In an effort to create awareness, safeguard data and enable trust, Traditions First Bank has 5 tips for you to stay safe online.

1. Keep your devices updated

Configure all your devices to automatically update to reduce the risk of ransomware and malware. That includes your computer, tablet, iPad, and your smartphone.

2. Use strong passwords

Security experts recommend the strongest passwords should be at least 12 characters long. They should include letters, both lowercase, and uppercase, and/or numbers and symbols. It can also be a passphrase, that is a sentence that’s at least 12 characters long. Don’t use a phrase that would be easy to guess, like your address.

3. Use a password manager

Do not write down your passwords or store them in a document on your computer. A password manager is a software program that can manage all your passwords. Some operating systems include password management software.

4. Use 2-factor authentication

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) includes security keys or apps that send you unique, one-time codes when logging into your accounts.

5. Don’t click on everything!

If you click on things in your emails, texts, or social media messages that are not familiar to you, this is a way that cybercriminals can get your information. If you don’t know the sender of a message or were not expecting a message, don’t click before you check it out. The weakest link in the security chain is usually human. Educate yourself and your users (employees, family) about ways to prevent phishing schemes.