One of our highest priorities is ensuring that your data is protected. We highly recommend following these tips in order to keep your data safe.
Online Security
- Secure your devices with passwords. Passwords will protect your devices if they are ever stolen. Change your passwords regularly and use long, complex passwords for all new passwords.
- Change your password regularly. We recommend you change your passwords every 60-90 days.
- Never share your passwords. We will NEVER ask you for your passwords over email, phone, text or any other communication method.
- Do not reuse passwords. Do not reuse the password you set for your Spring Bank Online Banking for any other accounts.
Mobile Security
- Only download apps from iTunes, Google Play, or your device’s official store.
- Do not jailbreak your device. This removes protections built into your device to defend against mobile threats.
- Avoid connecting your device to untrusted wireless networks.
Phishing Scams
Phishing is the act of defrauding an online account holder of their financial information by posing as a legitimate company or impersonating a known individual.
How can a hacker trick you with a phishing attempt?
- Appealing to Greed. Attackers may offer you some method to make easy money.
- Appealing to Fear. You may receive a communication that your bank account has been hacked, or your computer has malware and must be wiped immediately.
- Appealing to Authority. The hacker attempts to mimic someone with authority and requests you to do something because of their position.
- Appealing to Human Kindness. An attacker may send you an email stating that they need your help. These emails can even seem as though they were sent from someone you know.
These scenarios can occur over email, text, over the phone, and even in person. You can avoid being a victim by following these strategies:
- Take your time. Spend a few minutes asking yourself if answering questions or following instructions is a good idea. Don’t let them force you into making a decision.
- Verify the sender’s identity. Verify the sender is who they say they are by checking other channels (phone call, text, or in person).
- Be cautious when receiving email attachments. If you did not expect to receive the email, verify that the sender intended to send it to you through another channel (i.e. over the phone or in person).
Card Security
- Memorize your PINs and do not write them down. If you do write down your PINs, keep them in a password manager or on paper nowhere near your credit or debit cards.
- Keep your card information protected. Unless you are making a purchase from a website you trust, do not provide your information online.
- Use trusted electronic payment methods. Do not store credit card numbers, PINs, or passwords where others can find them. Use trusted applications like the Spring Bank mobile app, Apple Pay or Samsung Pay.
- Shield your PIN. If you’re at an ATM or making a payment using your debit card at a store, remember to cover or shield the Pin pad as you type in your PIN so no one can view your personal information.
- Beware of skimmers. Skimmers are small devices designed to collect card data and PINs. They are commonly found in ATMs and gas pumps, and can sometimes be impossible to spot. If the card reader is loose or you see exposed wires, do not use it. When they are available, use contactless payment methods, such as Tap to Pay, Apple Pay, or Samsung Pay.
Identity Theft
Even when you’ve been very careful with your personal information, identity theft can still happen. Here are some indicators that your identity may have been stolen:
- You see unexplained withdrawals on your bank account.
- Merchants refuse your checks.
- You are receiving calls from debt collectors or companies about services or merchandise you did not purchase.
- You are receiving cards or billing statements on accounts you haven’t applied for.
- You are not receiving bills or other mail that you usually expect to receive.
- You are finding unfamiliar accounts on your credit report.
- You are notified by the IRS that more than one tax report was filed in your name, or that you have income from an employer you do not work for.
- You are notified of a data breach at a company where you do business or have an account, compromising your information.