Regardless of how much money you have tucked away in your bank accounts, nothing is more important than keeping your personal information and money safe from cybercriminals. After all, even the smallest risk is still a risk.
As part of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and with cyber threats continually increasing and evolving, now’s the perfect time for a quick review of easy ways you can stay informed, vigilant and protected. Below are 7 useful tips to help you and your finances remain secure from cybersecurity threats and scams today and in the future.
1. Use strong passwords and enable multi-factor authentication
One of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of unauthorized access to your accounts is good password hygiene. Create a unique password for every site and account you have. Make sure they are long (15 characters or more). Use a password manager to store your passwords in a single secure vault and create strong, unique passwords for you. Additionally, using multi-factor authentication (MFA) offers another layer of protection by requiring two or more methods of authentication, including something you know, something you have, or something you are.
2. Check your accounts regularly
This may seem like a no-brainer, but regularly monitoring your bank accounts and credit card statements is essential for catching unauthorized transactions or suspicious activity. To assist, set up bank account alerts to receive notifications for any transactions or significant changes that occur. These alerts also give you another “set of eyes” to help detect suspicious activity on your accounts, giving you the ability to act quickly and early.
3. Keep your devices updated
Outdated software can make you more vulnerable to cyberattacks, largely because cyberthieves often exploit known security weaknesses. To safeguard yourself and your valuable data, make sure you routinely install the recommended updates (or enable automatic updates) on all your devices. By updating your operating system, apps, antivirus software and browser with the most current security patches, you’ll safeguard yourself against the latest threats.
4. Beware of social engineering scams
Social engineering is the most common way cybercriminals steal personal information. These scams often come in the form of emails (phishing), text messages (smishing) or calls (vishing) that have the appearance of being legit — or from legit sources. The messages may ask you to click on a link, download an attachment, or provide personal information. Be suspicious of any unsolicited communications that use fear or urgency to get you to act without thinking. Listen to your intuition — if something feels off, that’s a sign that it's probably a scam. Even if it appears to come from a person or company you know and trust, verify the legitimacy of the communication using a different communication method.
Zions Bank or other financial institutions will never ask for your account details, passwords or personal identification through an email or text. If you receive a suspicious message, please contact our customer service team to verify its legitimacy or to report fraud.
5. Use secure Wi-Fi connections
Public Wi-Fi networks are rarely secured, making your connected device susceptible to hackers intercepting your data. But this doesn’t necessarily mean you should avoid public Wi-Fi networks at all costs. Confirm with an employee that you are connecting to the location’s correct Wi-Fi network and avoid accessing sensitive information, such as online banking, or entering payment details, while you are connected to public Wi-Fi.
Additionally, if frequenting public or unsecure Wi-Fi connections is part of your routine, consider using a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your internet connection for an added layer of security when accessing the internet. A VPN will help ensure the connection between your device and the internet remains private and protected.
6. Browse the internet safely
Even if you’re on a secure Wi-Fi network, it doesn’t necessarily mean all the websites you visit are equally secure. That’s why it’s always a good idea to make sure you’re on a secure site before divulging personal information, especially when visiting financial sites or accessing financial accounts. Examine the URL closely for clever misspellings (like zionbank vs zionsbank) and bookmark frequently visited sites. A password manager can also help because if you try to enter your stored login credentials on a spoofed site, it will not recognize the site.
Another way to help protect yourself is to remember to log out and then close your browser immediately after you are done.
7. Use caution with social media
Social media sites can be a treasure trove of personal information for cybercrooks to use against you. Be mindful of the personal details you choose to share online. Even seemingly innocent information can be used to gain access to your accounts. Refrain from sharing your birthdate, address and phone number. Be sure to review your privacy settings regularly to make sure your information is only visible to trusted friends and contacts. It also doesn’t hurt to be overly cautious when accepting friend requests or messages from unknown individuals, as they could be phishing attempts or scams.
Cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility, and staying vigilant is a crucial step in helping to protect your data and your money. Following these helpful tips can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim of cybercrime.
If you believe you have been a victim of fraud or a scam on a Zions Bank account, reach out online or visit a Zions Bank near you. Zions Bank also offers several account security tools to help keep you and your accounts safe. As always, our Zions Bank team is here for you by phone, online or in person at a local Zions Bank branch to answer any questions or support you in any way you need.
