keeping you safe online
No matter how you access your bank accounts, whether it’s by a computer, tablet, or smartphone, Champlain National Bank is working diligently to keep your information secure. However, you too play a very important role in preventing unauthorized activity on your accounts, and not becoming a victim of fraud.
online threats
Banking online is subject to risks that can result in unauthorized access to your account, fraudulent transactions, and theft of your personal information. For example, viruses and malware have the ability to steal your username and password and access your accounts. Man-in-the-Middle attacks can intercept your credentials and hijack your transactions, sending it to an account controlled by the fraudster.
tips
We’ve put together this list of tips to help you stay safe online.
- Anytime you log into your bank accounts, be aware of the people around you. Make sure no one is “shoulder surfing” by trying to read your screen.
- Avoid joining unknown Wi-Fi networks and public Wi-Fi hotspots. Fraudsters can use these to monitor for unsecured devices, thereby making your sensitive information vulnerable to theft. If you have the option, consider disabling Wi-Fi and switching to a cellular network.
- Never write down your password and choose a password that can not be easily guessed. It’s also a good idea to secure your device with a password to prevent unauthorized access. It may be a bit inconvenient, but if your phone, tablet or computer is ever lost or stolen, you’ll be glad you took this extra precaution.
- If you lose your device and are worried about your online banking information being compromised, log into your account from another computer and reset your password right away. If you can’t get to a computer, you can call us.
- Don’t save any financial or personal information on your device, including PINs and online banking login information. If you lose your device, not only have you lost that information, but it could fall into the hands of someone with bad intentions.
- Some web browsers have an auto fill function that remembers your username and password and pre-fills these fields for you the next time you login. If you are prompted, make sure your device does not auto fill this information.
- Never provide account information or personal details requested by an email or pop up. Also beware of apps that claim to organize your passwords. Many of these are basically phishing scams designed to steal your information and send it to fraudsters.
- Do not click on links in suspicious email or text messages. It may result in malicious code being downloaded onto your device.
- Be sure to log out completely every time you finish your online banking session. This will prevent someone from having easy access to your information.
- Consider using additional security software and an antivirus solution. Use your mobile device security features, enable encryption and remove swipe capabilities.
- Use secure websites for financial transactions and shopping. Look for secure transaction signs like a lock symbol in the lower right-hand corner of your browser, or “https” in the address bar.
- Do not “jailbreak” your device. This is the process of removing controls and features that are part of the main operating system. Doing so opens the mobile device up to security vulnerabilities and may impact the ability to receive operating and system security updates.
- Be in the habit of periodically deleting your archived texts. This will help ensure there is never information on your phone that might jeopardize your account’s security.
our communication with you
Champlain National Bank will never ask you for personal information or a password via a text, an email or a phone call. Be sensitive to unsolicited emails or texts appearing to be from us or another bank. Often these messages are designed to lead you to a fake website where you are asked to provide personal information. This information can then be used to steal your identity. If you get a message requesting such information, do not respond and please notify us immediately.
questions?
If you have any questions, you can contact us by:
Visiting or calling your local branch
Emailing us at: info@champlainbank.com
Writing us at:
Champlain National Bank
3900 NYS Route 22
Willsboro, NY 12996
additional resources
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