
• If you have any security questions, call Don directly!

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