Security Tips

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Mobile Device Security

• Configure your mobile device to require biometric login (i.e. facial recognition or fingerprint scanner) and use a backup passcode to gain access to your device.
• Turn on the automatic lock feature on your device.  This will lock your device after a specified amount of time.
• Avoid storing sensitive information. Mobile devices have a high likelihood of being lost or stolen. Avoid using them to store sensitive information (i.e. passwords, account numbers, etc.).
• Keep your mobile device’s software up-to-date. Just like a computer, mobile devices need to be updated. Turn on automatic updates to ensure your device gets the latest updates.  
• Disable features not actively in use such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and infrared. Set Bluetooth-enabled devices to “non-discoverable” when Bluetooth is enabled.
• Delete all information stored on a mobile device before the device changes ownership.  In the settings of your device, use the factory reset option to permanently erase all content and settings stored on the device.
• Sign out when finished with an app rather than just closing it. 
• If your device has been lost, stolen or compromised, please contact BANKWEST.

Computer Security

• Use a reputable vendor for antivirus protection, be sure the antivirus is up-to-date and uses automatic updates.   Schedule regular scans of your computer in addition to real-time scanning.
• Update your software frequently to ensure you have the latest security patches. This includes your computer’s operating system and other installed software (e.g. Web Browsers, Adobe Reader, Java, Microsoft Office, etc.)  Use automatic software updates.
• If you suspect your computer is infected with malware discontinue using it for banking, shopping, and other activities involving sensitive information. Get professional help to find and remove malware.
• Use firewalls on your local network to add another layer of protection for all the devices that connect through the firewall (e.g. smart phones, tablets, etc.).
• Require a password to gain access to your PC. Log off or lock your computer when not in use.
• Use a cable lock to physically secure laptop when the device is stored in an unsecure location.
• If you’re on the go with a laptop, consider encrypting the hard drive.

Online Security

• Be cautious of unsolicited phone calls, emails, or texts directing you to a website or requesting sensitive information.
• BANKWEST will never call you or text you and ask for your account number, debit card number, or your password.  We may need other information from you from time to time.  To be sure it’s us, please hang up and call us back at our main phone number.   You can apply this same practice to any company that you do business with. 
• Never click on suspicious links in emails. Some links can take you to a malicious website. Using a bookmark or typing a web address in your browser instead of clicking a link in an email is a safer alternative.
• Only give sensitive information to websites using encryption so your information is protected as it travels across the Internet. Verify the web address begins with https://
• Do not trust sites with certificate warnings or errors. These messages could be caused by your connection being intercepted or the web server misrepresenting its identity.
• Avoid using public computers or public wireless access points for online banking and other activities involving sensitive information
• Always log off a password protected websites to prevent unauthorized access. Simply closing the browser window may not actually end your session.
• Do not give callers access to your computer.   If you receive an urgent and unexpected call, email, or text and the caller states that they need access to your computer (for any random reason), do not allow it.  Instead, call your trusted computer support person for their assistance.
• If you are dealing with some and they are requesting you to pay them with a gift card, stop all interactions with this person/company.  They are scamming you.  Call a professional for help.   Reputable companies do not accept payments in the form of gift cards, but criminals do. 

Passwords

• Create a unique password for all the different systems you use. If you don’t then one breach leaves all your accounts vulnerable.
• Never share your password over the phone, in texts, by email, or in person. If you are asked for your password, it is probably a scam.
• Use unpredictable passwords with a combination of lowercase letters, uppercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
• The longer the password, the tougher it is to crack. Using a password with at least 8 characters exponentially strengthens a password.
• Avoid using obvious passwords such as: your name, a family member’s name, your business name, birthdates, dictionary words. 
• Choose a password you can remember without writing it down. If you do choose to write it down, store it in a secure location or use a password manager.
• Don’t allow the computer to remember your password for you.  the PC or device is stolen the thief only has to go to your browsing history and they will automatically be logged in.

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