Basic Tips and Advice When Banking Online
STOP | THINK | CONNECT
Americans use the internet to communicate, share vital information and conduct business on a daily basis. Yet, our collective cybersecurity is regularly threatened by online criminals who wish to access our private information. As we move further into the information age, we must recognize our shared responsibility to make the cyberspace we operate in as secure as possible.
We take consumer cyber security seriously!
At First Community Bank and Trust, we take great care in handling our customers' sensitive information. We use state of the art encryption technology, internal computer firewalls and diligently monitor online banking activity. We continue to educate our customers on how to keep personal data safe online. We want this education to equip our customers with practical steps to help strengthen the cybersecurity ecosystem and avoid falling prey to identity theft and fraud.
"Cyber Security is a shared responsibility
and we each have a role to play."
- Homeland Security
TAKE STEPS NOW TO HELP PROTECT YOUR INFORMATION WHEN YOU ARE ONLINE
(1) Update your online banking password!
The strongest passwords avoid predictable patterns, are not obvious choices and require a longer string of characters. It is important to emphasize that increasing your password length helps increase its strength.
Security standards regarding passwords continue to change. That's why it is important to update your password to help protect your account(s).
Password requirements:
- Your password must be 12-17 characters long
- Your password must contain at least 1 Numeric Character
- Your password must contain at least 1 Uppercase Character
- Your password must contain at least 1 Lowercase Character
- Your password must contain at least 1 Special Character
Good Examples: Car*cookie17 - BigHouses$150 - Saw%Quest7trait
Changing your password is easy
- Log into First eBanc on your desktop computer and click Profile and then Edit Password. Follow the onscreen prompts.
- Or, log into First eBanc Mobile and click on More and then Change Password and follow the onscreen prompts.
(2) STOP: Keep a clean machine or device
- Keep security software current: Having the latest security software, web browser and operating system is the best defense against viruses, malware and other online threats.
- Automate software updates: Software programs will automatically connect and update to defend against known risks. Turn on automatic updates if available.
- Manage social media settings and minimize information sharing. Just a few data points can create a pathway for exploitation by cybercriminals.
- Do a system check. Purge unused apps and outdated or sensitive information stored in old files and emails and ensure all software on internet-connected devices is current.
(3) THINK: Protect your personal information
- Stay vigilant. Lookout for imposter sites and unsolicited emails. Warning signs include spelling or grammatical errors, missing contact information, and suspicious URLs or email addresses.
- Enable any authentication tools offered. Popular authentication methods include biometrics, security keys and single-use codes through apps or mobile devices.
- Unique account, unique password: Having separate passwords for every account helps to thwart cybercriminals.
- Read the fine print for online purchases. Often a website or application will ask for permission to save account information. Never save credit and debit card information on the merchant's website or app.
- Monitor account activity regularly and sign up for First eAlerts. First eAlerts helps you stay up to date on your account activity in real-time. If you notice transaction irregularities, immediately report them.
(4) CONNECT: Connect with care
- When in doubt, throw it out: Links in emails, social media and online advertising are often how cybercriminals try to steal your personal information. Even if you know the source, if something looks suspicious, delete it.
- Use WiFi judiciously: Limit the type of business conducted over open public WiFi connections, including logging in to key accounts like banking.
- Protect your money: When banking online or shopping, check to make sure the site is securely enabled. Look for web addresses with "https://", which means the site takes extra measures to help secure your information. "http://" is not secure.
We are in this together!
Implementing the steps outlined can make your daily usage of the internet more secure. Whether you are banking online with First eBanc, First eBanc Mobile, First eBiz or First eBiz Mobile or shopping at one of the many online store fronts, these steps will help protect your personal data.
If you have any questions regarding your password or any of the information listed above, please give us a call or send us a secure message.
More places to learn about cybersecurity
These new password guidelines are nationally recommended
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has issued these new guidelines regarding secure passwords. They are a non-regulatory federal agency whose purpose is to promote U.S. innovation and industrial competitiveness that enhance economic security and improve our quality of life.
Learn more about cybersecurity at StaySafeOnline
Since its original inception under leadership from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA), NCSAM has grown exponentially, reaching consumers, small and medium-sized businesses, corporations, educational institutions and young people across the nation. Driven through mass public engagement this organization helps to encourage personal accountability and proactive behavior in digital privacy, security best practices, common cyber threats and cybersecurity careers.