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Identity Theft Protection: Essential Steps to Safeguard Your Bank Account and Personal Information

Home Blog Identity Theft Protection: Essential Steps to Safeguard Your Bank Account and Personal Information
  Identity Theft Protection: Essential Steps to Safeguard Your Bank Account and Personal Information

Online and Mobile Banking allow you to enjoy 24/7 convenient account access. You can transfer money, make purchases, open accounts, and more. While benefiting from today’s digital world, keeping your personal and financial information safe is critical. This month, during Cybersecurity Awareness Month, we'll walk you through simple steps to protect you and your business against identity theft.

Understanding the Threat 

Cybersecurity attacks and scams have been on the rise and corporations, governments and individuals have all been targeted.  Protecting your assets is always Peoples Bank’s top priority. Let’s explore the tactics cybercriminals employ to steal sensitive information:

  1. Phishing Attacks: These deceptive emails and messages trick you into revealing personal information. Identifying the signs of phishing is crucial to evade their traps.
  2. Data Breaches: Large-scale breaches expose personal data, fueling identity theft. Staying informed about breaches and taking proactive action is vital.
  1. Malware and Ransomware: Malicious software infiltrates devices, granting hackers control. Ransomware can hold files hostage. Regular updates and reliable security tools are vital.

Essential Safeguarding Steps

1. Create Robust Passwords: Craft unique, strong passwords for online accounts. Use a mix of letters, numbers and symbols and update passwords regularly.

2. Monitor Financial Statements: Vigilantly review bank and credit card statements to spot unauthorized transactions swiftly. Enable Alerts for real-time awareness and peace of mind.

3. Protect Personal Data: Exercise caution when sharing information and safely storing physical documents securely.

4. Beware of Phishing: Verify sender identities in unknown emails, avoid suspicious links, and never share sensitive data via email.

5. Secure Your Devices: Keep devices updated and avoid public Wi-Fi for sensitive activities. Prioritize secured networks or VPNs.

At Peoples Bank, we understand the importance of safeguarding your personal data. By following these steps, you're constructing a robust defense against identity theft and cyber threats. For more comprehensive insights into securing your information, visit our website or reach out to a Customer Care Specialist at 815-936-7600. Your digital safety is our priority.