Stay Safe Online: Protecting Your Finances in the Digital Age

Managing your finances online offers incredible convenience, but it also requires awareness of potential security risks. As we recognize Cybersecurity Awareness Month this October, it’s the perfect time to review your digital habits and ensure your financial information is protected. At NebraskaLand Bank, we are committed to helping you bank safely and confidently.

This guide will provide you with practical steps to secure your accounts, recognize common threats, and use the tools we offer to protect your hard-earned money.

Your First Line of Defense: Strong Passwords

Passwords are the keys to your digital life. A weak or reused password is like leaving your front door unlocked for criminals. Creating strong, unique passwords for each of your online accounts is one of the most effective ways to prevent unauthorized access.

So, what makes a password strong?

• Length is Strength: Aim for passwords that are at least 12 characters long. The longer a password is, the harder it is for automated software to crack.

• Complexity Matters: Combine uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols (like !, @, #, $). This mix makes your password exponentially more difficult to guess.

• Avoid the Obvious: Never use easily guessable information like your name, birthdate, pet’s name, or common words like “password” or “123456.”

• Use a Passphrase: A great technique is to create a passphrase—a short, memorable sentence. For example, “B!gRedF00tball&Go!” is much stronger and easier to remember than a random string of characters.

To manage all these unique passwords, consider using a reputable password manager. These tools securely store your login credentials and can generate strong, random passwords for you, so you only need to remember one master password.

Spotting the Deception: How to Recognize Phishing

Phishing is a fraudulent tactic used by scammers to trick you into revealing sensitive information, such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details. These attempts often come in the form of emails, text messages (smishing), or phone calls (vishing) that appear to be from a legitimate source, like your bank.

Here are key red flags to watch for:

• A Sense of Urgency: Phishing attempts often create panic. They might claim your account has been compromised or will be closed if you don’t act immediately. Legitimate organizations, including NebraskaLand Bank, will never pressure you into providing sensitive information with urgent threats.

• Suspicious Links and Attachments: Hover your mouse over any links before clicking to see the actual web address. Scammers often use URLs that look similar to real ones but have slight misspellings. Never open attachments you weren’t expecting, as they can contain malware.

• Generic Greetings: Be wary of emails that use vague greetings like “Dear Valued Customer.” Most companies you do business with will address you by your name.

• Poor Grammar and Spelling: While not always the case, many phishing emails contain noticeable spelling mistakes or awkward phrasing.

• Requests for Personal Information: We will never email or text you asking for your account number, password, Social Security number, or other private data. If you receive such a request, it’s a scam.

If you suspect you’ve received a phishing attempt, do not click any links or reply. Delete the message immediately. If you are unsure, contact us directly using the phone number on our website or the back of your debit card.

Tools to Protect You: NebraskaLand Bank’s Security Resources

We take your security seriously and provide several resources to help you monitor and protect your accounts. By taking advantage of these tools, you can add powerful layers of security and gain peace of mind.

• Online and Mobile Banking Alerts: Set up custom alerts to receive notifications for specific account activity. You can get texts or emails for transactions over a certain amount, low balances, or password changes. These real-time updates help you spot unauthorized activity the moment it happens.

• Card Control: Use our mobile app to manage your debit card. You can turn your card on or off, set spending limits, and restrict transactions by location or merchant type. If you misplace your card, you can instantly turn it off to prevent fraudulent use.

• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): MFA adds an extra step to your login process, requiring you to verify your identity with more than just a password. This might be a one-time code sent to your phone or email, making it much harder for a criminal to access your account even if they have your password.

These features are designed to put you in control of your financial security. We encourage you to explore them within your online banking profile or our mobile app.

Stay Vigilant and Secure Your Finances

Protecting your finances in the digital age is a shared responsibility. By practicing good password hygiene, staying alert to phishing scams, and utilizing the security tools available to you, you can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim of fraud.

Your security is our priority. We are continuously working to protect your information, but your awareness is the key to keeping your accounts safe.

For more detailed information, tips, and guides on protecting yourself from fraud, explore our dedicated Online Security Resources.