Category: Cyber Security

Cybersecurity Check: How Secure Are Your Actions?

It’s 2020 and more than time to be certain your cybersecurity practices are up to date. Cybercriminals become more advanced and attuned to the different ways to penetrate vulnerabilities of those who aren’t up to date on security. These are the top actions you need to take. Can you say yes to any of these?

Are you cautious with the applications on your phone?

Sometimes, there’s a false sense of security when it comes to phone applications. Apps are used for about everything these days and too often users think they are safer than they are. You may have noticed that pop ups can still occur on these applications and can pose a security risk to you and the information held on your device. You may even click on the ad accidently while it takes you to a suspicious website.

Is your software up to date?

Yes, we realize that having to update your phone or computer can be a nuisance. It can be frustrating at times because it may change the layout of certain features on your phone. Yet, we would still recommend updating due to the protection it provides. It will help to patch vulnerabilities and fortify your wall of protection.

Are you aware of phishing scams?

How attuned are you to phishing scams? Phishing is when the cybercriminal acts like someone else in order to trick the victims. Be sure to: never open an email from someone you don’t know, click on unfamiliar links and always be suspicious when it comes to emails – even from friends that may send harmful links unknowingly.

Are your passwords updated periodically?

It’s frustrating to have to remember many different passwords and to constantly be updating them. But it is still less of a headache than it would be if you had your identity stolen or your data held for ransom. Never use the same password twice and update each password at least once a year.

Is your PII Personal?

PII stands for personal identification information. This includes your address, birthdate, birthplace and middle name. These are often listed on many people’s social media pages. Sometimes all it takes to have your identity stolen is your full name and birthdate. Be sure to remove this from your pages and to keep it private.

For more tips on how to stay ahead of the cybersecurity curve, contact us today!

Peoples Bank & Trust Co.

Member FDIC

Equal Housing Lender

Tips to Keep Your Cash Safe Online & In Stores

The holidays have hit, which means criminals are out and about looking to steal whatever information they can. Retail fraud attempts increased by 30% during the holidays in 2017. Being extra aware this season will help you keep your money safe, online and in stores, by using some of these simple tips!

Use Your Chip Card

Cards have upgraded to now have an EMV chip included in them. This offers an extra layer of security, as the card generates a one-time code for the transaction. If your card information is stolen, a thief can’t use that specific code to buy anything else so it prevents further losses.

Watch Your Surroundings

It’s very important during the holidays to think about protecting yourself, and not just your finances. Be alert when walking to your vehicle and don’t let strangers help you hold your bags, purse, phone or wallet. Make sure when you shop that you put your bags in your trunk and lock the car. This helps you lessen the chance of someone breaking in to steal your items if they can’t see them.

Update Your Computer

You will be doing plenty of online shopping, which means you’re entering your information over and over on different sites. It’s important to make sure you’re installing all updates, so your computer has less of a chance at getting a virus or malware. Keep your system operating smoothly by adding anti-virus software and setting all updates to be automatic.

Turn On Alerts

Many cards and accounts have alerts that will text and email you if a certain spending cap is hit. Set this up, so you can be notified of any purchases you didn’t make. Then you can cancel your card before it’s too late!

Check Your Statements

You can easily check your statements to make sure there is no unwanted activity, as well as look at your online account to see if any strange purchases have been made. You can also check your credit report, so you can report anything suspicious right away.

Avoid Pop-Ups

There will be plenty of crazy deals around this time popping up on blogs and sites. Don’t respond, click on the links or call the phone numbers. It’s better to be safe than sorry during these times. You can, however, click the links on trusted sources that garner the ‘s’ in ‘https://’ on a URL.

Lighten Your Wallet

Take out extra cash and cards – anything that you truly don’t need. This will keep your funds safer while you shop. Thieves are very good at taking anything they see as an opportunity, especially when shoppers are distracted trying to find the best prices in the store.

With these great tips, you’ll be able to keep your money safe in stores and online this holiday season. We also offer safe and secure online and mobile banking – here you’ll be able to check your finances to be sure everything is as it should be!

Peoples Bank & Trust Co.

Member FDIC

Equal Housing Lender

Cybersecurity Tips for College Students

There’s quite a learning curve in just about every way possible for college students out on their own for the first time. While a characteristic of college students is being tech-savvy, it doesn’t always mean that they know how to stay safe from cyber threats that advance and evolve every day. When they enter college, they become a part of the #2 targeted industry for cybersecurity threats. College students should take these tips with them throughout their college career.

Know that you have value.

While we mean this in a feel-good way, what we’re really talking about here is the incorrect notion that college students think they have no monetary value worth stealing. This could not be further from the truth. Your social security number alone is incredibly valuable on the black market. When you realize that you have something valuable worth stealing, you may be more likely to use caution when online.

Old school personal theft is a cybercrime risk.

Of course you don’t want to get your laptop stolen because of its expensive cost. Unfortunately, many thieves don’t just want the item, but want your data and personal information off of the laptop or phone. Never leave your items unattended or expect that you are ever completely in a “theft free” zone.

Everything needs a passcode.

It may be somewhat of a hassle, but be sure all of your electronic devices have a passcode in addition to a physical lock.

Reconsider public workstations.

Your university may offer some public workstations for your use. They are convenient but don’t always have the best cyber protection installed. If you must use a public computer, be sure you don’t save your passwords on it and log out of everything before leaving the station. Never treat it as your own computer, so be sure to remove all files of yours before leaving the device.

To Torrent or Not to Torrent? Don’t!

For those who don’t know, torrent websites are a way for users to share files and distribute data over the internet. We can say with some confidence that it’s better to stay completely away from these. 1 in 3 users are exposed to malware by utilizing torrent websites. It’s tempting to get free textbooks and movies off of these sites, but it’s not worth the risk.

Give us a call if you have questions about cybersecurity when it comes to online banking!

Peoples Bank & Trust Co.

Member FDIC

Equal Housing Lender

Identity Theft Tips For This Holiday Season

Online shopping and in-store deals will bring everyone out this holiday season. This also means that with the shoppers come criminals. Identity theft is on the rise with all the different ways information can be stolen. Peoples Bank & Trust wanted to offer these top tips this season to help you keep your identity safe and secure.

Use Secure Sites

When you see an ‘s’ at the end of ‘http’ in the URL, that means the site has an SSL which means it’s secure. LifeLock states, “You should also be sure that emails sent to you with promotional links don’t point back toward an altered link, often with one or two letters missing or changed. This could signal a phishing scam, designed to fool you into entering personal information, like your credit card number or your email and password, which may later be used in an attempt to compromise your identity.”

Set Spending Alerts

For debit and credit cards, you can usually set a limit on the card for when it needs to alert you to ‘spending past your set limit.’ If you get an email or text alerting you to extra purchases, that can be a quick way to find out your identity was stolen.

Check Your Statements

A lot of banks now offer e-statements, so you don’t even have to wait until the next month to see your expenses. Find out ways to check your statements this holiday season more frequently to be on the lookout for strange purchases.

Watch For Scams

There are so many scams during the holiday season – we can’t even name them all! Be very wary of fake charities, emails, links and so forth. Only give to trusted sources if you want to spread the holiday cheer and be extra cautious when reading emails and clicking links.

Keep Away From Skimmers

It’s easy to forget that even when you’re the one using the card, it’s still in danger. Skimmers tend to pop up more around the holidays, which are invisible to the untrained eye and download your credit card information to the computers of criminals. Then, criminals can steal your identity. Here’s an article on how to avoid skimmers.

Hopefully, these simple tips help you stay a little more cautious when doing your holiday shopping. Be on the lookout and extra aware this season, so you can keep your identity safe!

Peoples Bank & Trust Co.

Member FDIC

Equal Housing Lender

A Six Step Small Business Cybersecurity Plan

You have ventured out to achieve your dream of owning your own business. Unfortunately, there are criminals who aim to take what you have worked so hard for. These criminals aren’t what they used to be, they aren’t standing at your door, but likely anonymous and entering your business from a remote location. It can happen to anyone and this is why it’s important you have a cybersecurity plan for your business. If you are new to the cybersecurity realm, start with this simplified plan in order to protect your business.

1. Analyze Your Risks

It’s hard to know where you’re going if you don’t know where you are. You have a business to run and a hundred decisions that need to be made everyday. Either partner with a cybersecurity expert to analyze risks you currently have or educate yourself on the potential security pitfalls many business owners fall victim to.

2. Establish Security Protocols

Once you know where you are vulnerable, you have a better idea of what needs to change. Just as you have a list of protocols for the daily running of your business, so should you have a list of the best security practices your business will implement.

3. Limit Physical Access

The more hardware you have exposed, the more at risk you are for theft, employee misuse and hacking. This will help you to protect private business information and client data. Keep the hardware you have to the minimum and put physical locks on any vulnerable devices.

4. Train Employees

Your cybersecurity is only as strong as your employees. Unfortunately, they are often unintentionally the cause of security breaches. It could be from clicking on suspicious links or opening an email from an unknown source. It can happen quickly and to anyone, especially if they are not educated on cyber protection.

5. Backup Data

Some criminals may hold your data hostage unless you pay them. This is called ransomware and is one of the many reasons why it’s important to backup your data. The average cost of a cybersecurity breach for a small business is $34,000. Preemptively avoid this in order to avoid being included in this number.

6. Build a Wall of Protection

Cyber criminals will do anything they can to breach your business. Some options would be to invest in anti-virus, firewall, anti-malware and encryption software. Keeping these protection systems up to date will do wonders in keeping your business protected.

Utilize this cybersecurity plan to keep your small business safe. Did you know we offer tons of secure banking products for your business? Visit our site for more info!

Peoples Bank & Trust Co.

Member FDIC

Equal Housing Lender

Online Safety Tips for Kids

Technology is everywhere and used on a daily basis nowadays, so how do we protect our children when online? Now more than ever is the most important time to sit down with your kiddos and really explain the importance of being safe while online. That’s why Peoples Bank & Trust wanted to offer some main points to touch on with your kids when discussing online safety.

Family Rules:

I won’t tell my address, name, phone number or other special information to anyone online or post it online.
I will tell mom or dad right away if something does not seem right when I’m on the computer or my phone.
I’ll never meet anyone I speak to online, unless my parents say it’s okay and come with me.
I’ll talk to my parents about posting certain things online if I’m unsure, such as pictures.
I won’t give anyone my passwords, even my best friends.
I won’t download any games until checking with mom or dad.
I will not say mean things to anyone online and tell my parents if I do see something like that, or if it happens to me.
I will have mom or dad help install privacy settings on any online platforms I’m using.

Tips for Mom and Dad:

Have your child on their phone or computer in open areas, like a living room or kitchen. Don’t allow them to be alone and on technology if they are young.
If you’re comfortable with it, you can limit what your child does or keep an eye on their actions with certain tools and settings. One tool to use is YouTube Parental Controls. Click here to learn more about this.
Educate yourself on social media, so you know what your child is getting exposed to.
Continuously talk to your young children about being safe and make sure they understand and keep the promises above.
For your older children, give them more space and freedom with their technology. However, continue to have open conversations about what is new in the online world and if they are experiencing any issues such as cyberbullying or came across something that made them uncomfortable.
If your child has an older sibling and feels more comfortable talking to them, encourage them to have discussions about what they’ve seen online so they can talk about ways to stay safe, as well as what’s right and wrong.

We hope these tips allow you to keep your children safe while online. Technology is an important part of society now, but it’s always vital to keep discussions open and honest about the online world, so there is a good flow of trust and communication within your family.

Peoples Bank & Trust Co.

Member FDIC

Equal Housing Lender

Cybersecurity for Beginners

Let’s get back to the basics! Cybersecurity is important for everyone, no matter if you use the internet every hour or every week. If you’ve never considered the best security tactics for the cyber world, hold on tight and pay close attention as we run through the biggest pillars of cybersecurity.

What is cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity is the act or process of protecting devices, networks and programs from theft or damage. Everyone has something to lose, whether it be their identity, money or hardware. Cybercrime can happen to anyone and it’s important to be aware and prepared.

Start With the Physical

Just because we are talking about cyberspace, doesn’t mean this doesn’t include protecting your physical space. Keep all of your devices secured with password protection, so that in the case your device is taken, they will not be able to crack into your sensitive documents. This also goes for being cautious on what flash drives or hard drives you plug into your computer. Unknown ones may be infected with malware seeking to steal your information. This also means your devices should never be left without your supervision.

Create a Tight Password

The first line of defense against a cyber criminal is your password. It’s tempting for many to choose something that is short and easy to remember. However, your password should be complicated enough to keep a hacker out. It’s suggested to use a sentence for a password. For example, instead of choosing your pet’s name as a password, create a sentence about your animal. It could be something like, ”Mydogspotlikestonap.” Get creative!

Avoid Public Wi-Fi

While we believe it’s fantastic to make use of our public libraries and coffee shops, using public Wi-Fi can put you at risk. However, there are two types of public Wi-Fi. One is safer than the other. Unsecured networks often don’t require a password or any login information. A secured network will require that you create an account in order to access the service. This is a safer option. However, if you still want to use an unsecured network, you should be sure to not access any personal information, as the line can be easily hacked.

Be Social Conscious

Social media is a great tool to stay connected with friends and family. However, be sure that you are not posting sensitive information about your identity such as your birth date and current location. It’s also important to keep your settings private so only your close friends have access to the account.

Welcome Updates

Updates may seem tedious, but they keep your device secure by patching any areas that are prone to hacking. Having a software will tell you when you need certain updates and your computer will ask you to restart when it has updates as well.

Be Suspicious

Whether it’s an unsolicited advertisement or an email from an unknown source, always be suspicious of anyone asking for your personal information or money online. It’s often a best course of action to not interact with any unknown sources.

Stay safe and secure by utilizing these cybersecurity tips! You can also open an Online and Mobile Banking account with us – so you can securely check your finances.

Peoples Bank & Trust Co.

Member FDIC

Equal Housing Lender

NMLS# 407727

Online Safety Tips for Older Adults: Myths & Facts You Must Know

Anyone can fall prey to a scam or a cyberattack online. Many older adults have adapted well to the digital world, but they can still fall victim to cybercrime. Today, we will take on common conceptions and misconceptions about online safety. Jump on board as we confront the biggest issues threatening safety online.

Sharing personal information online is never safe.

MYTH

While we should always be suspicious of potential scams, there are times when it is appropriate to share personal information online. For example, a person may need to enter personal information on their banking site in order to login to mobile banking. Typically, once a mobile account is established, they will only need their login information moving forward.

Getting spam in your email is dangerous.

MYTH

It’s not receiving the junk mail or spam that is dangerous, it’s interacting or clicking on the hazardous emails. Junk emails can come from legitimate sources like from a company you have bought a product from online. They may have put you on a mailing list, but there is usually a link at the bottom of their email to “unsubscribe.” Unfortunately, if it is a true spam email, this won’t be an option and you will want to make sure to not interact with the post. You should be sure your email account has the spam filter to ward off potential attacks. It may sound like it’s coming from a legitimate person, but it is best to make a rule to not respond to unsolicited emails.

Don’t send money.

TRUE

Never send money online to someone you don’t know and that isn’t first solicited by you. Suspicion should always be held when anyone is asking for money from you, regardless of their explanatory need for it. This can often happen in the form of a scam from online dating, threatening you in some way or begging for money for a family emergency. If you don’t know what to do, ask a trusted source if you find yourself tempted to send money. However, it is best to never give into requests for money.

Passwords are a first line of defense for cybersecurity.

TRUE

Passwords are a powerful form of protection. A strong password will be a mix of characters and numbers. Too often, many older adults do not password protect their physical devices. This puts them at great risk of not only having their device stolen, but also puts the personal information on their device in the hands of a criminal. Simply be sure to have a password on everything possible that you can and change the password twice a year.

We hope these tips can help you and your loved ones stay safe online. Stay safe and secure with our Online & Mobile Banking services!

Peoples Bank & Trust Co.

Member FDIC

Equal Housing Lender

Top 10 Internet Safety Rules

The key to fighting cybercrime is knowledge and preparedness. Be sure you and your loved ones are following these top ten safety rules when surfing the web.

1. Don’t get click happy.

If you’ve heard the phrase, “Think before you click,” you won’t underestimate the importance of this safety rule. Our internet lives are saturated with opportunities to click on thousands of links, taking us to thousands of places. The trouble with this is that there are some links that are created with the intent to do harm. So when you open your email or see an opportunity to download a link, think about the legitimacy of the source before doing so.

2. Let’s get updates.

Making sure your devices have all of the suggested updates is pivotal to hacking prevention. Most updates involve some sort of patching that fixes potential weaknesses in your system’s cyber defense. Saving updates for later can end up costing you more time and worry.

3. Keep your personal information on the down low.

It’s common for many to overshare information on the internet, especially social media. But be aware that the information particularly valuable to cybercriminals are facts like your birth date, address and full name.

4. Public Wi-Fi is a risk.

As much as we enjoy an afternoon at a coffee shop utilizing free Wi-Fi, it is a fairly hackable way for criminals to creep into your device. You would be better off investing in a VPN to take with you instead. Here’s what you should know about buying your first VPN.

5. Know the meaning of TMI.

Too much information or TMI is not your friend when it comes to internet safety. Especially for children, it’s important to never post when you will be gone from your home on vacation or if you are home alone.

6. Stay informed on the latest scams.

Stay ahead of the cybercrime game by educating yourself on the potential risks and current threats to cybersecurity. A great resource is our blog and the FBI’s official cyber safety website.

7. Keep your password game strong and fresh.

The first line of defense you have is your password. As frustrating as it may seem to come up with a unique password with characters, numbers and capitalized letters, it can be the determining factor as to whether a criminal will get access or not. Keep it unique, memorable to you and change all of your passwords twice a year.

8. Be overly cautious with your money.

Scammers are seeking one main thing and that is to steal your money. Don’t give them an opportunity to do so and if anyone seeks you out to retrieve money, say no. They try to get any of your financial account information through text, emails or links.

9. Don’t open an email from an unknown source.

Because of rule #8, you want to be sure that you are not opening emails from sources you don’t know. One of the reasons for this is that they could have a harmful link that takes over your computer. Always be suspicious of unknown sources and be sure your email has a spam filter.

10. Exercise caution and judgement at all times.

You have to take responsibility when it comes to your online safety. Reading this blog is a great start! Whenever you are online, think critically about what you post and how you interact with all online information.

Stay safe online with these great tips! Then, sign up for our Online and Mobile Banking services to keep your funds secure.

Peoples Bank & Trust Co.

Member FDIC

Equal Housing Lender

Closing the Door on Cybercrime: What Business Owners Should Know

If you’re a small business owner, you’re likely a dreamer and a doer. The dreamer side of you hopes that your business will never be infiltrated and the doer side of you is reading this blog, ready to take an active defense on cybercrime. You will need both of these great qualities in order to seal your doors from those who want to take from your business and keep them wide open for customers. Here’s how:

Train Employees

While you may know your employees well or at least trust them to do their due diligence in security, mistakes can happen if employees aren’t properly trained in cybersecurity. This should be a part of their onboarding process on day one, as well as implementing required training throughout the course of their employment. They should understand how to use all of the company security procedures in addition to understanding the crucial importance of those procedures. Some of which may be:

Allowable Internet Usage
Remote Access Security Measures
Restricted Use Of Removable Media (USB or CDs)

Backup All Data

Imagine if you went to log into your business systems tomorrow and all of your data was either wiped or being held for ransom by a cybercriminal. We hope that you would not have to panic because you routinely back up your data. It can cost hundreds of dollars a minute to have your systems down. You can either backup data on the cloud or on a physical device capable of handling the information. For some businesses, it’s not only their own data at risk, but those of clients. Keep your reputation and client trust strong.

It’s Time for Another Password

We know, we know. It seems about everything needs a unique password these days and it can be difficult to keep up. However, it is this way because it works. Be sure that all your staff changes their passwords at least every three months.

Don’t Forget to Update

Just as it is important to backup data, it is just as important to continually update your systems. If there are gaps in updates, it leaves room for cybercriminals to enter. This is called “patching” in the tech world. Keep your software like a tight, impregnable wall by ensuring all of the necessary updates are made whenever possible. This can be done by automating updates, so you don’t let it slip by!

Keep your business safe by utilizing our safe and secure banking products. We’re happy to help you find safe ways to grow your funds.

Peoples Bank & Trust Co.

Member FDIC

Equal Housing Lender

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