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    Cybersecurity

    You work hard to make ends meet and save. But without protecting your assets, you could be at risk of loss. While organizations are trying to secure your information, you too must work to protect your information. By taking a few simple steps, you can better protect your personal and financial data online and at home.

    What is cybersecurity?

    Cybersecurity is the body of technologies, processes and practices designed to protect networks, computers, programs and data from attack, damage or unauthorized access. 

    Here are 6 simple actions to better protect your personal data and money online and at home:

    1. Keep Your Secrets Safe: Don’t respond to emails or phone calls that request your personal information, and be careful about sharing personal information on social media 
    2. Passwords: create “strong passwords” for your online transactions: at least 8 characters in length with a mixture of letters, numbers, and symbols.
      a.         Try not to use words found in the dictionary, and use different user names and passwords for your banking and shopping websites
      b.         Secure your smart phone and computer with a screen lock and/or “power-on” password
    3. Software: Download and install software only from websites you know and trust, and use security software on your computer and make sure it updates automatically
    4. Investigate: Check out the companies where you shop online to ensure security in your transactions, and review your financial and shopping statements for any suspicious activity. Check your credit report annually at www.annualcreditreport.com.
    5. Encryption: Give personal information only over encrypted websites – look for “https” addresses.
    6. Public Access: Avoid using unsecured, public wireless access points, such as those found in airports, coffee shops, and hotels.

    Report Identity Theft ASAP!

    • Contact your bank about lost/stolen ATM cards/checks, or compromised passwords.
    • Contact your local police department to file a report.
    • Federal Trade Commission: 1 (877) 438-4338
    • PA Attorney General, Bureau of Consumer Protection 1 (800) 441-2555
    • Report fraudulent use of your social security card at 1 (800) 269-0271
    • Notify the US Postal Inspection of mail crimes: 1 (877) 876-2455
    • Monitor your credit by calling AnnualCreditReport.com: 1 (877) 322-8228

    General Cybersecurity Resources

    Business Cybersecurity Resources

    The following is a list of cybersecurity resources from regulatory agencies and other trusted sources specifically created for industry professionals. 

    The Conference of State Bank Supervisors (CSBS) has developed a webpage specifically designed for information regarding cybersecurity.  Press releases, articles, video feeds, and other resources can be viewed here.

    The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) created a tool for small businesses to create customized cyber security planning guides, developed with input from public and private sector partners, including the Department of Homeland Security, the National Cyber Security Alliance and the Chamber of Commerce. 

      The Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFEIC) has taken a number of initiatives to raise the awareness of financial institutions with respect to cybersecurity risks and the need to identify, assess, and mitigate these risks. The resources below provide information in regards to FFEIC and its cybersecurity initiatives.

      The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) has designed a site to assist a firm in building out its cybersecurity program by addressing the individual risks and discussing related controls needed to protect customer and firm confidential data.  FINRA has updated this Cybersecurity page to include the following resources: in case of a disruptive attack or breach, common cybersecurity threats, events, reports, compliance tools, and FINRA cybersecurity contact

        The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) provides guidance for  – Safeguards Rule https://consumer.ftc.gov/

        The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) recognizes the importance of cybersecurity and using the web safely and securely.

        The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) maintains a cybersecurity website with resources specifically for securites companies and professionals. 

        The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (Board), the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) released a guide intended to assist community banks when developing and implementing their third-party risk management practices. While this guide is written for a community bank audience, banking organizations of all sizes and risk profiles may find it useful.