Keeping Your Information Cyber-Safe

Cybersecurity Month is a time to raise awareness about the importance of protecting ourselves from online threats. Most of our personal and financial information is stored and transacted online, so it is crucial to understand the risks and take necessary precautions. As we observe Cybersecurity Month, let's take a closer look at what cybersecurity is, some common security threats, and how you can protect yourself from them.

Cybersecurity refers to the practice of protecting computer systems, networks, and data from digital attacks. These attacks can be in the form of hacking, phishing, malware, or any other type of malicious activity. Cybersecurity also involves preventing unauthorized access to sensitive information and ensuring its confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

At U.S. Century Bank, we strive to keep our customers' information secure. We regularly review our services and stay updated on the latest malware and fraud threats to ensure that our security protocols are up-to-date and effective. We also use leading security software and employ state-of-the-art technology to safeguard your data from potential threats.

As technology evolves, so do the methods used by scammers and cyber-criminals. It is essential to be vigilant and aware of potential scams, especially when it comes to your financial information. 

To help our customers protect themselves, we would like to remind you of some common bank scams and provide tips on how to avoid them.

U.S. Century Bank will never contact you and ask you to confirm any sensitive information like your username and password, PIN, or one-time passcode through email, text, or phone calls. When in doubt, end the call and contact us through the established sources using the numbers available on our website and the back of your debit or credit cards, or send a secure message via online banking.

Only send money to trusted individuals and businesses using Zelle—our peer-to-peer payment service. Scammers may try to trick you into sending money by posing as U.S. Century Bank or another financial institution. Do not fall for scammers who may ask you to make peer-to-peer payments to correct any fraudulent activity on your account. Scammers may also pretend to be your utility company and threaten to cut off your services unless you make an immediate payment. Keep in mind that utility companies will not request payment through Zelle or any other peer-to-peer channels.

Another common scam involves cyber-criminals impersonating trusted individuals or organizations to deceive you into transferring funds or sharing sensitive information. While U.S. Century Bank employs robust security measures to detect and prevent BEC attempts, it is essential that all customers stay vigilant. Be cautious when receiving unexpected emails requesting sensitive information for financial transactions. Always verify the authenticity of the sender and double-check any payment requests. To verify any payment requests, contact the vendor directly using their official contact information.

AI-based phishing attacks harness the power of artificial intelligence to create highly convincing and personalized phishing attempts. These attacks can craft emails that closely mimic trusted sources, making it harder to discern their legitimacy. Emails can include familiar details about your personal life or recent activities found in social media, adding to their credibility. Always double-check the sender’s authenticity and scrutinize email content for subtle irregularities. If you receive an email that appears suspicious, take a moment to verify its legitimacy through a trusted channel before taking any action.

Scammers may also create fake websites that resemble legitimate ones to trick you into giving away your login credentials. For example, you may search for the U.S. Century Bank website on a search engine, but the result takes you to a fake website. Never enter your username and password on such websites, as this information can be stolen and used to gain access to your accounts.

If you suspect that you have been a victim of fraud or identity theft, it is crucial to take immediate action. Close any accounts that may have been tampered with and report the fraud to the three major credit bureaus.

One way to protect yourself from cybersecurity scams is to never click on suspicious links or open attachments from unknown sources.

It's also important to keep your software and operating systems up to date with the latest security patches. Consider investing in antivirus and anti-malware software to further protect your devices from potential scams.

Your password is the first line of defense, and using a complex password is key to keeping your accounts safe. However, as technology evolves and cyber-criminals get more sophisticated, strong passwords only are not enough. Add Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) wherever available.

MFA is a powerful tool that enhances your account security. It works by requiring multiple forms of identity verification, such as “something you know” (your password) and “something you have” (like your mobile device). By enabling MFA, you benefit from enhanced protection against a range of threats, including unauthorized access to financial information (Bank accounts) and phishing attacks. Even if your password is compromised, an additional authentication method will prevent malicious actors from gaining access to your accounts.

Additionally, avoid sharing personal information on social media or through unsecured websites. Be cautious of unexpected emails, phone calls, or text messages asking for sensitive information, and never give out personal or financial information unless you are sure the request is legitimate.

Learn more about how U.S. Century Bank is keeping your data safe, and we encourage you to partner with us in practicing safe online habits. Stay vigilant and protect your personal and financial information from potential threats. Regularly review your accounts for any unusual activity, be aware of common scams, and always verify any requests for sensitive information before responding.