Safety Tips to Remember Amidst Unrest in Russia and Ukraine

With the recent unrest in the news around Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, we understand there may be questions and concerns with how it may affect you as a consumer and/or business owner, and as a customer of First International Bank & Trust.

While this is an evolving situation, it is important for you to know that First International Bank & Trust has and continues to invest in sophisticated security systems and consistently trains bank staff to safeguard your personal private information and financial assets from fraud attempts. We cannot do it alone. We need our customers to be diligent with cybersecurity fundamentals both at home and at their place of work. Cyber attackers will use current events to target unsuspecting individuals and businesses.

Here are three cybersecurity fundamentals:

1. Phishing: Phishing and related scams are when cyber attackers attempt to trick or fool you into doing something you should not do, like clicking on a link or downloading a file. Often these scams are sent as emails, but they can also try to trick you with text messaging, phone calls or on social media. Anytime someone is creating a tremendous sense of urgency and rushing you to take an action, or someone is promoting an offer that is too good to be true, this is most likely an attack. When in doubt don’t click on any links and just delete the email.
2. Passwords: Strong passwords are key to protecting your online, digital life. Make sure each of your accounts is protected by a unique, long password. The longer your password the better. To keep it simple, use passphrases, a type of password made up of multiple words like “honey-butter-happy”. Finally, whenever possible, enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) on your important accounts.
3. Updating: Keep your computers, devices and apps updated and current by enabling automatic updating on all your devices. Cyber attackers are constantly looking for new vulnerabilities in the devices and software you use. Keeping them automatically updated makes sure these known weaknesses are fixed and your devices have the latest security features.

Be aware of false information.

With the internet, there is going to be a tremendous amount of information being shared that may or may not be true. Do not trust or rely on information from new, unknown or random social media accounts. Instead, follow only well-known trusted news sources who verify the authenticity of information before it is broadcasted. Additionally, if you wish to donate to any causes in support of recent events, please be sure you are donating to a well-known, trusted charity. There will be many scams attempting to trick people into donating to fake charities ran by cyber criminals.

Additional resources:

Below are additional resources to help you get educated and feel empowered to act appropriately to potential fraud risks

• Federal Trade Commission – consumer information: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/
• First International Bank & Trust – security tips: https://www.fibt.com/education-center/security/