June is Internet Safety Month – Stay One Step Ahead with Parke Bank
Your online security matters. At Parke Bank, we’re dedicated to protecting your financial information—and helping you do the same. In honor of Internet Safety Month, we’re sharing important steps you can take to stay safe and secure online:
Top Internet Safety Tips:
- Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Choose long, complex passwords that include letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid reusing passwords across accounts and consider using a reputable password manager.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Add a second layer of protection by requiring a code or approval from your phone, even if your password is compromised.
- Beware of Phishing Emails and Texts: Scammers often pose as legitimate institutions to steal your information. Always verify the sender, avoid clicking unknown links, and never share personal or banking information by email or text.
- Avoid Using Public Wi-Fi for Banking: Public Wi-Fi networks can be unsecured, allowing hackers to intercept your data. Use a secure, private connection or a VPN for online banking or shopping.
- Keep Software and Apps Updated: Regular updates fix known security vulnerabilities. Enable automatic updates to ensure your devices stay protected.
- Install Antivirus and Anti-Malware Software: These tools help detect and remove harmful programs that can steal your data or damage your devices.
- Monitor Your Accounts Regularly: Check your bank and credit card statements often to catch unauthorized transactions early. Parke Bank’s mobile app makes it easy to stay in control.
- Use Secure Websites Only: When entering sensitive information, make sure the site’s URL begins with “https://”—the “s” stands for secure. Look for a padlock icon in the address bar.
- Log Out When Done: Always log out of accounts on shared or public devices to prevent others from accessing your information.
- Educate Your Family: Help children and elderly family members understand the importance of online safety, including how to spot suspicious messages and avoid unsafe sites.
Remember: Parke Bank will never contact you to ask for personal information such as social security numbers, debit card pins or online banking passwords.