Easy ways to keep your personal and account information safe.
Your personal data is one of the most valuable things you own. Due to how we transact business today, you must take some extra steps to keep your information safe.
Information Protection Tips:
- Only provide your information to those you trust and have verified legitimate.
- Be skeptical when providing your personal information. If you can't verify the identity of the business or person that you may be providing your information to, or if you don't know why a certain piece of information is needed, don't provide it.
- Do not put sensitive information (SSN, address, phone number) on sales receipts. Carry only the identification and financial cards you need on your person. Leave non-essential sensitive information in a secure location. Make sure to shred mail or documents that contain sensitive information when throwing them away.
- Promptly remove mail from your mailbox. If you're planning to be away from home and can't pick up your mail, request the U.S. Postal Service to hold your mail until your return.
- Before revealing any personally identifying information (for example, on an application), find out how it will be used and secured, and whether it will be shared with others. Ask if you have a choice about the use of your information. Can you choose to have it kept confidential? Here is where you can learn how your information is used by WCB.
- Review your online account information frequently and your statements promptly. Let us know right away if you see something you do not recognize. Manage account alerts to help monitor your accounts. Balance your checkbook every month. If you do not receive a statement, let us know right away.
- Obtain and review a copy of your credit report periodically. This is one way to find out about identity theft.
- Do not use public computers or public Internet access such as "Internet Cafes" or "Free Wi-Fi" to conduct financial transactions such as online banking.
Secure Your Computer and Your Online Transaction Experience:
- Keep your operating system and browser up to date.
- Install a personal firewall.
- Make sure your computer has both an anti-spyware protection program that detects and removes spyware and an anti-virus program. Keep both programs updated. Scan your computer for viruses and spyware on a regular basis.
- Beware of false websites pretending to be an actual company. The best way to know who you are dealing with is to type the address in your browser address bar, don’t click on a link that’s provided to you via email or text message.
- If you receive an email or text message using our name and asking for your personal or account information, please contact us. We will never send you an email or contact you unsolicited to ask for your account number, online ID or password.
- Do not open attachments in email messages if you do not know the sender. Attachments can contain viruses and spyware.
- Choose an online ID and password that is difficult for others to guess. Do not use birth dates, names, or other easily guessed information. If possible, use both letters and numbers, and a combination of lowercase and capital letters. Also, use a different ID and password for each of your online sites. Do not share these credentials with anyone and change your password frequently.
- Check to see if you have “Autofill” turned on. This feature saves previously entered information and saves it for easy reentry. We recommend that you turn off this feature for security reasons. If another person uses your device, they can autofill sensitive information like passwords, IDs, addresses, and account numbers. Additionally, never check the “Remember Me” or “Remember Password” box.
- Use a current, and secure web browser. Newer browsers are being deployed with your security in mind. Visit our Online Support page for a list of recommended browsers. Using a secure browser will enhance security and guard your transactions.
- Avoid downloading programs from unknown sources. Some sources may have hidden spyware or viruses that could compromise the security of your computer. You can verify secure sites by double-clicking on the padlock icon located at the bottom of your browser application and reading the site information in the box that appears.
- Activate a pop-up blocker from a trustworthy source.
- When your computer is not in use, shut it down or disconnect it from the Internet.
- Always sign off from your transaction session and close your browser. You should open a new browser before visiting other websites.
- Standard email is not a secure means of sending sensitive data, such as financial or other personal information. If you need to provide us with sensitive information like your account numbers or social security number, contact us by mail, fax, or telephone rather than by email.
- If you believe your account has been compromised, take immediate action and contact us without delay.