Protecting Yourself and Your Business

There are 3 important steps to online security:

  1. Learn about potential online security threats.
  2. Prevent these threats by assessing your risks and implementing a plan.
  3. Act upon possible threats by promptly reporting cyber attacks.

The following information will help you use these 3 steps to enhance your online security:

Internal Controls

  • Maintain appropriate internal controls, including segregation of duties.
  • Periodically assess your risk and evaluate your own internal controls, including reviews of your users and the permissions you grant them.
  • Review your transactions and statements regularly to detect unauthorized activity.
  • Report any unauthorized or suspicious transactions immediately.
  • Set up Account Alerts so we can let you know when certain account activity takes place.

Viruses and Malware

  • Scan any software downloaded from the internet for viruses before installation.
  • Ensure that your computer's operating system and software are updated on a regular basis.
  • Consult your company's Information Technology professional for assistance.
  • Use a current browser that supports higher encryption standards.
  • Take advantage of the security features your organization provides, such as virus-scanning programs and firewalls.
  • Use anti-virus and anti-malware software, and keep the software up to date.

Suspicious Emails and Phone Calls
Use caution when you receive email messages or phone calls that:

  • Instruct you to open attachments.
  • Require you to provide personal information.
  • Threaten to close or suspend your account if you don't provide personal information.
  • State that your account has been compromised and request that you provide your account information.
  • Ask you to confirm, verify or update your account, credit card or billing information.

Password Protection
The importance of protecting your passwords and user IDs cannot be overstated. Password Protection is one of the most basic, and sometimes overlooked, security features you can implement to ensure a higher level of online protection for yourself and your business.

  • Don't use the same user ID and password for multiple websites.
  • Don't write down or post user IDs, passwords, or other sensitive information.
  • Don't share your passwords or any other login credentials.
  • Remind your users to change their passwords frequently.
  • Prevent unauthorized persons from using your computer by logging out or locking your workstation when you leave the area.