Cybersecurity Awareness Month: Stay Vigilant, Stay Secure

Cybersecurity Awareness Month: Stay Vigilant, Stay Secure

Every day, cybercriminals become more sophisticated in their attempts to steal personal and financial information. While technology plays an important role in protecting your accounts, one of the strongest defenses against fraud is awareness. During Cybersecurity Awareness Month, we want to remind our customers of simple actions that can help protect their personal information and financial well-being.

Why Cybersecurity Matters

Cyber fraud can take many forms, including phishing emails, fraudulent text messages, fake websites, and phone scams. Criminals often impersonate trusted organizations, including banks, to trick individuals into sharing sensitive information such as passwords, account numbers, or one-time security codes.

Six Ways to Stay Vigilant

1. Think Before You Click

Be cautious of unexpected emails, texts, or messages that urge immediate action. Scammers often create a sense of urgency to pressure individuals into clicking links or sharing confidential information.

Ask yourself:

· Was I expecting this message?

· Does the sender look legitimate?

· Is the request unusual or urgent?

If something seems suspicious, contact the organization directly using a verified phone number or website.

2. Use Strong, Unique Passwords

Avoid using the same password across multiple accounts. Strong passwords should be:

· At least 12 characters long

· A combination of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols

· Unique to each account

Consider using a password manager to securely store and generate passwords.

3. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Multi-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second verification step when logging in. Even if a password is compromised, MFA can help prevent unauthorized access.

Whenever available, enable MFA for:

· Online banking

· Email accounts

· Social media accounts

· Retail and payment apps

4. Protect Your Personal Information

Be careful about the information you share online. Details such as your birthdate, address, or travel plans can be valuable to fraudsters.

Remember:

· Never share account passwords.

· Never provide one-time security codes to anyone.

· Be cautious when posting personal information on social media.

· Be cautious scanning public QR codes.

5. Monitor Your Accounts Regularly

Review your bank accounts and transactions frequently. The sooner fraudulent activity is identified, the sooner it can be addressed.

Set up:

· Account alerts

· Debit card transaction notifications

· Login alerts

These tools can help you quickly identify suspicious activity.

6. Know the Signs of a Scam

Fraudsters often:

· Request immediate payment.

· Ask for sensitive information.

· Pressure you to act quickly.

· Claim your account has been compromised and needs urgent attention.

Remember: A legitimate bank will never call, text, or email asking for your online banking password or secure access codes.

What To Do If You Suspect Fraud

If you believe you've received suspicious communication or notice unauthorized activity on your account:

1. Stop all interaction immediately.

2. Do not click any links or attachments.

3. Contact your bank using a trusted phone number.

4. Change your passwords if necessary.

5. Report the incident promptly.

Acting quickly can help minimize potential losses and secure your accounts.

We're Committed to Protecting You

At Guaranty Bank, protecting our customers' financial information is a top priority. While we continue to invest in security technologies and fraud prevention tools, cybersecurity is a shared responsibility. By staying informed and practicing smart online habits, you can help safeguard your personal and financial information.

In today's digital world, almost everyone will encounter a scam attempt at some point. The good news is that a little caution goes a long way. Taking a moment to verify an unexpected email, text, or phone call can make all the difference. And remember, you don't have to navigate it alone. If something seems suspicious, reach out to us. We're here to help and are committed to protecting our customers every day," said Jason Nichols, Executive Vice President, Chief Information Officer.

This Cybersecurity Awareness Month, take a few minutes to review your security habits. Small actions today can help prevent major problems tomorrow.

Stay vigilant. Stay informed. Stay secure.