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Security Tips

Keeping your information secure is vital in protecting your assets and identity from theft. Follow these tips to more easily protect your sensitive banking information in both online and in-person contexts.

When Online:

  • Create a different password for each website you use.
  • Do not share or record your online passwords.
  • Only do business with companies you trust.
  • Look for symbols that indicate your online transactions are secure (e.g. the lock symbol in the lower right corner of the website or “https://…” in the address bar).
  • Close your browser when not using it.
  • Change your passwords on a regular basis.
  • Use a current web browser.
  • Do not download programs if you do not know the source.
  • Use special characters (e.g. #, @), numbers, and a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters in your passwords.
  • Avoid conducting financial transactions over unsecured Wi-Fi networks.
  • Log off of websites or close your browser after making a purchase.
  • Use applications and links with caution because these can be used to install malicious software on your device.
  • Choose security questions that are hard for others to guess.
  • Never record or share your security question answers.
  • Use different security questions for each website.
  • Never provide security question answers to Greater State Bank via email – We will NEVER ask for this information over email.
  • Do not use your Social Security number in usernames or passwords.

When on Social Media:

  • Set privacy and security on every social media site to the strictest settings available.
  • Only allow individuals you know and trust into your social media networks.
  • Prevent social media sites from scanning your address book.
  • Do not post any information that could compromise your security (e.g. Names of financial institutions, utilities providers, passwords, email addresses, significant dates).

When on a Mobile Device:

  • Ignore and delete any messages, applications, or calls from suspicious sources that ask for your personal information. Do not open any links.
  • Create a different and complex password for each phone and mobile application you use.
  • Lock your mobile phone when not using it.
  • Immediately report a lost or stolen device to your carrier.
  • Set your phone to logoff automatically within 2 minutes of not being used.
  • Do not leave your phone in a visible location.

When on a Computer:

  • Install a firewall on your computer.
  • Set your security software to update automatically.
  • Shut down your computer when you are not using it.
  • Only conduct banking activities and only download documents on a computer you trust.
  • Use anti-virus software and keep it updated.
  • Avoid using public computers to conduct banking activities.
  • Keep your computer’s operating system up to date.

When Using Email and Text:

  • Never engage with emails or texts from unknown sources, and never open links from them.
  • Do not respond to potential phishing emails.
  • Never provide personal email in response to unfamiliar or suspicious messages.

In Regards to Your Bank Accounts:

  • Regularly review your account statements to catch fraudulent activity early.
  • Ask about any unfamiliar charges you see in your account.
  • Avoid printing unnecessary personal information, such as a Social Security number, on your checks.
  • Store extra checks and canceled checks securely.
  • Immediately report lost or stolen checks.
  • Only carry your checkbook when necessary.

Regarding Credit Cards and Debit Cards:

  • Sign your cards as soon as they arrive.
  • Contact us immediately if your card is lost or stolen or you suspect that it has been used in an unauthorized manner.
  • Only give your card number over the phone if you were the one to place the call.
  • Cancel and cut up any cards you no longer use and cut up your old card when you receive a new one.
  • Never send your card number through email, because email is usually not secure.
  • Only provide your card information to businesses you trust and only shop online with companies who have security signals in place on their websites that indicate that your transactions are secure (e.g. the lock symbol in the lower right corner of the website or “https://…” in the address bar).
  • Choose a PIN that does not include any information that is available in your wallet (e.g. Name, birth date, or phone number).
  • Memorize your PIN. Do not write it down or share it with others.
  • Make sure your PIN is not visible to others when entering it.
  • Only complete online purchases that use encryption to secure your data.
  • Log off any website or shut down your computer after completing a transaction and destroy or securely store your receipts.

When Using Checks:

  • Do not print your Social Security number or driver’s license number on your checks.
  • Shred any checks you need to dispose of.
  • Do not leave checks in a visible locations.

When Using An ATM:

  • Observe your surroundings for any suspicious activity or people nearby. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, use a different ATM or choose a different time to complete your business. If necessary, cancel any transaction you are in the middle of.
  • Take company with you when visiting an ATM after dark.
  • Never accept assistance from a stranger when using an ATM.
  • Keep your doors locked and your car running when using a drive-up ATM.
  • Always remember to take your card and cash with you when you complete your ATM transaction.
  • Take your receipts with you when you complete your ATM transaction.
  • Store or destroy your ATM receipts.
  • Enter your PIN discreetly.
  • Report any crime immediately to the police.
  • Count your cash after you arrive at home.
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