In our increasingly digital world, we rely on the internet for everything—staying connected, shopping, managing our finances, and more. While these innovations make life more convenient, they also come with new challenges: the need to protect our personal and financial information from cyber threats.

That’s why October, Cybersecurity Awareness Month, is the perfect time to refresh your online safety habits. Whether you’re a seasoned digital user or new to managing your life online, there are simple steps everyone can take to stay secure.

At First Bankers Trust, we’re committed to keeping your finances safe, but it’s important to remember that cybersecurity is a shared responsibility. By making small changes today, you can better protect yourself tomorrow. This blog will cover 7 essential cybersecurity tips to help you confidently navigate the digital world.

 

1. Use Strong, Unique Passwords

Your password is like the key to your digital life. A weak or reused password is like leaving your front door wide open.

Create Memorable, Strong Passwords:
  • Use a passphrase: Combine unrelated words into a memorable phrase (e.g., “SunsetPiano42!”). It's easy for you to remember, but hard for hackers to guess.
  • Mix it up: Use uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols.
  • Avoid the obvious: Don’t use your name, birthdays, or common passwords like "password123."
  • Change it up: Never use the same password across different accounts. If one is compromised, others are at risk.

✏️ Pro Tip: Use a password manager to create and store secure passwords, so you don’t have to memorize them all. In the meantime, if you’re guilty of using the easiest password possible (don’t worry, we’ve all done it) it's time to log in to digital banking and change it.

 

2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Think of 2FA as an extra lock on your digital front door. Even if a thief gets your key (password), they’ll still need the second lock (your verification code).

Why 2FA Matters:
  • Layered security: Even if a hacker gets your password, they can’t access your account without the second form of verification.
  • Common forms of 2FA:
    • SMS codes
    • Email verification
    • Authentication apps like Google Authenticator
    • Biometrics (fingerprint or facial recognition)
  • Use it everywhere: Wherever possible, enable 2FA—especially for email, online banking, and social media.

✏️ Pro Tip: If you haven’t already, please log in and set up 2FA today!

 

3. Be Cautious with Emails and Links

Phishing is like the fishing of the cyberworld. Hackers cast their lines (malicious emails), hoping you'll take the bait.

How to Spot a Phishing Attempt:
  • Too good to be true: If an email offers you something incredible (like winning a prize you didn’t enter for), it’s likely a scam.
  • Suspicious sender: Look closely at the sender's email address. Does it look off or have misspellings?
  • Urgency or threats: Phishing emails often create a sense of urgency, saying things like "act now" or "your account will be deactivated."
  • Hover over links: Before clicking on any link, hover your cursor over it to see the actual URL. If it doesn’t match the official website, don’t click.

✏️ Pro Tip: When in doubt, don’t click! If an email feels suspicious, report it or verify its authenticity with the sender through a trusted method. If your suspicions are about one of our emails please don’t hesitate to reach us here or call us at (217) 228-8000.

 

4. Monitor Your Accounts Regularly

Your bank statements aren’t just for budgeting—they’re your first line of defense in spotting fraud.

How to Stay on Top of It:
  • Check frequently: Make it a habit to review your accounts weekly, especially after big transactions.
  • Set up alerts: At First Bankers Trust, you can receive instant notifications for unusual activity or large transactions.
  • Act fast: If you spot a suspicious charge, report it immediately. The quicker you act, the easier it is to resolve.

✏️ Pro Tip: Use our Digital Banking Suite to view your account activity in real time. It’s like having a security camera on your finances 24/7!

 

5. Update Software and Devices

Outdated software is like leaving an unlocked window in your home. Hackers love exploiting security holes in old software.

Why Updates Matter:
  • Security patches: Developers release updates to fix vulnerabilities discovered in their software. These are crucial for staying secure.
  • Automatic updates: Enable automatic updates on all your devices to ensure you’re always running the latest version.
  • Update everything: This includes your operating system, browser, antivirus software, and even lesser-used apps.

✏️ Pro Tip: Cybercriminals often target popular programs like Adobe Reader, Microsoft Office, and web browsers. Keep these updated regularly!

 

6. Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Sensitive Transactions

Using public Wi-Fi is like broadcasting your sensitive information to everyone nearby. It’s convenient, but not safe for banking or online shopping.

Staying Safe on Public Wi-Fi:
  • Limit activity: Avoid logging into sensitive accounts like email, banking, or shopping sites when on public Wi-Fi.
  • Use a VPN: A Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts your data and hides your online activity, making it harder for hackers to intercept.
  • Stick to secured networks: If you must use Wi-Fi, only connect to secured networks (look for the padlock symbol).

✏️ Pro Tip: If you’re out and need to bank, use your phone’s cellular data instead of public Wi-Fi.

 

7. Secure Your Devices

Your devices hold a treasure trove of personal information. Treat them like gold and lock them down!

Ways to Lock Down Your Devices:
  • Enable passcodes: Always lock your phone, tablet, and laptop with a passcode, fingerprint, or facial recognition.
  • Remote wipe: Enable remote wipe features on your devices so that you can erase all data if your device is lost or stolen.
  • Use encryption: Ensure your devices’ data is encrypted. Most smartphones have encryption options in their settings.

✏️ Pro Tip: Always enable auto-lock so your device locks after a short period of inactivity. It’s a simple step that adds significant security.

 

First Bankers Trust: Your Partner in Cybersecurity

At First Bankers Trust, protecting your financial information is our top priority. We continuously update our systems to stay ahead of cyber threats and provide tools that keep your accounts safe. But the key to true cybersecurity is a partnership. By following these tips and leveraging our security features, you can confidently navigate the digital world, knowing your financial future is protected.

This Cybersecurity Awareness Month, make it your goal to implement these proactive measures. Small steps today can make all the difference tomorrow. If you are a business customer its worth looking into the Treasury Management services we offer to keep your company safe.

🔒 For more tips on protecting your financial information and staying cyber-safe, follow us on social media! We regularly share helpful advice to keep you ahead of the latest threats.

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Need more personalized advice? Fill out the form below and our team will get in touch to guide you through the best security practices and tools we offer to keep your financial life safe.

Let’s work together to secure your financial future!