Tag Archives: cybersecurity

Stay Safe During Cybersecurity Awareness Month: 7 Tips for Online and In-Person Security

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of staying safe in our increasingly digital world. With cyber threats evolving rapidly, it’s crucial to stay informed and take proactive steps to protect yourself both online and in-person. Here are the latest tips and best practices to help you stay secure.

1. Recognize and Report Phishing Attempts

Phishing scams are one of the most common cyber threats. These scams often come in the form of unsolicited emails or messages that appear to be from legitimate sources, asking for personal information.

  • Be cautious of unsolicited messages: If you receive an unexpected email or message asking for personal information, do not click on any links or provide any details.
  • Verify the source: Contact the organization directly using a known and trusted method to verify the request.
  • Report phishing attempts: Most email providers have options to report phishing. Use these tools to help protect others.

TIP: These emails often have a suspicious sender address, spoofed web links, suspicious attachments, and often use incorrect spelling, grammar, and layout. Often, there is a general salutation and threats or false sense of urgency.

2. Use Strong Passwords and a Password Manager

Strong passwords are your first line of defense against cyber-attacks.

  • Create strong passwords: Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using easily guessable information like birthdays or common words.
  • Use a password manager: Password managers can generate and store complex passwords for you, making it easier to use unique passwords for each of your accounts.

TIP: Some fun ways to remember your password easily but keep it unique is by using a lyric from a song or poem, meaningful quote, address to someplace familiar, or a series of words that mean something to you.

3. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Multi-Factor Authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring more than just a password to access your accounts.

  • Enable MFA on all accounts: Especially for email, social media, and financial accounts. This significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access.
  • Use authentication apps: Apps like Google Authenticator or Authy provide a secure way to manage MFA codes.

TIP: Be on the lookout for random verification codes you receive via text message or phone call, as this is often a scam to get you to click on a link or to reply and provide more information. If you did NOT request a verification code, do not interact with the text message or do hang up the phone call.

4. Keep Your Software Updated

Software updates often include security patches that protect against known vulnerabilities.

  • Enable automatic updates: This ensures you always have the latest security patches.
  • Regularly check for updates: If automatic updates are not available, make it a habit to check for updates regularly.

TIP: To avoid fake update scams, make sure you never download or install software updates from unknown or suspicious sources. Operating systems like Windows and Apple OS usually update automatically, but you can access the manual updates via the computer settings. Browsers typically update on their own. Keep an eye out for random pop ups that look fake or try to direct you to a malicious file or link.

5. Secure Your Devices

Physical security is just as important as digital security.

  • Use strong passwords or biometric locks: Ensure your devices are protected with strong passwords or biometric locks like fingerprints or facial recognition.
  • Be cautious in public places: Avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions. If necessary, use a VPN to encrypt your connection.

TIP: Make sure to always lock your phone, tablet or computer before walking away from it—some devices are set to lock only after a certain period of time has passed.

6. Shop Safely Online

Online shopping is convenient but can be risky if you’re not careful.

  • Shop on secure websites: Look for “https://” in the URL and a padlock icon in the address bar.
  • Use credit cards or secure payment methods: Credit cards often offer better fraud protection than debit cards.
    • Apply for a [BANK] VISA Platinum Credit Card today! With chip card security, fraud monitoring and zero fraud liability—this card lets you earn rewards while staying safe in person and online.
  • Monitor your accounts: Regularly check your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized transactions.

TIP: Beware amazing deals! Sometimes it is too good to be true. If you spot an ad on popular social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram that offers super low prices or offers of free stuff—be cautious, as reports of lost money from social media scams have tripled in the past year!

7. Educate Yourself and Others

Staying informed about the latest cybersecurity threats and best practices is crucial.

  • Participate in Cybersecurity Awareness Month activities: Many organizations offer free resources and events to help you learn more about staying safe online.
  • Share information: Educate your family, friends, and colleagues about the importance of cybersecurity and how they can protect themselves.

TIP: Understanding cyber threats isn’t just for the IT crowd—employees should be well-trained in cybersecurity best practices. For businesses, making cybersecurity education an annual requirement or part of the onboarding process for new employees is a good start.

By following these tips, you can help protect yourself and your loved ones from cyber threats. Remember, cybersecurity is a shared responsibility, and staying informed is the first step towards a safer digital world.

For more information and resources, visit the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the National Cybersecurity Alliance.

Stay safe and secure this Cybersecurity Awareness Month!

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My Identity Has Been Stolen. Now What?

Discovering that your identity has been stolen can be a frightening and overwhelming experience. Here are the steps you should take immediately to protect yourself and minimize the damage:

  • Contact Your Bank and Credit Card Companies: Notify your bank and any credit card companies of the theft. They can help you freeze your accounts, issue new cards, and monitor for suspicious activity.
  • Place a Fraud Alert on Your Credit Reports: Contact one of the major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion) to place a fraud alert on your credit report. This will make it harder for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name.
  • File a Report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Visit the FTC’s IdentityTheft.gov website to report the theft and create a recovery plan. The FTC will provide you with a personalized recovery plan and help you track your progress.
  • Contact Local Law Enforcement: File a police report with your local law enforcement agency. This can help you document the theft and may be required by creditors or other entities.
  • Check Your Credit Reports: Obtain a copy of your credit reports from all three major credit bureaus. Review them carefully for any unauthorized accounts or transactions and report any discrepancies.
  • Change Your Passwords: Change the passwords for your online accounts, especially those related to banking, email, and social media. Use strong, unique passwords for each account.
  • Monitor Your Accounts: Keep a close eye on your bank and credit card statements, as well as your credit reports, for any signs of fraudulent activity. Consider enrolling in a credit monitoring service for added protection.


For more detailed information and resources, visit our Scam Prevention page.

Taking these steps can help you regain control and protect your financial well-being. Stay vigilant and proactive to prevent further damage.

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Digital Deception: How to Identify and Avoid Online Banking Scams

Staying Safe Online

In the digital age, banking has never been more convenient. But with this convenience comes a new wave of cyber threats that can catch even the savviest of us off guard. Online banking scams are on the rise, and it’s crucial to stay one step ahead. Let’s dive into the murky waters of digital deception and learn how to keep your finances secure.

The Latest Online Banking Scams 

Scammers are constantly finding new ways to trick us. Here are some of the latest and most common tactics we’ve seen:

  1. Investment Scams: These scams top the list with reported losses in the billions, where fraudsters lure victims with promises of high returns on investments.
  2. Impersonation Scams: Scammers impersonate business or government officials to steal money or personal information, often using intimidation tactics.
  3. Payment Method Scams: Fraudsters prefer bank transfers and cryptocurrency for scam payments, leading to significant losses for victims. They will even use peer-to-peer payment apps like Zelle.
  4. Social Media Scams: A large portion of scams originate on social media platforms, with scammers using fake profiles or ads to deceive users. In fact, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) 2022 Online Scams Report found that many people commonly found themselves the victims of a scam after trying to buy a puppy online. This was due to scammers purchasing ads for their fake e-commerce websites for social media. Around 44% of social media scams from January to June of 2023 were connected to online shopping.
  5. AI-Powered Scams: Artificial intelligence is being used to create convincing phishing messages and deepfakes, making scams more believable.
  6. Student Loan Forgiveness Scams: Scammers exploit the confusion around student loan forgiveness programs to trick victims into paying fake fees or sharing personal information.
  7. Phone Scams: Including robocalls and impersonators, phone scams use smartphones’ capabilities to install malware or extract personal data.
  8. Job Scams: Offering fake employment opportunities, scammers may ask for personal information or payment to “secure” a job.
  9. Money-Making Opportunity Scams: Victims are enticed with the prospect of easy money, only to find themselves defrauded.
  10. Prize and Grant Scams: Scammers promise fake prizes or grants, requesting payment or personal details to claim the supposed reward.

Recognizing the Red Flags 

So, how can you spot these scams? Here are some telltale signs:

  • Urgency: Scammers often create a sense of urgency, pressuring you to act quickly.
  • Unsolicited contact: Be wary of unexpected calls, emails, or texts asking for personal information.
  • Suspicious links: Hover over links to see where they really lead before clicking.
  • Requests for sensitive information: Your bank will never ask for your password or PIN via email or text.

Avoiding the Traps 

Here are some practical steps to protect yourself:

  • Secure your devices: Use reputable antivirus software and keep it updated.
  • Be skeptical: If something feels off, trust your instincts and verify through official channels.
  • Strong passwords: Create complex passwords and change them regularly.
  • Monitor your accounts: Regularly check your bank statements for any unauthorized transactions.

We’re Your Shield Against Scams 

At Peoples Bank and Trust, we’re committed to your financial safety. Our security measures and vigilant fraud monitoring are like a digital fortress around your finances. We’re here to educate and empower you, so you can bank online with confidence. Remember, if you ever have doubts about the legitimacy of a communication, reach out to us directly. Your peace of mind is our top priority.

Stay informed, stay skeptical, and stay safe. With the right knowledge and tools, you can protect yourself from the digital deceivers looking to disrupt your financial harmony.

White piggie bank with white airplane above it on blue background

Summer Travels: Protecting Your Finances On the Go

Staying Safe Abroad

Summer is here, and with it comes the thrill of new adventures and the allure of distant horizons. But as we pack our bags and set out to make memories, it’s vital to remember that our financial security should travel with us. From the sun-drenched shores to the vibrant pulse of city life, ensuring the safety of your finances is as important as your itinerary. Here’s how you can protect your financial well-being while savoring the joys of summer travel.

Before You Go

There are a few steps you can take to make sure you’re secured and well prepared for your trip, so be sure to:

  • Update your device: Make sure your smartphone, tablet, or laptop, and any apps are updated to the latest software as this will improve your device’s ability to defend against malware.
  • Back up your information: Perform a backup of your photos, videos, contacts, and any other important information.
  • Enable ‘Find My Device’: Whether you’re an Android or iOS user, make sure to enable the ‘Find My Device’ feature on all your devices. This will allow you to find your device, like your phone, laptop or tablet, as well as disable it or wipe it remotely.
  • Lock it up: If your devices do not have passwords on them, it’s time to enable a strong PIN or password! Get into the habit of locking all your devices before you stop using them to ensure no one has time to steal information.

Using Public Wi-Fi Wisely 

Public Wi-Fi is a traveler’s best friend for staying connected, but it’s also a playground for cybercriminals. To stay safe:

Handling Cash and Credit Cards 

Cash is king in many places, but carrying too much can be risky. Credit cards, on the other hand, offer convenience and security. Here’s how to manage both:

  • Divide and conquer: Keep a small amount of cash handy and stash the rest in a secure spot like a money belt or hotel safe.
  • Notify your bank: Inform your bank of your travel plans to prevent any blocks on your cards due to unusual activity.
  • Choose credit over debit: Credit cards offer better protection against fraud, chargebacks, and often come with travel insurance benefits.

Stay Alert with Mobile Notifications

  • Download your bank or card’s app: Before you travel, download your credit/debit card or bank’s app to have easy access to your account.
  • Enable notifications: Set up instant alerts to be notified on your phone whenever your card is charged, giving you real-time updates on your spending and immediate notice of unauthorized use.

In Case of Lost or Stolen Items 

Theft or loss can happen to anyone. If you find yourself in this unfortunate situation:

  • Act fast: Report any stolen items to local authorities and your bank immediately.
  • Document everything: Keep copies of important documents and receipts, which will be helpful when filing claims.
  • Use credit card benefits: Many credit cards offer protection for lost or stolen items, so be sure to leverage these features.

Why Credit is Better Than Debit 

When traveling, credit cards are your financial armor. They offer:

  • Fraud protection: Credit cards limit your liability on fraudulent charges.
  • Chargeback options: If services aren’t rendered, you can dispute charges more easily than with debit cards.
  • Rewards and perks: Earn points, miles, or cashback on your travel expenses, which can be used for future adventures.

We’re Your Trusted Travel Partner

At Peoples Bank and Trust, we understand the importance of financial security during your travels. Our range of credit card options is designed to provide you with peace of mind, so you can focus on making memories. Before you pack your bags, visit Peoples Bank and Trust to find the perfect travel companion in our credit card offerings.

Enjoy your summer travels with confidence, knowing that Peoples Bank & Trust has got your back every step of the way.

What is Phishing?

What is Phishing?

Your cybersecurity is of the utmost importance. Do you know what phishing is? Keep reading to learn what phishing is, how it can happen, and tips to tighten up your cybersecurity. 

Definition of Phishing

When criminals go phishing, do not take the bait. Phishing is when criminals create fake emails and lure you into clicking. These emails commonly bait you into clicking malicious software that will download on your computer or convince you to share personal information. Phishing happens daily, it is extremely important to know what it is, what to look for and how to handle it. 

Don’t Click It

If you see a suspicious email you feel could be a phishing attempt, DO NOT CLICK IT. Believe it or not, it can be difficult to spot a fake email. If you’re at the office and the email came to your work email address, report it to your IT manager or security officer as quickly as possible. On your personal email, do not click on any links (even the unsubscribe link) or reply back to the email – JUST DELETE IT. You can take your protection a step further and block the sending address from your email program, too.

Here’s how to… 

Here’s how to:

Signs of Phishing 

Recognizing a phishing attempt can be fishy and almost difficult sometimes. If you have a feeling an email looks off, go with your gut. Here are the top signs that may point to a phishing attempt: 

  • Contains an offer that is too good to be true
  • Very urgent language 
  • Uses threatening or alarming language
  • Ambiguous greetings
  • Requests personal information
  • Bad grammar
  • Misspellings
  • Sending from an email address that doesn’t match the person or company
  • The urgency to click links or attachments
  • Strange requests

Don’t be scammed by a phishing attempt. It is important to educate your household about what to look for in a fake email and how to go about handling it to ensure your safety and cybersecurity. Keep your devices and accounts password-protected and be sure to clear out your inbox frequently. Don’t take the phishing bate!

Peoples Bank & Trust Co.

Member FDIC

Equal Housing Lender

Top Cybersecurity Practices for Your Cellphone

Top Cybersecurity Practices for Your Cellphone

We use our mobile devices for just about everything these days – work, social, personal, etc. If we do not proactively take steps to protect ourselves on our devices, we are allowing ourselves to be vulnerable to phishing, hackers, and compromised data. Take a minute to read up on some top cybersecurity tips as a reminder to make sure your cellphone is secure.  

Educate Yourself on Best Cybersecurity Practices 

Effectively educating yourself on the top cybersecurity practices frequently will ensure your privacy and safety on your device. When your phone is not secure data leakage is extremely common. We all use our mobile devices to browse the internet, apps, and most commonly email. Email phishing and spam attacks are huge and can be a huge breach of your data if you are not addressing them immediately. 

Secure Your Phone 

Accurately securing your phone is crucial to good cybersecurity. Having a password is key to ensuring your phone’s security. Creating a good password, whether that be a combination of numbers and letters, your fingerprint, facial recognition, or even eye recognition will boost strong security. It is very smart to also have your apps password protected to add another layer of security.  

If possible, incorporate a two-factor authentication. This is a great option for apps you use less frequently or that have a lot of personal data in them. When using two-factor authentication you will first enter a password. You then will receive a code via email or SMS to enter to get into your account.  

Avoid Public or Open Wi-Fi Networks  

I know we all have times where we are reliant on a good internet connection but try as much as possible to not connect to public or open Wi-Fi networks. Public and open networks bring many threats to your device as they are visible to anyone on that network. 

If you absolutely need internet, utilize your data plan, or install a VPN to keep your phone secure and hidden from open networks. This is a reminder if your home internet or hotspot isn’t password-protected, do it now!  

Update Your Applications and Device 

It is very important to frequently update your applications and device software. If you get a notification something needs an update, do it as soon as you possibly can. When you install an application, read through the user permissions to know what it needs access to. Only give permissions when you are running the app, not at all times. If there is an app you are not using, be sure to shut off those permissions or delete the app altogether. If you don’t intend to use the app for video or photo use but it asks for it, it may not be the best app to install.  

Our lives are on our mobile devices, so it is important we have good practices in place to combat cyber threats. Incorporate these tips or use them as a checklist to ensure your device and your data are secure. 

Peoples Bank & Trust Co. 

Member FDIC 

Equal Housing Lender 

computer

Cybersecurity 101 for Seniors

Seniors are a big target for cybercriminals since they often leave their devices and networks unprotected. No matter what age you are, there’s a good chance you find yourself using some sort of technology on a daily basis. If you or your loved one is of older age, keep reading to make sure all of your cybersecurity bases are covered. 

Common Ways Seniors Use the Internet 

You may think the older generations are much more disconnected from the online world, but they use the Internet in a variety of ways all of the time: 

  • Managing finances online instead of at the bank 
  • Reading or watching the news 
  • Messaging or video chatting loved ones 
  • Shopping online 
  • Distracting themselves during free time or boredom 

Why Are Seniors a High-Risk Group? 

There are many reasons why seniors are an attractive target for cybercriminals. Here are a few: 

  • High likelihood to shop online 
  • Often not as tech-savvy 
  • Easily trust others online 
  • Less alert or less likely to notice a scam 

How Can Seniors Stay Safe? 

Implementing cybersecurity safety tips into everyday life can be quite simple and makes a world of a difference. Make sure you’re following all of the below: 

  • Secure websites only: Before visiting a website and especially before making any purchases or entering information, check for the “https” at the beginning of the link. The “s” tells you that the site is secure, and if it’s not, your information is not always being kept private. 
  • Read messages/emails carefully: If you receive an email that looks suspicious, is too good to be true, asking for personal information or contains misspellings, there’s a good chance it’s a scam. 
  • Create strong and secure passwords: The most obvious way to keep your accounts and information private is by locking them. Using a different password for each account helps you avoid being hacked on multiple ends. Password managers are great for keeping everything organized. 
  • Keep your software updated: Enable auto-update in the settings section of the applications you use to ensure your apps are up-to-date and protected. 
  • Watch what you share: Social media is a great way to stay connected to family and friends and give important life updates. Make sure your profile is private, you’re friends with people you know and you don’t overshare personal information like your address. 

Seniors are no longer disconnected from the world of Internet, so cybersecurity has never been more important than it is today. Reminding yourself frequently of just how dangerous the online world can be is always a good idea. Keep yourself, your friends and your family protected by following these effective tips to improve your safety online. 

Peoples Bank & Trust Co.

Member FDIC

Equal Housing Lender

computer

Cybersecurity Tips for Small Businesses

Concerns about cyberattacks on small businesses continue to grow, and knowing how to protect your business is crucial. Because smaller businesses don’t have the same amount of security as a big businesses, they’re prime victims for cybercriminals. Keep reading to learn the best ways to keep your small business out of online danger. 

Always use strong and secure passwords 

This is the most obvious and well-known cybersecurity tip, but it’s one of the most important. If you want any sort of protection from hackers, your passwords must be strong, secure and updated regularly. You can take extra precautions by having a strong password created for you online rather than creating your own. 

Never use the same password for multiple accounts 

Going along with the first tip, password security is a must. Not only should your passwords be strong and updated, but they should differ on each account. Using the same password for multiple accounts is risky because if one account is compromised, they all are. There are online password managers you can utilize to help with keeping track of the multiple passwords you have on varying accounts. 

Keep your software updated 

Outdated and old versions of apps can be more vulnerable to hacker access. A great way to keep your software secure is to install all updates for software and applications as soon as they’re made available.  

Use VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) 

VPNs are made to encrypt all traffic that leaves and enters your device. Using a VPN is a smart step towards securing your business’s information. If a cybercriminal somehow hacks you and intercepts your information, it will all be encrypted data which is useless for them. 

Train your employees properly 

Being consistent with your employee is extremely important for your small business’s online safety. Make sure all employees know what precautions to take, how to use and handle business information and what the penalties are for failing to follow those rules. 

Try hacking your own system  

Hiring an IT specialist to analyze and audit your system to search for weaknesses is a great way to see what needs to be improved. Doing this will help you understand how to better protect your small business. 

Most small businesses are very under-protected when it comes to cyber safety and protecting their information. We hope you’ll follow these tips and take all the necessary precautions in order to keep your small business out of harm’s way. Contact us for all of your finance needs!

Peoples Bank & Trust Co.

Member FDIC

Equal Housing Lender

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Online Safety Tips for Remote Workers

Whether you’ve been working from home for a while or just recently started, getting a refresher on staying safe online is always a good idea. Working remotely comes with being at risk for a cyber-attack, which can be dangerous for your private work data. Read these online security tips to ensure you’re doing what you can to keep cybercriminals away. 

Keep Your Work Covered 

It’s always nice to change up the scenery and visit a park or coffee shop to get some work done. Working in public does come with its concerns, so make sure you’re playing it safe. Don’t let those around you peek at your screen or see what work you’re doing. You never know what strangers are up to and it’s better to be safe than sorry. Cybercriminals can be anywhere! 

Always Use Strong Passwords 

Not only should your accounts be protected with a strong password, but your devices should be, too. Make sure your laptop, phone and other devices are locked with a secure password. Remember not to use the same password across multiple accounts – if one password is compromised, then all of your accounts could be taken over. A great tool for this is a password manager, which will create and remember strong and secure passwords for you. 

Set Up Two-Factor Authentication 

Along with having a strong password comes the importance of two-factor authentication. This will add an additional step to your login process to make sure your account is protected and not being hacked. Some common ways this works is through an email/text confirmation or fingerprint scan. Two-factor authentication ensures that, even if your password is compromised, you still have a backup plan in action. 

Beware of Public Wi-Fi 

Using public Wi-Fi is the prime way that cybercriminals are able to access your data. They’re using the same network as you, making it much easier for them to hack your device or accounts. If you’re doing work in a public place, use a personal hotspot or a VPN to encrypt your internet traffic, which would make it unreadable to others. 

We hope these tips were good reminders for those of you who work remotely. Cybersecurity is becoming more and more important as technology advances, so be sure to share this information with coworkers, family, friends and others you know who are working from home! 

Peoples Bank & Trust Co.

Member FDIC

Equal Housing Lender

phone

7 Personal Cybersecurity Tips

As time goes on and technology expands, people are becoming more and more prone to cybercriminal attacks. By following some basic tips, you could avoid a multitude of problems in the future!

1. Use Strong and Varying Passwords

This is probably the most obvious and common cybersecurity tip known to web users. Don’t underestimate the importance of your password strength! Change your password every once in a while to be safe (recommended at least once a year). Also, don’t use the same password for more than one account.

2. Be Careful With Your Personal Info

Personal information, like your address, birthday or phone number, should be posted carefully. The smartest option would just be to keep as much of that information off of your social media as possible. These personal details are used by cybercriminals to locate individuals. Better safe than sorry!

3. Recognize and Stay Away From Phishing 

Phishing is when someone poses as someone they aren’t to trick people into giving them information, clicking on a dangerous link, etc. This is the most common way ransomware attacks originate. Be suspicious about the emails and messages you receive and don’t open messages from people you don’t know.

4. Utilize Two-Factor Identification

Many social media sites have two-factor identification options and most users don’t take advantage of this helpful security option. Two-factor identification prompts you to not only enter your username and password, but also another personal identification code.

5. Update Your Software

Keeping your device’s software updated might not seem like a safety-related tip, but both businesses and consumers have suffered from hackers due to not updating. Try turning on the automatic updates offered on your device.

6. Say No to Public Wi-Fi

Using public Wi-Fi if it’s available seems like a no-brainer. What most people don’t realize is how much easier it is for cybercriminals to access your accounts and devices when you’re connected to a public Wi-Fi network. Consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to protect your device while using public W-Fi.

7. Install Trusted Apps Only

Not all applications are safe, and not all of them can be trusted. Check reviews and ratings before installing anything you’re unfamiliar with!

Don’t let yourself fall into the statistics of those dealing with cybercriminals! Protect your devices, accounts and personal information by following these tips and always being cautious online.

Peoples Bank & Trust Co.

Member FDIC

Equal Housing Lender