HARRISBURG, Pa. — Today kicks of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and Pennsylvania organizations are offering tips to help keep residents safe online.
Treasurer Stacy Garrity, PA Bankers Association president and CEO Duncan Campbell, and Richard Cimakasky, Penn Community Bank fraud and security officer and former FBI Special Agent offered the following advice on how to make sure personal information is safe:
- “Snack on your balance” – check your account at least once a day so you notice suspicious activity faster.
- Report any suspicious purchases ASAP.
- Change your online banking password regularly.
- Use passwords that combine letters, numbers, and symbols.
- Never share your username and password.
- Avoid doing online banking or shopping over public wi-fi.
- When shopping online, use reputable merchants and make sure the webpage payment screen begins with “https” and has the tiny padlock symbol at the bottom of the page.
- Don’t open emails that appear suspicious – especially if the message contains links to websites.
- Always log out of your online banking website when you’re done.
- Lock your computer or your smartphone when you’re not using it.
“As the primary financial institution of the Commonwealth, Treasury is a major target for cyber criminals – and we have a special obligation to secure the Commonwealth’s financial information against cyber threats,” Treasurer Garrity said. “Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility, and we work closely with other state agencies, outside business partners, and cybersecurity specialists to constantly strengthen our defenses. We also collaborate with local governments to share our experience and advice. I hope Pennsylvanians will take some time this month to make sure they’re secure from bad actors looking to steal their personal information.”
More consumer safety tips can be found on the PA Bankers Association’s website.
