Security Tips

 

Scammers send fake text messages to trick you into giving them your personal information - things like your password, account number, or Social Security number. If they get that information, they could gain access to your email, bank, or other accounts. Or they could sell your information to other scammers.

The scammers use a variety of ever-changing stories to try to rope you in. They may:

 

Scammers also send fake messages that say they have some information about your account or a transaction. The scammers may say they’ve noticed some suspicious activity on your account, or claim there’s a problem with your payment information, send you a fake invoice and tell you to contact them if you didn’t authorize the purchase, or send you a fake package delivery notification.

 

The messages might ask you to give some personal information such as how much money you make, how much you owe, or ask you for your bank account, credit card, or Social Security number in order to claim your gift or pursue the offer. They may direct you to click on a link to learn more about the issue. Some links may take you to a spoofed website that looks real but it isn’t. If you log in, the scammers can then steal your user name and password.

 

Other messages may install harmful malware on your phone that steals your personal information without you realizing it.

Always remember to never click on any links in suspicious texts or emails. If you are unsure, call The Dime Bank directly and validate if we are trying to reach you.

 

As a precaution, it's always a good practice to stay on top of your accounts by checking them often.

The Dime Bank wants to help you keep your information safe. Protecting your personal information is a shared responsibility

Verify it's The Dime Bank. Fraudsters pose as credible companies "phishing" for your information. The Dime Bank will never call to ask for your online login information. If you are unsure, get the individuals name and hang up and call your local branch.

Do not open suspicious texts or emails or click on links within them. Fraudsters impersonate companies to get consumers to click links and provide personal information. Clicking on links can also infect your device with malware.

A password is the first line of defense against cybercriminals. We recommend creating a complex password that is difficult for others to guess but easy for you to remember. Use a different password for each site.

Monitor your accounts regularly, respond to fraud alerts, and report unauthorized transactions promptly.

Ransomware is a type of malicious software, or malware, that prevents access to computer files, systems, or networks and demands a ransom payment for their return.

The simplest way would be to avoid internet connectivity. LOL. Right! As that is not practical in our connected world today, what else can you do?

Auto-install updates. One of the most important controls to protect against ransomware is updating your devices and apps, including browsers (ie: Internet Explorer, Chrome, Edge, etc).

Most software companies regularly release updates for security loopholes. Computers and laptops are configured to scan, patch, and update automatically. Unfortunately, not applying the updates leaves you open to attack. Many ransomware and other malware attacks take advantage of out-of-date software.

One of the most common ways that computers are infected with ransomware is through social engineering. Remember to exercise common sense with suspicious email, websites, and other scams. If it seems suspect, it probably is.

Be unpredictable. There are two common password attacks, brute force and dictionary attacks. Both  involve trying a sequence of numbers and/or common words like 123456, hence, trying to crack a password using “brute force” or common “dictionary” words. To minimize this type of exposure, don’t make your passwords predictable.

Be creative. Related to being unpredictable, consider creating a phrase and use the first or second letter of each word, or substitute a special character for letters and/or numbers. You can use a password generator which provides creative and secure password options.

Be long. The longer the password, the more possible combination, and permutations of the password there are, and thereby the safer they generally are. However, don’t forget the first two tips, because long common words and sequences of numbers are still easier to crack!

Be selfish. Believe it or not, one of the more common reasons passwords are compromised is because people share their credentials. Quite simply – never, ever share your password(s)!

Be mindful. Think before you click. Phishing is where you receive an email or text message asking for you to confirm your details or take some other action where you need to enter your personal credentials. These types of acts are becoming increasingly sophisticated and can look very legitimate, like an email from someone you know. As a good rule of thumb, unless you make a request, don’t ever enter your credentials. Or, if you have any doubts, contact the organization requesting the information directly.

Be unique. You should use different passwords for different logins – yes, a different password for every login. Having a unique password for all your accounts helps prevent that if or when one is compromised the others remain protected. Pro tip: If you can’t remember all your passwords, consider using a secure password manager.

Use the built-in firewall on your computer.

Turn on automatic updates for ALL software you use, including your internet browser(s).

Use antivirus and anti-malware software  and keep it current.

Create a long phrase for your password instead of a short password.

Don’t open suspicious attachments or click unusual links in email, tweets, posts, online ads, messages, or attachments. 

Browse safely.  Don’t visit illicit sites.  They may contain malware or a download that contains malware. 

Refrain from streaming or downloading movies, music, books, or applications that are not from a trusted source.  Pirated material may include malware.

Avoid malware and viruses by only using external devices you own or receive from a trusted source.  

• .exe files can also be disguised in .zip folders - if you receive an email with a .zip, and open the folder to find an .exe, you shouldn't run the file.
• Be careful, some attachments might show the icon for a document, PowerPoint, etc., but they still have the .exe extension.
• Just because a file isn't an .exe, doesn't mean it's not malicious - there have been instances of macro-viruses that hide themselves inside of Office Documents.