Protect Your Electronic Device

Dean Bank wants to help you protect your online personal or business activities and keep them secure. Be aware of online fraud methods and become informed of ways you can protect yourself while on the internet.

Online fraud is serious. Internet criminals use several methods to try and steal your personal information or take control of your home or business computer.

Types of Online Fraud

Phishing. Fraudulent emails that attempt to trick you into visiting a bogus website and providing personal information.
Malware. Software that is malicious, such as viruses, worms and spyware, and is used to take remote control of a computer, delete files or install programs.
Ransomware. A type of malicious software designed to block access to a computer system until a sum of money is paid.
Keystroke logging. A form of malware that enables a criminal to record computer keystrokes. These programs specifically look for user IDs, passwords and credit card numbers. The thieves then use this information to access accounts online and steal funds, capture personal financial information and order merchandise.
Trojan horses. Another form of malware that use a legitimate-looking program (such as free screen saver) that includes malicious software. These are used to trick users into installing keystroke logging and other malicious software.

Protect Online Information

Control physical access to your personal computer (PC). Take appropriate measures to prevent unauthorized persons from using your PC.
If you are using your PC and need to walk away from it for any reason, log off or lock your workstation.
Select passwords that would be difficult for others to guess and change them frequently. Use a combination of upper and lower case letters, numbers and special characters.
Do not give out your password to anyone. Do not save passwords on a website or leave written notes with your password near your computer.
Public computers may not have appropriate security controls and could be compromised. These include internet cafes, computer labs, shared systems, kiosk systems, conferences, and airport lounges. Only use these computers for anonymous internet browsing.
Use your online accounts at least every month to check balances and activity.
Always log off your business or personal online banking application when you are done.
Do not respond to or follow instructions from unusual email or text messages. Many frauds are started by messages with a fake "From:" address. Do not assume a message is legitimate solely based on the From: address.

Protect Your Personal or Business Computer

Install virus management software on your PC and scan it regularly.
Keep your virus files up to date (i.e., latest signature files, product upgrades).
Install a firewall to protect each computer or a home router that includes a firewall to protect your home network.
Keep your computers up to date with current security patches. Set up your computers to automatically install patches so you don't have to remember.
Be cautious when downloading and running programs or Java or ActiveX applets as they may contain un-secure data which cannot be filtered, for example, using firewall or anti-virus software. Only download from a trusted site.
Use extreme caution when opening email received from unknown sources and pay special attention to any attachments. Do not launch or open an attachment from an unknown source. When in doubt, delete the email without opening it.

PC Software

Understand and use the security features provided by your PC software, such as those included in many operating systems, browsers and word processing systems.
Ensure that your browser uses the strongest encryption available and be aware of the level of encryption used when you connect to various sites and applications for online payment or banking services.
Dean Bank currently uses 128-bit encryption for all online banking services.
Use only software from reliable and known vendors. Stay abreast of the latest release and patch levels of the PC software you use. Protect Your Mobile Banking Experience Here are some tips and general good practices for banking on your mobile device:
Download and apply security updates and patches to your mobile browser when they are made available by your wireless provider. These are designed to provide you with protection from known possible security problems.
Research your mobile device to determine its vulnerability as some devices are more vulnerable than others.
To prevent viruses or other unwanted problems, do not open attachments from unknown or untrustworthy sources.
Do not install pirated software or software from unknown sources.
Limit unauthorized access to your mobile phone. Do not leave your mobile phone unattended during an open mobile banking session.
Never save your User ID and Password in the mobile phone, in memos, or anywhere on your device.
Always remember to log off properly using the "Sign Off" button when you have completed your mobile banking activities.
Be aware of the potential for fraudulent mobile banking apps.

Personal Device Security During the Holiday Season

Remember to be mindful of the security risks associated with portable devices such as smart phones, tablets, and laptops. These devices offer a range of conveniences such as allowing us to order gifts on-the-go, providing us with directions, and even letting us download our boarding pass to pass through security with just our mobile device. However, with all of these added conveniences often come potential threats and vulnerabilities.

Following the security practices suggested in each tip will help to keep your portable devices secure during the holiday season and throughout the year.

Report suspicious activity you notice relating to your computer or use of your electronic devices to the appropriate parties and do so as quickly as possible. If you notice suspicious activity relating to accounts at Dean Bank that you access online, promptly report that activity to us at 508.528.0088.

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