Users of web-enabled systems must be
educated to use systems safely.Every
personal computer attached to the Internet is at risk unless properly configured
to guard against unauthorized intrusion.Users
must understand the need for tools on their computers such as anti-virus
protection and even personal firewalls.It
is also extremely important to teach your customers what types of requests to
expect from you via email and how to recognize when a criminal may be attempting
to impersonate and steal information or dollars.For example, posting the following message in several locations on your
Web site or in newsletters or statement stuffers will help your customers
understand how to help protect against fraud:
First
Southern Bank NEVER uses emails or telephone calls to verify personal
financial information. If you receive an email or telephone call asking
for information that you know the Bank already has, please contact us
immediately so that we can investigate the inquiry.
A Few Simple Rules
Make
use of a firewall or router for personal computers.
Use
anti-virus software and keep it up to date.
Keep
computer software up to date, especially the security patches.
Use
a unique password and change it on a regular basis.
Don’t
share passwords with anyone.
Always
clear the computer cache and/or properly exit the Web browser after logging
into an Internet banking account.
Carefully
type the financial institutions Web address.
Don’t
be fooled by similar looking Web sites that trick users into attempting to
log in or redirect you to another Web site that asks for confidential
information.
Don’t
open emails from unknown sources.
Never
open an email attachment you are not expecting (even from a trusted source).
If
you are called on the telephone and asked for confidential information, even
if they say they are your bank, DO NOT give it out – call them back first using a trusted,
published phone number, such as the phone number listed on your bank
statement.
Regularly
audit Internet banking accounts.
Web-based financial services are as safe and secure as any of
the practical alternatives.However,
like most things in our daily lives, without safe practices, the risk can be
significant.With First
Southern Bank you have
a partner who understands and practices a safe approach to Web-enabled financial
services to ensure that you deliver the solutions that will continue to increase
your overall customer satisfaction.
