Every day, there are millions of attempts against companies to compromise data. Attacks like phishing and ransomware can be prevented with simple steps and employee education.

Implement IT related best practices:

• Ensure that all anti-malware, software and operating systems stay up to date.
• Use multi-factor authentication whenever possible.
• Implement conditional access for cloud-based systems such as M365.
• Restrict functions for computer workstations that are used for online banking and consider limiting USB and administrative access on these machines.
• Where possible, use a firewall to enforce web content filtering or policies to restrict access to potentially malicious websites.
• Remember, longer passwords of lower complexity are harder to crack than shorter but more complex passwords.
• Choose different passwords for different programs as a safeguard. Use a reputable password manager to reduce the likelihood of employees writing down passwords. Avoid using a previously used password or adding single characters to the end of an existing password when changing it after expiration.
• Never use public WIFI Access for sensitive information or banking transactions as encryption standards may not be current or the networks security maybe compromised.
• Perform regular backups of critical data to an external device and store them offsite or off network, if possible. Periodically test backups.
• Develop a Cyber Security Planning Guide
• Train employees to understand how to identify and handle phishing emails, as well as vishing calls.

PeoplesBank works with businesses, big and small, and believes local businesses are vital to the community. For more information on how PeoplesBank can help your business, contact a Banking Officer.