Ah, spring! The birds are chirping, the flowers are blooming, and your inbox is probably filling up with reminders to clean out your garage. But while you’re tackling dust bunnies and reorganizing the junk drawer, don’t forget about an area that could use a deep clean: your cybersecurity!
At Coulee Bank, we want to help you keep your digital world as fresh and secure as a newly decluttered closet. So, grab your cybersecurity broom and let’s get to work!
1. Change Those Dusty Old Passwords
If your password is still Password123 or yourdog’sname2022, we need to have a serious talk. Updating your passwords regularly is like changing your smoke detector batteries—it’s a simple step that can save you from a disaster.
Pro Tip: Use passphrases instead of passwords—think “SpringFlowersBloom@Sunrise!” instead of
“Fluffy123.” Better yet, use a password manager so you don’t have to remember all 174 variations of your credentials.
2. Kick Out Digital Squatters (a.k.a. Review Access Controls)
If former employees, long-lost vendors, or your ex-roommate still have access to sensitive accounts, it’s time to revoke those permissions faster than you delete spam emails promising “You’ve won a free cruise!”
Action Item: Audit who has access to important banking and business systems. If someone doesn’t need access anymore, cut the cord.
3. Patch, Patch, and Patch Again
Think of outdated software like an unlatched window—it’s an open invitation for cybercriminals. Ensure your operating systems, browsers, and all banking-related applications are updated with the latest security patches.
Reality Check: Hackers love old software like squirrels love forgotten birdseed. Don’t let them snack on your vulnerabilities!
4. Watch Out for Sneaky Phishing Scams
Spring cleaning might be in the air, but so are cybercriminals looking to sweep you off your feet with fake emails, urgent messages, and too-good-to-be-true offers.
Cybersecurity Tip: If an email asks you to click a link, enter credentials, or wire money to a “Nigerian prince,” take a deep breath and think before you click.
5. Back It Up Like a Pro
Imagine this: You’ve worked hard on cleaning up your business files, only for a ransomware attack to lock you out. The solution? Regularly back up important data to secure cloud storage or external drives. That way, if something goes wrong, you have a fresh copy—just like keeping an emergency stash of chocolate (you know, for survival purposes).
6. Check Your Bank Statements (We’re Looking Out for You!)
Spring is a great time to review your account activity for anything suspicious. Unexpected charges? Unfamiliar logins? If something seems off, call us immediately. Our team is always here to help you protect your hard-earned money.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Cyber Clutter Pile Up!
Cybersecurity is just like house cleaning—the more often you do it, the easier it is to keep everything in order. And if you ever need help making sure your financial security is as fresh as a spring breeze, we’re just a phone call away!
Stay safe, stay cyber-clean, and don’t forget to update those passwords!