May 7, 2021
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In recognition of World Password Day, New Tripoli Bank would like to remind our customers and members of our community that they should be taking steps to safeguard their personal account information, including their password, and to make sure they know what to do if they suspect they have been affected by a reported breach.
With more consumers doing their shopping and financial transactions online, it is more important than ever to prevent cybercriminal activity, the bulk of which originates as phishing attacks and costs and estimated $17,700 every minute, according to a press release from the Independent Community Bankers of America. However, by staying alert and practicing proper cybersecurity, all of us can make a difference and ensure a safer and more resilient internet for everyone.
Reducing Your Risk
While there is no foolproof way to avoid online identity theft, you can minimize your risk by:
- Limiting what information you disclose—Never respond to texts, emails, or phone calls requesting sensitive personal information or financial information such as your banking ID, account numbers, username, or passwords, even if the messages appear to originate from your financial institution, government agencies, or officials from companies with whom you have a relationship. This is the most common form of phishing.
- Taking advantage of security features—Regularly update your computer security software and apply software updates to your computer system, mobile devices, web browsers and operating system when prompted. This will keep you up to date and improve your defenses against viruses, malware, and other online threats.
- Monitoring account activity—Carefully review your bank statements and regularly check your credit report for unusual or unexplained transactions, unknown accounts in your name, or unexpected denials on your card. Report any suspicious activity to your financial institution immediately.
Respond to a Data Breach
Unfortunately, data breaches do happen, which is why it's important to know the steps you can take to minimize your risk in the event of a breach.
- Consider a security freeze on your credit report to restrict access to your credit file. You can visit the credit reporting agencies websites or call them to put the freeze on your report:
- Set up a fraud alert, which directs banks to verify your identity before opening a new account, issuing an additional card, or increasing the credit limit on an existing account.
- Shred documents with personal or sensitive information before disposing of them.
- Change your passwords frequently and make sure to use strong passwords. A strong password is one that is at least 8 characters long and includes both capital and lowercase letters as well as numbers and symbols. You can watch our 2019 security seminar for more tips on cybersecurity.
- Report stolen financial information, accounts, or identities and other cybercrime to your financial institution, the Internet Crime Complaint Center and to your local law enforcement and/or state attorney general.
You can learn more about how to protect yourself online at the Stay Safe Online website.
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