Identity theft and cyber scams continue to be a prevalent threat to all consumers. It can happen to anyone at any time. Banks work hard to protect your money and keep your accounts safe, but it’s crucial that consumers do everything they can to protect themselves from becoming a victim.
Here are five tips all consumers can implement that, combined with the security protocols such as those used by Northwest Bank, will help reduce your risk of becoming a victim of cyber scams.
- Create a strong password. The first step in protecting your finances is to use strong passwords that have both uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and special characters to create a powerful first line of defense.
- Change passwords regularly. It’s important to regularly change your password. Experts recommend changing it every three months and to use unique passwords for each system. This reinforces security of your accounts and protects your information across multiple accounts. If you’re worried about forgetting your new password, consider utilizing a password manager to store and protect your passwords. It will also make remembering long and complicated passwords easier.
- Don’t share your information. Personal data should be kept personal. Be cautious with whom you share this information. Never write down your information, especially your passwords. Protecting your computer and passwords can reduce your account vulnerabilities.
- Enable multi-factor authentication. Two-factor or multi-factor authentication provides an additional layer of security when logging into your online or mobile banking account. After entering your username and password, you’ll be required to complete a second verification step. This may involve entering a one-time code, verifying through an automated phone call, using biometric authentication, or identifying an image. This extra step makes it more difficult for hackers to access your account, even if they have your password. Check with Northwest Bank to see if two-factor authentication is available and the method for activation.
- Check your accounts regularly. Ensure your accounts are safe by regularly monitoring the balance and activity. Sign up for banking alerts when available. These alerts will trigger a text or email based on the perimeters you set to notify you of any potentially fraudulent or suspicious activity.
Protecting yourself from cyber scams and identity theft might seem challenging, but by partnering with Northwest Bank, you can lower your risk. Stay alert and keep these tips in mind to create a strong defense to protect your accounts.
