In today's digital world, it's more important than ever to stay vigilant and take steps to protect yourself from cyberattacks and identity theft. Your personal information is valuable. That's why bad actors and scammers work around the clock to gain unauthorized access to your data and steal it. As cybersecurity issues continue to rise, following a few tips can help you protect your online accounts and avoid identity theft.

How can I keep my bank accounts and personal information secure?

Cybercriminals use tactics like phishing, social engineering, and identity theft to access personal and financial information. You can protect yourself by staying alert to suspicious messages, using strong passwords, enabling multi-factor authentication, and monitoring your accounts regularly.

Cybersecurity threats affect people at every level, from personal banking customers to small business owners. Understanding how these threats work and what steps you can take is the most effective way to protect your money and your identity.

Welch State Bank actively monitors accounts for suspicious activity on your behalf, but the strongest protection combines what your bank does with the steps you take every day.

What is identity theft and how does it happen?

Identity theft happens when someone steals your personal information, such as your Social Security number, account numbers, or login credentials, to access your money, open fraudulent accounts, or commit fraud in your name.

Thieves access personal information in a variety of ways:

  • Phishing scams: Fraudulent emails, texts, or calls that impersonate legitimate organizations to trick you into sharing your login credentials or personal details
  • Skimming: Hidden devices placed on ATMs or card readers that capture your card information when you swipe
  • Data breaches: When hackers access a company’s database and steal customer account data
  • Dumpster diving: Searching discarded mail or documents for account numbers, statements, or personal information
  • Wi-Fi attacks: Intercepting data transmitted over unsecured public networks
  • Tax ID theft: Using your Social Security number to file a fraudulent tax return

Welch State Bank uses behavioral monitoring to watch for unusual activity on your accounts. If something looks out of place, we take action on your behalf.

What should I do if my identity is stolen?

Act quickly. The faster you respond, the more you can limit the damage.

  1. Change your passwords immediately for all financial accounts and email.
  2. Contact Welch State Bank to report the issue and secure your accounts.
  3. Place a credit freeze with all three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion).
  4. File a report with your local law enforcement agency.
  5. Report identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
  6. Monitor your credit report and account statements closely in the weeks that follow.

What is social engineering and how do cybercriminals use it?

Social engineering is when a cybercriminal manipulates you psychologically rather than hacking technology directly. Instead of breaking into a system, they trick you into sharing your own passwords, account numbers, or personal information.

Common social engineering tactics include:

  • Pretending to be your bank, the IRS, or a tech company to create urgency
  • Sending fake invoices or account alerts that look real
  • Calling to confirm your account details they claim to already have
  • Connecting with you on social media to gather personal details before making a targeted request

Social engineering works because it bypasses technology and targets human behavior. Staying informed is your strongest defense.

How to protect yourself from social engineering:

  • Never share your password, PIN, or full Social Security number over the phone or email. Welch State Bank will never ask for these.
  • Pause before responding to urgent requests, especially ones involving money or account access.
  • Avoid oversharing on social media, including birthdays, pet names, or hometowns that are common security question answers.
  • Verify requests independently by calling the organization directly using a number from their official website.

How can I protect myself when shopping online?

Online shopping fraud is one of the most common forms of consumer cybercrime. You can significantly reduce your risk by verifying sellers, using credit cards instead of debit cards, and monitoring your statements regularly.

  • Research before you buy. Check reviews and look up the company before entering payment information on an unfamiliar e-commerce site.
  • Go directly to the source. If you see an ad or promotional link, open a new browser tab and navigate to the company’s official website to confirm the offer is real.
  • Use a credit card for online purchases. Credit cards offer stronger consumer protections than debit cards if your card number is stolen.
  • Review your statements regularly. Check your bank and credit card statements at least weekly so you catch any unfamiliar charges quickly.
  • Look for secure connections. Only enter payment information on websites that show “https” and a lock icon in the address bar.

What does Welch State Bank do to protect my account?

Welch State Bank uses a combination of behavioral monitoring, account controls, and security tools to help protect your accounts from fraud and unauthorized access.

Here is what we actively do on your behalf:

  • Behavioral monitoring: We track transaction patterns and flag activity that looks unusual for your account.
  • Card and Fraud Resource Center: Get step-by-step guidance to help you take action quickly if something goes wrong.
  • Account alerts: You can set up notifications for spending limits, individual transactions, and account activity so you stay informed in real time.
  • Card controls: You can turn your debit card on or off online or by using the Welch State Bank mobile app without calling or visiting a branch. Learn more about online banking with Welch State Bank.

If you ever notice something that doesn't look right, contact us right away. Early reporting makes a significant difference in how quickly we can resolve fraud.

How does remote work affect cybersecurity risks?

Working from home introduces cybersecurity risks that most office environments manage automatically. Home networks typically lack the enterprise-grade security of a company firewall, which means more responsibility falls on you to stay protected.

Fortunately, there are simple ways to protect yourself from online threats while working remotely:

  • Secure your Wi-Fi network. Use a strong password for your home router and avoid conducting sensitive work on public or shared networks.
  • Create strong, unique passwords. Use a different password for each account and avoid reusing personal passwords for work systems.
  • Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever it is available. MFA adds a second layer of verification that significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access even if your password is compromised.
  • Install a firewall. A software or hardware firewall helps block unauthorized access to your devices and network.
  • Keep software updated. Outdated software and operating systems contain security vulnerabilities that cybercriminals actively exploit.
  • Use a virtual private network (VPN). A VPN encrypts your internet connection, which is especially important on home or public networks.

What are the cybersecurity risks of cryptocurrency?

Cryptocurrency cybersecurity risks are higher than those associated with traditional banking because crypto operates largely outside federal regulatory frameworks, and you cannot reverse most transactions once completed.

Key risks to understand:

  • Unregulated platforms: Some cryptocurrency platforms operate without the fraud protections and regulatory oversight that govern traditional banking.
  • Exchange hacks: Cybercriminals have successfully hacked cryptocurrency trading platforms and stolen customer funds that were not recoverable.
  • Phishing targeting crypto holders: Criminals send emails impersonating cryptocurrency platforms and asking you to verify your account or reset credentials.
  • No FDIC insurance: Funds held in cryptocurrency accounts are not federally insured the way deposits at Welch State Bank are.

If you are considering cryptocurrency investments, research the platform carefully before using it, confirm it uses blockchain security standards, and treat any unsolicited email or message about your crypto accounts as a potential scam.

What should I do if I notice suspicious bank account activity?

Contact your bank immediately. The sooner you report suspicious activity, the more options you have to protect your account and recover lost funds.

  • Log in to your account and review recent transactions for anything you do not recognize.
  • Call Welch State Bank or visit a branch to report the activity.
  • Change your online banking password and security questions right away.
  • Turn off your debit card using My Cards in the Welch State Bank mobile app if you believe your card is compromised
  • File a report with the FTC if you believe your identity has been stolen.

Frequently asked questions about online security and banking

Phishing is a type of cybercrime where criminals send fraudulent email, text messages, or phone calls that look like they come from a legitimate organization. The goal is to trick you into sharing your login credentials, account numbers, or personal information.

Your bank will never ask you to share your password, PIN, or Social Security number in an email. If you receive a suspicious message claiming to be from Welch State Bank, call us directly before clicking any links.

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) requires a second form of verification, such as a code sent to your phone, in addition to your password. You should enable it on your banking, email, and social media accounts whenever it is available.

Yes. Online banking at Welch State Bank includes secure login credentials, identity verification, and account monitoring to protect your account. You can also set up transaction alerts and card controls to stay informed in real time.

Use a long password of at least 12 characters that combines letters, numbers, and symbols. Create a different password for each account so that one compromised password does not expose all of your accounts.

Never share your full Social Security number, bank account numbers, passwords, PINs, or one-time verification codes with anyone who contacts you unexpectedly, even if they claim to be from your bank or a government agency.

We work with customers to investigate and resolve unauthorized transactions. Reporting fraud quickly is the most important factor in our ability to help. Contact Welch State Bank right away if you notice anything suspicious.

Key takeaways

What you need to know about protecting yourself online:

  • Phishing, social engineering, and identity theft are the most common cybersecurity threats facing banking customers.
  • Never share your password, PIN, or full Social Security number in response to an unsolicited email, text, or call.
  • Enable multi-factor authentication on your banking, email, and financial accounts.
  • Use a credit card rather than a debit card for online purchases to benefit from stronger fraud protections.
  • If you notice suspicious account activity, contact Welch State Bank immediately. Early reporting gives us the best opportunity to help.