Cyber Security

Crossroads Bank knows how important your information is. That is why we are constantly looking for the best possible answers in cyber security defense, and we know that you can benefit from our expertise in this area. No techniques will be 100% effective, but following these simple tips will greatly reduce the likelihood and impact of cyber security attacks on you and your data.

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“Not all that glitters is gold”

• When navigating the internet, be careful when clicking links. A link can be designed to send you to a different site than would be indicated by the name. One way to see where a link is going to take you is to hover over the link with your mouse until a web address shows up in the bottom of your browser or in a popup if the link is in an email. Better yet, you can always type the address manually to avoid any undesired re-directions.
• Do not open suspicious e-mails and never click on links or attachments from senders that you don’t know. E-mail is a very common way that criminals will gain access to your computer, don’t give them the opportunity!
• Don’t ever provide personal information over the internet unless you have 100% certainty that you know who you are dealing with and why they need that specific information. This can be difficult as the people trying to get your information can be very convincing. As a general rule, if it doesn’t feel right, stop and go to a known source for further guidance. Keep in mind that most legitimate organizations will never ask you for important identifying information via e-mail. Websites asking for this kind of information should only be utilized if you know you have the correct web address and you initiated the contact (not because you received an email or phone call to do so).
• Never use your private accounts on public computers, there can be software stored on the computer that collects critical information and could expose your personal identifying information or important passwords. If at all possible, always use a private computer that you trust to do any online banking or important tasks that would identify you or your accounts.
  For better security, you should not save your passwords in the computer for any sites requiring a password. This could allow unwanted access to other users that may not be trustworthy. Avoid automatic logins for websites and accounts if at all possible and always click log off when finished using a website that requires login.
• Make sure that you always have up to date and active anti-virus protection on any personal computer or laptop. Just having the anti-virus program will not provide adequate protection unless it is continually updated for the latest cyber security threats.
• Make sure that any device that you are using is regularly updated with the most recent patches and updates. Most cyber security attacks are deployed by way of out of date software that was not properly patched.
• If you think that you have been a victim of a cyber security attack, take the time to notify your financial institution, as well as the appropriate authorities.

Here are some terms and concepts that you should be familiar with to better protect yourself:

Phishing

Pronounced “Fishing”, this is an attempt by a criminal to convince or coerce you into providing them with personal identifying information. The criminal can then use that information in a variety of ways, including but not limited to: Account takeover, opening new accounts in your name, gaining more information by using the information they have been given, or using information from you to gain access to someone else that you know. Phishing is most commonly perpetrated through e-mail.

Best defense against phishing?

Be continually vigilant and careful when providing personal information, and always be sure you really know who you are talking to.

Malware

This is a special type of software that provides a criminal with control over or access to some or all of your computer files and functions. Typically, this will be deployed without your knowledge by a seemingly innocent link or attachment that is provided to the victim. Malware will often work its way from one computer to others in attempt to gain more information and control.

Best defense against Malware?

A multi-pronged defense is necessary, you need to have updated software, anti-virus protection, and a careful and vigilant approach to accepting emails and visiting websites.

Ransomware

This is a specific type of software that locks a victim out of their computer until they pay a specific ransom to the attacker. Upon payment the criminal claims that they will release the information from the victim’s computer. These attacks have typically impacted businesses more than individuals, but individuals are still vulnerable.

Best defense against Ransomware?

The same as any other Malware, with an added layer of protection coming from good backups of important files held off the computer to minimize the impact of lost files.