Online Security

ONLINE BANKING SECURITY

AUTHENTICATION IN THE INTERNET BANKING ENVIRONMENT

• Multiple authentication and layered security are helping assure safe Internet transactions for banks and their customers.
• Online security begins with the authentication process, used to confirm that it is you, and not someone who has stolen your identity.
• Layered security is characterized by the use of different controls at different points in a transaction process so that a weakness in one control is generally compensated for by the strength of a different control. An example of layered security might be that you follow one process to log in (user/password), and then give additional information to authorize funds transfers.

CUSTOMER AWARENESS:  THE FIRST LINE OF DEFENSE

Understanding the risks and knowing how fraudsters might trick you is a critical step in protecting yourself online. You can make your computer safer by installing and updating regularly your:

• Anti-virus software
• Anti-malware programs
• Firewalls on your computer
• Operating system patches and updates

You can also learn more about online safety and security at these websites:

www.staysafeonline.com

www.ftc.gov

www.usa.gov

www.idtheft.gov

MOST COMMON ONLINE THREATS

• PHISHING – Fraudulent emails purporting to be from your bank or a similar trusted source lures you to a copy cat website (one that may look like your bank’s site.) Once there you are instructed to “verify” certain personal information, which is then used to hijack your accounts and your identity.  If you receive a suspicious email, delete the message and call your bank.
• PHARMING – Also called “domain spoofing,” this cyber crime intercepts Internet traffic and re-routes it to a fraudulent site. Once there, the victim is asked to enter personal information, just as with Phishing.
• MALWARE – This is software designed to infiltrate or damage a computer system without the owner’s knowledge. Examples of malware (malicious software) include computer viruses, worms, Trojan horses, spyware, and adware.

IF YOU HAVE SUSPICIONS

If you notice suspicious activity within your account or experience security-related events (such as a Phishing email from someone purporting to be from your bank), you can contact Citizens State Bank at 325-468-3311.