Information Security - Protect Yourself

• Never provide personal information in response to unsolicited requests
• Never provide bank account or credit card information through a telephone solicitation, require that they mail you information
• Destroy old personal information such as bank receipts and checks, expired credit cards, items with account numbers and preapproved credit card solicitations in a shredder, do not simply place in the trash
• Never click on a link in an unsolicited email
• Do not be intimidated by an email threatening consequences and seeking personal information
• Never provide passwords over the telephone or in response to an unsolicited email
• Institutions such as MidFirst Bank will never ask for personal information via email
• Do not use passwords that are easily guessed and change your passwords regularly
• Do not use public computers to access your accounts
• Never log in to accounts using a link in an email, type the URL in the browser address bar
• Minimize the number of credit cards you carry and cancel inactive accounts
• Sign the back of any credit or debit cards with permanent ink
• Provide your Social Security number only when necessary
• Do not carry your Social Security card in your wallet
• Keep items with personal information in a safe place
• Take outgoing mail to the post office, do not leave it in your home mailbox
• Review account statements regularly to ensure all charges are accurate
• Monitor your credit report at least once a year

A firewall is a software program or device that acts as a one-way door to the Internet where your computer can see Internet resources, but someone on the Internet cannot see your computer.

Utilizing a firewall can significantly reduce your risk of being attacked online. Check with your Internet service provider to see what solutions they offer - they may even bundle it with their service. Major anti-virus software vendors offer firewalls with their packages.

To protect your computer from viruses, you should be using an anti-virus software to protect your system.

To protect your computer from viruses, you should be using an anti-virus software. You can buy anti-virus software online or from a computer store and vendors update their software everyday so make sure your software is set to update automatically. Monitor your anti-virus software to be sure it does not lapse. Anti-virus software also offers protection against spyware and your computer can be configured to automatically update when new spyware protection is offered. It is also a good idea to seek professional assistance if you have reason to believe your computer is or has been infected with malicious software.

Flaws within computer programs can lead to your computer being remotely controlled or information stolen from your computer. Software vendors are continually providing updates - or patches - to their software as flaws are found. Keeping your software current with patches is an important step in protecting your computer. You can set your system to automatically update when a new patch is releases.

Bogus or fraudulent check scams involve the use of counterfeit checks to be deposited into your bank account with the intention of collecting the funds before your bank can determine that the items are fraudulent. Protect yourself from these scams by being cautious. If an offer sounds too good to be true, it most likely is a scam.

Bogus Check Tips

• Use the phone number from a reliable source to verify with the issuing financial institution that the check being presented to you is legitimate. Ask to verify the remitter, date of issuance, check number, the routing transit number, the account number and the amount. Do not depend on the phone number printed on the item or given to you by the buyer.
• Do everything you can to be comfortable that you are dealing with an honest person or company. Keep notes of all conversations and correspondence. Do not trust a "too good to be true" offer.
• Keep the merchandise or funds after you deposit the item. The goal is to get you to wire the funds from your account before your financial institution realizes the item you deposited is bogus, which might take several weeks.
• When you mail, wire, or transfer money or merchandise to any individual or company, especially outside the United States, you risk loss and the ability to prosecute. Make sure you have good documentation and verified information regarding the transaction before you proceed.