Cyber Security Tip #1

This month's Cyber Security Series: One "Byte" at a Time focused on the vulnerabilities on smart devices. Here are some quick tips to begin taking action today at work and at home.

1. Turn off microphone access to all third-party apps (such as Facebook) in the Settings on your smartphone:
   1. iPhone: Go to Settings > Facebook (or any other app) > slide the toggle next to the Microphone to the left, so it turns from green to white.
   2. Android: Go to Settings > Applications > Application Manager > look for Facebook (or any other app) > Permissions > turn off the mic.
2. Never download an app from outside of the App Store. Assume every app is corruptible, and that anything you download can be used against you.
3. Be aware of where your electronic devices are located in your work space. Remove or isolate them from “hearing” as a precaution when appropriate.
4. Turning your cell phone off and then back on (rebooting) at least once a week. This helps to prevent hackers from accessing personal information. According to the National Security Agency (NSA), this simple weekly action can make personal devices more secure and make it harder for criminals to steal data. Rebooting a phone is a quick and easy way to make it more difficult for these criminals to make you their next victim

Cyber Security Tip # 2

Cybercrime is undoubtedly one of the fastest-growing crimes in the world and continues to impact our industry. This is the time to S.T.O.P. and review your cybersecurity practices! Implementing guidelines can go a long way toward keeping you and your company safer! 

S– Set up appropriate processes and controls to protect the Company and Consumers from Cyber Fraud

·       Create written, distributed, and enforced procedures around the following:

·       Independent verification of wire instructions and payoff instructions

·       Setting up multifactor authentication

·       Verifying encryption of data on servers and in email communications

T- Train and Educate Staff, Clients and Consumers

• ·       Hold periodic and consistent training with your staff on cybersecurity
•  Consider a monthly lunch and learn
• ·       Educate clients and consumers on cybersecurity issues
• Through written and verbal communications
• Consider an email signature line for how wire instructions will be received

O - Obtain and maintain appropriate insurance and cyber coverage

• ·       Get to know your policy and your insurer
• ·       Have a periodic risk review to make sure your coverage is appropriate

P– Plan for the worst. Establish written plans to anticipate and promptly respond to cyber-related incidents

·       Create a written information security plan (WISP) and a written incident response plan (WIRP)

·       Know the phone number for your bank’s security officer and their staff in case of emergency