Resources > Cybersecurity

Stay safe out there

Being in the know is the first step to protecting yourself and your business from cyber fraud. Choice Bank is committed to providing you with up-to-date resources and tips to help you stay informed.

For Businesses For Individuals

For Businesses

Cyber Tips

Fraud Prevention

Cybersecurity Resources

According to the National Small Business Association, 43% of small businesses reported being the victim of a cyberattack.

Now, more than ever, it is crucial to take preventative measures to help protect you and your business from cyber fraud. The following are practices and procedures that can be put in place to aid prevention:

Employee Practices and Policies

Employee actions or inactions create the greatest risk. Train employees on cyber security on an ongoing basis.
Create strong policies around password requirements (length, complexity, and expiration), use of e-mail, and internet usage. Prohibit shared IDs and passwords.
Require employees to review and sign an acceptable use statement that outlines your security policies and hold them accountable to these policies.
Limit administrative rights for your employees so they are unable to download malware or viruses embedded in seemingly harmless applications.
Assign access to data based on each employee’s need.

Network Practices

Deploy strong network security including a dedicated and actively managed firewall, anti-virus solutions, anti-malware solutions, and intrusion detection/prevention systems.
Install operating system and ancillary application patches on a regular basis.
Seal off sensitive data on the network from third-party systems.
Use encryption solutions as appropriate (e-mail, laptops, thumb drives, cell phones).
Test and validate the effectiveness of controls.

Online Banking Practices

Use Online Banking to frequently review account activity.
Require the use of dual control for ACH and wire transfer origination.
Utilize an out of band authentication method to confirm transfer requests (i.e. if a vendor sends you an e-mail including wire instructions, call the vendor back on the phone to confirm the instructions).
Verify that all online banking sessions are secure.
Avoid using Automatic Log-In features.
Do not access Online Banking from a public computer.
Utilize other cash management services that add additional protection, such as ACH Verify and Check Verify.
Promptly report suspicious performance (workstation or the website).

Human error is the weakest link in cybersecurity and contributes to at least 95% of all security incidents.

Businesses usually become compromised through a “phishing” attack. This attack might be disguised in a fraudulent email that appears to be a credible communication or it might be embedded in a website. When links or attachments in an email or on a website are opened, malware may be installed on the user’s computer. This malware may record keystrokes, capture otherwise secure information, and allow the attacker access to the network. In another type of scheme, the attacker intercepts email communication or “spoofs” employee email addresses, making it appear that an email is being sent legitimately from a co-worker or vendor. In this case, the attackers then use this compromised communication to instruct the employee to wire or transfer money.

To put it in plainly, systems usually become compromised because of something someone does (i.e. employee clicks on an attachment from an unknown source) or something that someone doesn’t do (i.e. failing to set a strong password or failure to patch operating systems and ancillary applications such as Adobe and Java). Having the best firewall on the market isn’t enough to protect you. Every business needs well-informed employees that can understand and identify various threats. Furthermore, it’s equally important they recognize how certain actions or inaction can put the company in a comprised position.

Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Resources

Protecting Small Businesses

Materials on Cybersecurity for Small Businesses

Small Business Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity Resources for Businesses

Security Awareness Training

Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)

National Cyber Security Alliance

Cyber Essentials for Small Businesses and Small SLTT Governments

Vulnerability Scanning for Your Business

Shopping Online Securely

Keeping Children Safe Online

Dealing with Cyberbullies

Rethink Cyber Safety Rules and the “Tech Talk” with Your Teens

Cyber Safety Considerations for K-12 Schools and School Districts

Teleconferencing and Online Classroom Hijacking During COVID-19 Pandemic

For Individuals

Best Practices

Prevention Against Fraud

Fraud Resources

According to the University of Maryland, hackers attack every 39 seconds – an average of 2,244 times a day.

Now, more than ever it is crucial to take preventative measures to help protect yourself from cyber fraud. The following are practices and procedures that can be put in place to aid prevention:

Best Practices

Actions or inactions create the greatest risk. Keep up to date on cyber security news by following the Choice Bank blog and check out the ‘Resources’ section here.
Create strong passwords – a minimum length of 14 characters and consider using passphrases. Do not re-use passwords across sites and do not share your password with others.
Consider using a password manager to keep track of passwords.

Network Practices

Be sure you’re using a firewall and updated anti-virus/anti-malware software that automatically scans for malicious files.
Install patches on a regular basis as these are often security-focused.
Use encryption where available, such as emails, file sharing sites, thumb drives, and cell phones.

Online Banking Practices

Use Online Banking to frequently review account activity.
Avoid using Automatic Log-In features.
Do not access Online Banking from a public computer.
If you notice any sudden changes in computer or website performance, it could be a sign of malicious activity and should be investigated.

Every day, thousands of people fall victim to fraudulent emails, texts, and calls from scammers pretending to be their bank. And in this time of expanded use of online banking, the problem is only growing worse.

Online scams aren’t so scary when you know what to look for. And at Choice Bank, we’re committed to helping you spot them as an extra layer of protection for your account.

We want every bank customer to become a pro at spotting a phishing scam—and stop bank impostors in their tracks. It starts with these four words: Banks Never Ask That. Because when you know what sounds suspicious, you’ll be less likely to be fooled.

5 Things We Will Never Ask For Through Phone or Email:

Your Full Account Number
Your Full Debit or Credit Card Number
Your CVV Number
Your PIN Number
Your Full Social Security Number

In the end, it’s about trusting your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, hang up and give us a call directly. We are always happy to help because your safety and peace of mind are a part of our #PeopleFirst promise.