What is Cyber Security?

Cyber security is the practice of protecting your personal information on computers, servers, mobile devices and electronic systems from theft and cyber-attacks. Read more about tips on how to protect yourself.
 

Internet Safety 101:

When it comes to internet safety, it’s best to start with the basics. 

1. Protect your personal information with strong passwords.

• When creating a new password, pay attention to strong password requirements.
• Change your passwords often.
• Don’t share your passwords with other people.
• Don’t use common, easily guessable passwords.
• Make sure passwords and password hints are stored securely. Record passwords in an encrypted file on your computer, or select another secure password storage.  
   

2. Keep personal information private.

• Never enter your financial information on a website that isn’t secure (look for the padlock or "https://" prefix in the browser address bar).

• If you suspect your credit card information is being misused online, turn off your card using the SNB SD mobile banking app.

• It’s important to protect your personal information offline, too, because once sensitive information is stolen it can be proliferated online. Remember tips like shielding the PIN pad when you make purchases and learning how to spot a credit card skimmer at gas pumps. Using a chip debit card is another way to protect your financial information. The more sophisticated chip technology is just one reason why the chip card is more secure than the traditional magnetic strip debit card.
   

3. Make sure all of your devices are secure.

• Pay attention to software updates.  
• Be careful about using public Wi-Fi.  
• Set up multi-factor authentication when available.  
• Back up your personal data.  
   

4. Pay attention to software updates.

• Promptly install software updates, especially when they include important security upgrades.
• Set up automatic updates on your devices so you never miss one!
   

5. Be careful about using public Wi-Fi.

• Do not trust public Wi-Fi security. Avoid connecting to unsecured public Wi-Fi networks.
• Make sure your own Wi-Fi networks are protected with strong passwords.
• Remember tip #1 and change your Wi-Fi password frequently.
   

6. Set up multi-factor authentication when available.

• Enable two-factor authentication in order to prevent hackers from accessing your personal accounts and information.
• Add this extra layer of security to keep your accounts safe even if someone knows your password.
   

7. Back up your personal data.

• Back up important personal information on external hard drives.
• Create new back-ups regularly.