We make the security of our customer’s personal and financial information a top priority at Meredith Village Savings Bank. As keystroke loggers, virus attacks and phishing scams become increasingly prevalent, your vigilance and cooperation is also imperative in ensuring a secure Online and Mobile Banking environment.
Some of the most harmful malware attacks and scams can happen right on your own computer or mobile device. Failing to implement proper protection on your devices can leave you vulnerable to sophisticated attacks, where fraudsters are able to view the confidential information and passwords you are entering online and then use this information to commit fraud.
The National Cyber Security Alliance offers the following tips through their website, staysafeonline.org, to help protect consumers from online banking intrusion:
- Keep a clean machine. Having the latest security software, web browser and operating system are the best defenses against viruses, malware and other online threats.
- Be cautious of clicking on links and banners. Authors of ransomware often use pop-up windows and click bait to access a user’s machine. Instead of clicking on the window, close it with a keyboard command (CTRL+ALT+DELETE) or by right clicking on your taskbar.
- When in doubt, throw it out. Links in email, tweets, posts and online advertising are often the way cybercriminals compromise your computer. If it looks suspicious, even if you know the source, it’s best to delete or if appropriate, mark as junk email.
- Protect all devices that connect to the Internet. Along with computers, smart phones, gaming systems and other web-enabled devices also need protection from viruses and malware.
- Plug & Scan. “USB’s” and other external devices can be infected by viruses and malware. Use your security software to scan them.
We always recommend choosing strong, unique passwords for your online banking account and to never set your browser to remember usernames or passwords for your financial accounts. Only access online banking from protected networks and always be sure to fully log out of online banking before walking away from your computer or device. If you ever suspect that your MVSB accounts have been compromised by any type of fraud or malware, please contact us as soon as possible.
