Cyber Security Awareness

 

For Individuals

Protect Your Personal Information

• Never share your account numbers, login credentials, or personal identification numbers (PINs) in response to unsolicited phone calls, emails, or text messages.
• Be cautious of unexpected requests for sensitive information, even if they appear to come from reputable sources.

Guard Against Phishing Scams

• Verify the sender’s email address carefully. Look for small changes in spelling or domain names.
• Avoid clicking links or opening attachments in suspicious emails or text messages.
• When in doubt, contact the organization directly using official channels.

Practice Safe Online Banking

• Use strong, unique passwords for your online banking accounts.
• Enable multi-factor authentication wherever possible.
• Regularly review your account statements and report any suspicious transactions immediately.

Protect Against Internet-Based Threats

Cybercriminals often use malicious software (malware) to gain access to personal and financial information.

• Install and regularly update antivirus and anti-malware software.
• Avoid downloading software, apps, or files from unverified sources.
• Keep your operating system and web browsers up to date with the latest security patches.
• Be cautious when using public Wi-Fi networks for banking or other sensitive transactions unless you use a virtual private network (VPN).

Beware of Telephone Scams and Vishing

• Fraudsters may impersonate banks, government agencies, or trusted companies, using high-pressure tactics to demand immediate action.
• Never provide personal or account information over the phone unless you initiated the call using a verified number.
• Hang up and contact the bank or organization directly using an official phone number if you receive a suspicious call.

Protect Yourself from Identity Theft

Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information without permission to commit fraud or other crimes. Criminals may use stolen identities to:

• Open new credit accounts in your name.
• Access existing bank or credit accounts.
• File fraudulent tax returns.
• Obtain medical services using your identity.

How to reduce your risk:

• Shred documents containing personal or financial information before discarding them.
• Review your credit reports regularly for unfamiliar accounts or inquiries.
• Secure your mail and be cautious about sharing personal information online or on social media.
• Sign up for account alerts and monitor your banking and credit card activity closely.

If you suspect identity theft:

Contact Golden Bank, N.A., immediately to review your accounts and place additional protection if needed.

Notify the credit bureaus and consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze on your file:

• Equifax: 1-800-685-1111
• Experian: 1-888-397-3742
• TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289

File a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at www.IdentityTheft.gov for a personalized recovery plan.

Consider filing a police report to document the theft.

Stay Alert for AI-Enabled Scams

Emerging technologies like artificial intelligence are being exploited by fraudsters to:

• Generate realistic phishing emails and text messages.
• Clone voices to impersonate family members or bank representatives in phone calls.
• Create deepfake videos or images that appear legitimate.

Always verify unexpected requests—even if they sound or look familiar—through trusted channels before taking any action.

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For Businesses

Businesses face unique risks due to the scale of their operations and the complexity of transactions. Strong internal controls and ongoing vigilance are essential to protecting business operations and financial assets.

Business Email Compromise (BEC)

Business Email Compromise is one of the most significant threats facing businesses today. Criminals use compromised or spoofed email accounts to fraudulently redirect funds or obtain sensitive information.

• Always verify requests for changes in payment instructions by calling a known contact using established phone numbers.
• Be cautious of urgent or confidential requests demanding immediate action.
• Train employees to identify suspicious emails, even those appearing to originate from executives or trusted partners.
• Enable multi-factor authentication wherever possible.

Strengthen Internal Controls

• Implement dual control or multiple levels of approval for initiating or changing payments, particularly wire transfers.
• Segregate duties so that no single employee controls an entire transaction process.
• Regularly review vendor and payment information for accuracy.

Protect Against Internet-Based Threats

• Maintain updated antivirus and anti-malware protection on all business systems.
• Limit access to sensitive systems and data based on job responsibilities.
• Educate employees about risks associated with downloading software or clicking links from unknown sources.
• Use secure network configurations and consider VPNs for remote access.

Telephone Scams and Vishing

• Criminals may impersonate executives, vendors, or financial institutions to pressure employees into transferring funds or sharing confidential information.
• Establish clear procedures for verifying requests received by phone, especially those involving financial transactions.
• Encourage employees to report suspicious calls immediately.

Stay Alert for AI-Enabled Threats

Fraudsters are increasingly using AI to deceive businesses through:

• Deepfake videos or audio recordings impersonating executives.
• Sophisticated phishing emails customized using publicly available information.
• AI chatbots engaging employees in seemingly legitimate conversations to extract information.

Businesses should:

• Raise awareness among staff about emerging AI-related risks.
• Establish robust verification protocols for high-value or sensitive requests.
• Stay informed about new technological threats.

If You Suspect Fraud or Identity Theft

If you believe you have been a victim of fraud, identity theft, or notice suspicious activity involving your accounts:

• Contact Golden Bank, N.A. immediately at 1-888-320-3838 or onlinebanking@goldenbank-na.com.
• For business clients, reach out to your Account Officer or Branch Manager for assistance.
• Report suspected email compromise to your IT team and law enforcement where appropriate.
• For identity theft, visit www.IdentityTheft.gov for recovery resources.

At Golden Bank, N.A., we are committed to partnering with you to safeguard your financial security. Staying informed, vigilant, and proactive is your best defense against fraud.