At 1st Summit Bank, we use state‑of‑the‑art cybersecurity measures to help protect your personal and banking information. But staying secure is a shared responsibility. Taking a few proactive steps can significantly reduce your risk of fraud, identity theft, and cybercrime.

It might surprise you to know how much of your personal information isn’t private at all.

Here are six simple cybersecurity tips you can use right now to keep your information secure:

1. Avoid Using Checks Whenever Possible

   Paper checks contain a surprising amount of sensitive information, including your bank account number, routing number, address, and sometimes even your phone number or driver’s license number.

   Scammers can steal checks from the mail and use that information to commit fraud or identity theft.

   Safer alternatives include:

   • Debit cards
   • Online Bill Pay
   • Mobile banking apps

   Digital payments reduce exposure and add layers of security like alerts and transaction monitoring.

2. Use Secure Digital Payments

   Paying digitally is often more secure than mailing a check. Debit cards and online banking tools include:

   • PIN protection
   • Chip technology
   • Transaction alerts

   These features help you detect suspicious activity quickly and protect your money from unauthorized use.

3. Protect Your Devices with Biometrics and Two‑Factor Authentication

   Your phone holds a significant amount of personal data from banking apps to saved passwords.

   To protect it:

   • Enable biometric security (fingerprint or face recognition)
   • Use a strong passcode
   • Turn on two‑factor authentication whenever available

   Even if someone gains access to your passcode, two‑factor authentication adds another layer of protection that helps keep your information secure.

4. Never Use Public Wi‑Fi for Online Banking

   Public Wi‑Fi networks are not secure and are easy targets for hackers.

   To reduce risk:

   • Avoid accessing bank accounts on public Wi‑Fi
   • Use your mobile device’s cellular data instead
   • Ensure your home Wi‑Fi is password‑protected and private

   Public networks can expose your login credentials and personal data without you realizing it.

5. Avoid Public Charging Stations

   Public charging stations can pose cybersecurity risks. Scammers can load malware into charging ports, which may transfer harmful software to your device when you plug in.

   Best practices:

   • • Use your own charger and outlet
     • Carry a portable power bank
     • Avoid unknown USB charging stations

    

6. Keep Your Personal Information Personal

   Search engines and social media make it easy to find personal information online. Be cautious about what you share publicly and who you share it with.

   Never provide:

   • Account numbers
   • Passwords
   • One‑time verification codes
   • Social Security numbers

   If someone pressures you for this information, it’s a major red flag.

Think You’ve Been Targeted by a Scam?