Cybersecurity Awareness Month: Protecting What Matters Most

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, making it a good time to take a closer look at how we protect our personal and financial information. While cybersecurity often brings to mind passwords, firewalls, and antivirus software, one of the most important parts of security is something much simpler: people.

As your community bank, we take the security of your financial information seriously. We also know that today’s scams often rely less on breaking through technology and more on convincing someone to trust a message, click a link, share information, or send money.

Scammers Use Trust and Urgency

Cybercriminals know that people are more likely to make a mistake when they feel rushed, worried, or pressured. A scammer may impersonate your bank, a family member, a business partner, a vendor, or another trusted organization. You may receive a message claiming that: 

Stop, Think, and Verify

Before clicking a link, providing information, or sending money, ask yourself:

• Was I expecting this request? If not, take a moment before responding.

• Does the request make sense? Be especially cautious when someone suddenly asks for sensitive information or a financial transaction.

• Can I verify it another way? Instead of replying to the message or using the phone number provided, contact the person or organization directly using a trusted phone number or other known method.

If someone contacts you claiming to be from your bank, remember that you should never provide your online banking password or a one-time authentication code in response to an unexpected request. If you are unsure whether a call, text, or email is legitimate, contact us directly using a trusted number.

Businesses Face the Same Risks

For our business customers, these same tactics can lead to significant financial losses. A convincing email from a vendor requesting a change to payment instructions, or an urgent request for a wire or ACH transaction, may not be what it appears to be.

Make independent verification part of your normal process. Confirm payment changes and unusual financial requests using a known phone number or another trusted method. Businesses should also use multifactor authentication, limit access to financial systems, regularly review user permissions, and provide employees with ongoing security awareness training.

Make Cybersecurity a Daily Habit

Cybersecurity Awareness Month is a great reminder that protecting your information does not have to be complicated. Strong, unique passwords, multifactor authentication, current software, and careful attention to unexpected requests can go a long way toward protecting your accounts.
Most importantly, give yourself time to think. Scammers want you to act quickly. Taking a moment to stop and verify a request can make all the difference.

As your community bank, we are here to help. If something seems suspicious or you are unsure whether a request is legitimate, contact us before taking action. We would much rather answer your question than have you take an unnecessary risk with your information or your money.