Cybersecurity Watchdog
He gave his bank account number to WHO? The stories we hear from customers continue to shock us. The creativity of financial scammers has become more and more inventive, as well as aggressive. Whether it's an urgent text or email soliciting your bank account number in order to claim a financial award on your behalf or a demanding phone call from someone posing as law enforcement or a government official asserting that you've committed a crime and need to "pay up" not be arrested, these are BAD ACTORS! Please call us or someone you trust before making a quick decision to give up your personal information. If it sounds too good, it's a scam. If you or someone you know is being threatened to give money or personal information, call law enforcement immediately. Then call us! We'll keep a watchful eye on your accounts.
Stay Safe From Fraud
At Morganton Savings Bank we strive to educate, update and make our customers aware of the information necessary to keep your personal data safe and secure. We have developed this awareness & education page to give you information to help you in protecting your identity, your account and other pieces of sensitive data that could be compromised if not handled properly.
Mobile Banking Security Tips
Your mobile device provides convenient access to your email, bank and social media accounts. Unfortunately, it can potentially provide the same convenient access for criminals. Morganton Savings Bank recommends following these tips to keep your information – and your money – safe.
12 Ways to Protect Your Mobile Device
- Use the passcode lock on your smartphone and other devices. This will make it more difficult for thieves to access your information if your device is lost or stolen.
- Log out completely when you finish a mobile banking session.
- Protect your phone from viruses and malicious software, or malware, just like you do for your computer by installing mobile security software.
- Use caution when downloading apps. Apps can contain malicious software, worms, and viruses. Beware of apps that ask for unnecessary “permissions.”
- Download the updates for your phone and mobile apps.
- Avoid storing sensitive information like passwords or a social security number on your mobile device.
- Tell your financial institution immediately if you change your phone number or lose your mobile device.
- Be aware of shoulder surfers. The most basic form of information theft is observation. Be aware of your surroundings especially when you’re punching in sensitive information.
- Wipe your mobile device before you donate, sell or trade it using specialized software or using the manufacturer’s recommended technique. Some software allows you to wipe your device remotely if it is lost or stolen.
- Beware of mobile phishing. Avoid opening links and attachments in emails and texts, especially from senders you don’t know. And be wary of ads (not from your security provider) claiming that your device is infected.
- Watch out for public Wi-Fi. Public connections aren't very secure, so don’t perform banking transactions on a public network. If you need to access your account, try disabling the Wi-Fi and switching to your mobile network.
- Report any suspected fraud to your bank immediately.
More mobile banking tips from the National Cyber Security Alliance's awareness effort, "Stop, Think, Connect":
Additional Resources
Below are more valuable resources from the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA):
Attention Parents: Cyber "Tech Talk" with Your TeensPrivacy Tips for Teens