1. Pick a strong password: It is highly recommended you not ever use family member, pet, street, or other commonly known names as your password. The harder your password is to guess, the more secure your information is.
2. Only provide personal information on sites that have “https” (the “s” means it is a secure site) in the web address, have a locked padlock or key icon located somewhere on the web page. There may be other methods used for identifying secure web sites.
3. When visiting any secure website, (such as the banks) type the address directly into the browser bar rather than following a link found from a search engine (such as MSN, Google, Yahoo, etc.). The link could be a fictitious website wanting to steal your information.
4. Be extremely wary of e-mails asking for confidential information. Do not provide personal information to any unsolicited e-mail requests for information even if it states it is from a trusted site such as the banks or a government entity. Powell State Bank, other financial institutions, or government offices will not request confidential information through e-mails. Confirm the authenticity of a suspicious request before responding to an e-mail and only open e-mail attachments that come from a trusted source and that are expected. If you get something suspicious that appears to be from Powell State Bank, feel free to give us a call at 903-345-2582.
5. Scan e-mails attachments with anti-virus software prior to opening and delete all unwanted messages without opening. Spyware may come as a part of a “free deal” offer – Do not accept free deals offers over the Internet because once you open the offer, you are giving someone the opportunity to install spyware, viruses, Trojans, etc. on your operating system. Do not accept or open suspicious error dialogs from within the browser, it could have attachments that could steal your information or harm your computer. Ensure that antivirus software is up to date and that all Windows security updates are applied.
6. Keep web browser up to date with the latest security patches. Microsoft Windows Internet Explorer provides website security to a certain point by keeping information safe while in transit and away from prying eyes.  A patch is a correction to a flaw in the system; therefore, it is very important to install any available product updates and security patches, and restart your computer before signing on to Internet Banking or any other website where you may need to enter confidential information.
7. Make sure your computer is configured securely. If you are uncertain about this process, ask someone with more computer knowledge to assist you.
8. Do not log into internet banking when you are using a public network, or “free public wi-fi”. These networks are not secure.
9. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. You can’t win the Canadian Lottery if you’ve never even been to Canada. The Publisher’s Clearing House is not going to have you mail cash to them. Please use skepticism when you get any unusual emails.

There are other tips on how to use Internet Banking safely in the Internet Security Policy. For additional information see “Security Tips”.

Below are a number of websites, from trusted sources, to provide you with additional information and tips on how to protect your personal information. These resources cover things such as password safety tips, how to safely conduct business online, and understanding what Patches and Software Updates.

• Privacy, Identity, & Online Security
• Choosing and Protecting Passwords
• Supplementing Passwords
• Safeguarding Your Data
• Protecting Your Privacy
• Using Caution with Email Attachments
• Avoiding Social Engineering and Phishing Attacks
• Staying Safe on Social Networking Sites
• Identify Theft
• Preventing and Responding to Identity Theft
• Shopping Safely Online
• Understanding Patches and Software Updates
• 4 Things You Can Do To Keep Yourself Cyber Safe

Identity Theft Clearinghouse
Federal Trade Commission
600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20580

www.consumer.gov/idtheft
1-877-IDTHEFT (438-4338)
TTY: 1-866-653-4261

For more information visit: www.OnGuardOnline.gov

Additional Useful Websites:

Credit Reports – Free Credit Reports:

• • Annual credit report

ID Theft

• • Federal Trade Commission IdentityTheft.gov

Federal Trade Commission

• • Identity Theft.gov

 BANKS NEVER ASK THAT

Learn how to get scam smart. When in doubt, say no. When in doubt, call the phone number YOU know and ask to speak with your family of Bankers here at Powell State Bank. There are certain things we will NEVER call to ask you.   If you think you’ve been scammed, call us immediately. We’re here to help you.