Security Center

7 Tips for protecting yourself online

Thought the internet has many advantages, it can also make users vulnerable to fraud, identity theft and other scams. According to Norton Cybercrime report, 556 million adults worldwide were victims of cybercrime in 2012. The Cooperative Bank recommends the following tips to keep you safe online.

  1. Keep your computers and mobile devices up to date. Having the latest security software, web browser, and operating system are the best defenses against viruses, malware and other online threats. Turn on the automatic updates so you receive the newest fixes as they become available.
  2. Set strong passwords. A strong password is at least eight characters and includes a mix of upper and lower case letters, numbers and special characters.
  3. Watch out for phishing scams. Phishing scams use fraudulent emails and websites to trick users into disclosing private account or login information. Do not click on links or open any attachments or pop-up screens from sources that you are not familiar with.
  4. Keep personal information personal. Hackers can use social media profiles to figure out your passwords and answer those security questions in the password reset tools. Lock down your privacy settings and avoid posting things like birthdays, addresses, mother’s maiden name, etc. Be wary of requests to connect from people you do not know.
  5. Secure your internet connection. Always protect your home wireless network with a password. When connecting to public Wi-Fi networks, be cautious about what information you are sending over it.
  6. Shop safely. Before shopping online, make sure the website uses secure technology. When you are at the checkout screen, verify that the web address begins with https. Also, check to see if a tiny locked padlock symbol appears on the page.
  7. Read the site’s privacy policies. Altough sometimes long and complex, privacy policies tell you how the site protects personal information it collects. If you don’t see or understand the site’s privacy policy, consider doing business elsewhere.

8 Tips to Protect Your Identity

Identity theft continues to be one of the fastest growing crimes in the United States. In the U.S., 12.6 million people- or one out of every 20 customers- were victims of identity fraud last year. The Cooperative Bank recommends following these tips to keep your information- and your money safe.

  1. Don’t share you secrets. Don’t provide your Social Security number or your account information to anyone who contacts you online or over the phone. Protect your PIN’s and passwords and do not share them with anyone. Use a combination of letters and numbers for you passwords and change them periodically. Do not reveal sensitive or personal information on social networking sites.
  2. Shred sensitive papers. Shred receipts, bank statements and unused credit card offers before throwing them away.
  3. Keep an eye out for missing mail. Fraudsters look for monthly bank or credit card statements or other mail containing your financial information. Consider enrolling in online banking to reduce the likelihood of paper statements being stolen. Also, don’t mail bills from your own mailbox with the flag up.
  4. Use online banking to protect yourself. Monitor your financial accounts regularly for fraudulent transactions sign up for text and email alerts from your bank for certain types of transactions, such as online purchases or transactions of more than $500.
  5. Monitor your credit report. Order a free copy of your credit report every four months from one of three credit reporting agencies at annualcreditreport.com.
  6. Protect your computer. Make sure the virus protection software on your computer is on and up to date. When conducting business online, make sure your browsers padlock or key icon is active. Also look for an “s” after the “http” to be sure the website is secure.
  7. Protect your mobile devices. Use the passcode lock on your smartphone and other devices. This will make it more difficult for thieves to access your information if you device is lost or stolen. Before you donate, sell or trade your mobile device, be sure to wipe it clean using the manufacturer’s recommended technique. Some software allows you to wipe your device remotely if it is lost or stolen.
  8. Report any suspected fraud to your bank immediately.

5 Ways to Protcect Your Small Business

Corporate Account Takeover (CATO) is a type of fraud were thieves gain access to a firm’s finances to make unauthorized transactions, including transferring funds from the company, creating and adding new fake employees to the payroll, and stealing sensitive customer information that may not be recoverable. The Cooperative Bank recommends following these tips to keep your small business safe.

  1. Educate your employees. You and your employees are the first line of defense against corporate account takeover. A strong security program paired with employee education about warning signs, safe practices, and responses to a suspected takeover are essential to protecting your company and customers.
  2. Protect your online environment. It is important to protect your cyber environment just as you would your cash and physical location. Do not use unprotected internet connections. Encrypt sensitive data and keep updated virus protections on your computer. Use complex passwords and change them periodically.
  3. Partner with your bank to prevent unauthorized transactions. Talk to your banker about programs that safeguard you from unauthorized transactions. Positive pay and other services offer call backs, device authentication, multi person approval processes and batch limits to help protect you from fraud.
  4. Pay attention to suspicious activity and react quickly. Look out for unexplained account network activity, pop ups, and suspicious emails. If deleted, immediately contact your financial institution, stop all online activity, and remove any systems that may have been compromised. Keep records of what happened.
  5. Understand your responsibilities and liabilities. The account agreement with your bank will detail what commercially reasonable security measures are required in your business. It is critical that you understand and implement the security safeguards in the agreement. If you don’t, you could be liable for loses resulting from a takeover. Talk to your banker if you have any questions about your responsibilities.


                                 For additional information contact the Cooperative Bank at 413-447-7304.

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