Protecting Yourself

Hoax Emails

Sometimes referred to as phishing emails. these will appear to be from a well known and respected company that tries to obtain personal information about you to be used for criminal purposes.

There are ways you can tell if an email is a hoax.

  • They may ask you to click on a link that takes you to a website that asks you for personal information.
  • They may ask you to open an attachment in the email.
  • There are sometimes spelling mistakes in the email.
  • The email will try to bait or threaten you that if you do not respond with this information, your account will be closed.

If you are ever unsure that an email you have received is legitimate, call the company to verify before responding. It is best to simply delete any hoax emails because sometimes even clicking the link can put you at risk. Carter County Bank will never email you asking for personal information.

Protect Your Usernames and Passwords

Choosing Secure Passwords

  • Avoid the obvious – Do not use simple information like your birthday, phone number, social security number, license plate, simple patterns like 12345, AAA, etc. Do not use the word “password” or make the password the same as your User ID.
  • Mix and match – it’s a good idea to choose a password that includes letters and numbers.
  • Change a default password immediately – If you’re being assigned a password, you should immediately change it to a new password if possible.

Keeping Your Passwords Safe

  • Do not write them down or store them in your cell phone
  • Do not share your passwords
  • Do not re-use old passwords
  • Do not use the same password for multiple accounts – This way, if one is being compromised, your other accounts are still safe.
  • Change your passwords on a regular basis

Protect Your Computer

 Security

  • Log off when you’re done – Always log off when you’re done working on the computer. This is especially important if you log into a network, e.g. at work or school, or in a shared environment such as a lab.
  • E-mail is not secure – Never send password information via regular e-mail. Sending e-mail is the same as writing a letter on a piece of paper, then handing the paper unfolded without envelope to your mailman and have it go through the hands of hundreds of postal workers until it reaches its destination.
  • Do not use online storage for passwords – Some web sites offer services to help you organize your passwords, keep them in one place, and have them stored online so you can access them from any computer. You have no idea how secure their system is.
  • Do not check the box to remember your password – Anybody else who uses your machine can use your login information to read your e-mail, access the network, etc. Always take the few seconds it takes to enter your password manually. It’s worth it.
  • Only transmit data online over a secure connection – When you’re online and have to enter confidential data in a form, such as your credit card number, social security number, driver license number, etc. always check first to see if the data will be transferred over a secure connection. Look for the closed padlock symbol in the bottom left or right corner of your browser’s status bar. A closed padlock means the information will be transferred encrypted and secure.

Using Public Computers

  • If you are going to access your online account on a computer that is accessible to other users, such as a roommate, coworker, at a hotel or library, etc. you can take the following precautions to protect yourself.
  • If using Internet Explorer, before you access your bank’s website, go first to the menu bar at the top of the of the browser window. Click on Tools and then Internet Options. In the dialog box that appears, click on the Content tab. then click on the Auto Complete button. Be sure all auto complete buttons are unchecked.
  • At the end of your session, click on Tools and then Internet Options. Then click on the Delete Temporary Files button and then OK.
  • Be sure to completely close the browser when you are finished.
  • Monitor your account frequently for any suspicious activity and contact the bank immediately if you have any questions or concerns.

 

Protecting Your Computer

  • Install A Firewall – This will help protect your computer from hackers who might try to gain access to it.
  • Install and Update Antivirus Software – Antivirus software is designed to prevent malicious software programs from embedding on your computer.
  • Install or Update Your Anti-spyware Technology – Spyware is software that is secretly installed on your computer to let others see what you do on your computer. Some spyware collects information about you and can produce unwanted pop-up ads on your web browser.
  • Keep Your Operating System Up to Date – Computer operating systems are periodically updated to stay in tune with technology requirements and to fix security holes. Be sure to install the updates to ensure your computer has the latest protection.
  • Be Careful What You Download – Carelessly downloading e-mail attachments can circumvent even the best anti-virus protection. Never open an e-mail attachment from someone you don’t know, and be wary of forwarded attachments from people you do know.
  • Turn Off Your Computer – Many people leave their computers on even when not in use. This will render your computer more susceptible to hackers. Turning off the computer off effectively severs an attacker’s connection and prevents them from criminal activity on your computer.

Protecting Your Children

Learn how to help keep your children safe on the Internet by reading the Parent’s Guide to Internet Safety 

If you have any questions or concerns please contact Customer Service at 1.877.725.5222

 

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