Protect Yourself Online
Your safety online is important to us. As our everyday activities become more connected, it’s essential to take a few extra steps to keep your personal information and devices secure online.
Online Security Tips
- Protect Your Personal Information
Be careful when sharing personal information online. Only give out details like your Social Security number, account numbers, or passwords on trusted, secure websites when absolutely necessary. - Choose Strong Passwords
Make your passwords long, unique, and a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols for each account you use. Avoid using easily-guessed details, and never share your passwords. Consider writing them down and storing the list somewhere safe, not on your computer’s hard drive. - Keep Your Devices and Software Updated
Run the latest updates for your operating system, browser, antivirus, and other important software. Updates help fix security gaps that hackers might exploit. - Be Wary of Suspicious Emails and Messages
Phishing emails try to trick you into sharing personal information or clicking on harmful links. If a message seems suspicious or too good to be true, delete it immediately and don’t click on any attachments or links. - Don’t Store Sensitive Information Online
Avoid saving your credit card details, bank information, or other sensitive data on websites unless it’s necessary and you trust the source. - Log Out and Close Browsers When Done
After using a secure online service, log out and close your web browser. This is especially important when using shared or public computers. - Manage Browser Settings Safely
Turn off features like auto-complete and password saving in your browser to keep your login details secure. Never let websites or browsers store sensitive passwords or account numbers. - Secure Your Wi-Fi and Beware of Public Networks
Protect your home Wi-Fi with a strong password. When using public Wi-Fi, limit activities that involve personal or sensitive information.
Stay Vigilant and Informed
We’re committed to helping you navigate the digital landscape with confidence. If you have questions about online security or spot something suspicious, please contact First State Bank & Trust at (800) 877-3728.
Learn more about Identity Theft on our Financial Education page, or visit www.ftc.gov or iafci.org for more information.