Because my bank cares
It was almost like my bank read my last article , as within a few days I found a message in my inbox when I logged into my account.
The message was as follows: (I’ve edited it to remove the bank’s name simply for personal preference)
Important Security Information for BANK NAME Users
Internet Security is frequently in the news. If your personal computer (PC) doesn’t have adequate security, others may gain unauthorized access to the information stored on your PC and/or your PC’s browser. With this information, they could also gain unauthorized access to your accounts and personal information. Take precautions to protect your PC from unauthorized access and use.
Here are a few tips to help you safeguard your personal and account information when using online services:
- Install anti-virus software, a firewall and spyware-detection software on your PC and update this software on a regular basis, as recommended by the software providers. Remember, new viruses continue to be created. Always check to make sure the security software is running before accessing the Internet.
- Keep your PC and browser updated with current patches that are released by your system vendor. Be sure to download patches only from official vendors’ Web sites, and not from third-party Web sites.
- Do not respond to e-mails, Web pages or telephone inquiries requesting you to verify your account information. We will never ask you to verify your account information, user name or password, via an e-mail using a non-secure Web site. Never provide personal or account information or respond to any attempt to collect this information. If you receive an unsolicited e-mail from us, or from any other source, requesting personal information or asking you to verify your accounts or security settings, we suggest that you check with us or the other entities to make sure these requests are legitimate.
Help us protect you don’t take the bait from any “phishing” schemes. Forward all suspicious e-mails to us at email address and to your Internet Service Provider. For more information on Identity Theft and Phishing, or when BANK NAME may contact you via e-mail, please visit BANK NAME’s Web site: website
- Never share your password with anyone even someone you know. At BANK NAME, you can select your own online password and change it as often as you’d like. We suggest that you choose an alphanumeric password that contains a mix of numbers and letters. Do not use numbers or words that can be easily guessed (such as your phone or street number, or your child’s name).
We are committed to ensuring that your account information via the Internet is safe. We take all possible steps to establish a secure, encrypted connection after you enter your account sign-on information and click on the sign-on button on *BANK NAME*’s home page. You also need to help protect your PC and account information, too.
This isn’t a huge surprise, but it was one of the first times I received something from the actual bank, as I have a few other bank accounts, and rarely get anything of this nature from them.
As you can see, at least they are taking some steps in training or at least warning their user base. Though I’d recommend a much stronger password then they encourage. Maybe things are changing, maybe big cooperate does care about the little guys.