As the holiday lights twinkle, the Grinch is lurking in the shadows - and he's learned to use a computer. Unfortunately, while you focus on decking the halls and filling your cart, cybercriminals know they can take advantage of holiday distractions to pray on your business.
Your cyber security is our primary focus, but here are some easy things you can do to protect your business account this holiday season:
🔍 Identify and Report Unusual Activity: Watch for any unusual computer or payment activities. If you or your employees notice anything suspicious, such as strange emails with links or attachments, it’s crucial to report these to your IT team immediately.
👋 Know Your Escalation Protocol: Depending on the size of your business, you may have different people to notify suspicious activity. If you're a large company it might be your manager or Information Security Officer (ISO).
On the other hand, if you are a small business you might be the first and last line of defense. In that case, do you know what to do when different security risks occur? Creating a plan before an issue happens will save you critical time in the event of a cyber attack.
🚩 Be Aware of Email Red Flags: The holidays are a prime time for cyber attackers to send deceptive emails. Be wary of unexpected email requests, especially those asking for login credentials, actions affecting monetary transactions, or any that pressure you to bypass standard procedures. If anything doesn’t look right in an email, do not click any links.
🔒 Implement Robust Password Practices: Encourage your team to create strong, unique passwords. Advise against using easily guessable information and discourage password reuse across multiple sites. Many password manager tools can suggest strong passwords increasing security - but remember to protect your password manager with a strong password and 2FA for best practice.
🎓 Educate Your Team: Make sure your staff is aware of these guidelines. Regular training and reminders can be invaluable, especially during the holiday season when phishing and other cyber scams peak.
How First Bankers Trust Digital Banking Helps
By maintaining a vigilant stance and educating your team, you can significantly minimize the risk of cyber threats this holiday season, keeping your business’s data secure.
However, the foundation of your security starts with your bank. At First Bankers Trust, we protect your account in more ways than one. We offer robust encryption with digital banking and Treasury management tools like cash concentration and positive pay.
With cybercrime on the rise, there is no time to waste in protecting your money. If you’re ready to get started, click either of the links below or if you would like more information fill out the form.
💼 Open a Business Checking Account.
💳 Open a Personal Checking Account.