Protection from Cyber Attacks
The Department of Homeland Security Provides the following preventative strategies to help online users proactively look for emails that could lead to a cyber-attack.
- Never click on links in email. Go to the site and log on directly. Whatever notification or service offering was referenced in the email, if valid, will be available via regular log on.
- Never open the attachments. Typically, retailers will not send emails with attachments. If there is any doubt, contact the retailer directly and ask whether the email with the attachment was sent from them.
- Do not give out personal information over the phone or in an email unless you are sure they need the information and that they are a legitimate company or organization. Social engineering is a process of deceiving individuals into providing personal information to seemingly trusted agents who turn out to be malicious actors.
Other Practical tips to protect yourself from cyberattacks:
- Set secure passwords and don’t share them with anyone. Avoid using common words, phrases, or personal information.
- Keep your operating system, browser, anti-virus and other critical software up to date. Security updates and patches are available for free from reputable companies.
- Verify the authenticity of requests from companies or individuals by contacting them directly. If you are asked to provide personal information via email, you can independently contact the company directly to verify this request.
- Pay close attention to website URLs. Pay attention to the URLs of websites you visit. Malicious websites sometimes use a variation in common spelling or different domain (for example, .com instead of .net) to deceive unsuspecting computer users.
- For e-mail, turn off the option to automatically download attachments.
- Be suspicious of unknown links or request sent through email or text message. Do not click on unknown links or answer strange questions sent to your mobile device, regardless of who the sender appears to be.
To read more go to https://www.dhs.gov/how-do-i/protect-myself-cyber-attacks
Should you ever have questions about your computer safety and its connection with your accounts at SNB please do not hesitate to contact us.
Thank you for trusting Security National Bank as your financial institution.
