Skip to main content
_FB_2018-Icons-finalized-cleaned-up_new_FB_2018-Icons-finalized-cleaned-up_newGroup 9
Back
Scroll to top

Lock It Up: Protect Your Login Info


Large image

These days an increasing number of people are online creating accounts for shopping, streaming services, or to stay connected with other people. Of course, with all those accounts on various websites, who wants to create a different username and password every time?

Well, it turns out the extra effort is worth it. Having different logins for your online shopping or subscription accounts can reduce your risk of fraud.

Here’s why: if you use the same username and password across multiple sites and one of them is compromised, access to the other sites is automatically at risk. Fraudsters will then use the stolen credentials on those other sites to see if they can gain access and attempt various forms of fraud or other data mining activity.

Please note: First Bank has several protective measures in place to ensure that your information is secure and that your account is safe from this type of fraud. But your other online accounts may not be so well guarded.

Here are some tips to help you make each of your log-ins stronger and more secure:

  1. Use different login information. Not surprisingly, this is the best thing you can do to keep fraudsters out of your retail or subscription accounts. This means you will need to resist using your favorite username or password over and over again because it is the easiest to remember.
  2. Create strong/unique usernames and passwords. When using different usernames and passwords, use information that is not easily identifiable, but something you can remember. The more complex, the less likely it is to be guessed.

    One more tip: use numbers, capital letters, and special characters throughout your username or password, not just at the beginning or end.

  3. Enable two-factor/multi-factor authentication where available. By enabling this feature, a user is provided a second form of identification to verify a log in attempt. Think of it as a second layer of protection against potential attackers. This can be as simple as receiving a code via text or email, or clicking a link to confirm a log in from an unfamiliar device.
  4. Keep second factor information confidential. Never give out your second factor code to anyone – even if they say they are from a favorite website, company, or store. For example, First Bank will not ask for a Secure Access Code for our online or mobile banking-ever-when helping you with a question or concern about your account.
  5. Change information directly on the site. If you are ever notified that one of your accounts has been compromised, make sure to change the username and password immediately. If that compromised information was also used for another account, change that information as well.

    Note: if you receive an email that says your login may have been stolen, don’t click on the link in the email! Go directly to the impacted website and change your information there. This helps keep you safe from phishing attempts.

  6. Be cautious. Always protect your login information for any online site. Even if you believe there is no risk, keep this information secure.

For more helpful tips on how to stay safe browsing and shopping online, check out these resources:

Trending Topics

Checking Account Offers – Asheville, NC

If you live in Asheville and want to open a checking account, visit your local First Bank. We offer checking accounts for individuals and business owners looking to open an account with a bank that values what they need....

ACH Positive Pay

If you are a business owner, you should spend your time worrying about growing a successful business, not worrying about fraudulent transactions. That’s where ACH Positive Pay comes in. What is ACH Positive Pay? We’re glad...

Your Community Bank – Albemarle, NC

When choosing a community bank to address all of your banking needs, it’s important to consider a bank that’s small enough to know you like a neighbor but large enough to provide a lot of options. Choose First Bank as Your...

Your Top 5 Tips for Effective Online Money Management

Information on the Internet moves quickly. That’s why First Bank* offers streamlined online money management for individuals and small businesses throughout North Carolina and South Carolina. Accounts can easily be linked...

Small Business Bank – North Carolina

First Bank has become the small business bank in North Carolina for owners across the state. We were named one of the best banks in North Carolina by Forbes. We provide the diverse selection of services you expect from a...

What to Know About Joint Checking Accounts

Some of the biggest causes of stress in a relationship stem from finances. If you’re considering opening a joint checking account, there are some things you should know. Here are some common questions surrounding this type...

What Are Commercial Loan Interest Rates?

Starting and running your own business takes hard work, time, and money. If you are an entrepreneur or a business leader in need of financial help, you are probably wondering about current commercial loan interest rates....

Small Business Startup Loans – South Carolina

Building a successful business takes passion, hard work, and dedication, but you shouldn’t have to do it all on your own. With First Bank’s small business startup loans, you can get the funds you need to build and grow a...

Saving for College – North Carolina

Paying for college begins well before your child ever sets foot on campus. Saving for college from day one is an effective way of combating the rising costs of today’s colleges and universities. There are nearly 200...

Loan For a New Roof – Asheville NC

Looking for a loan for a new roof in Asheville, NC? A new roof can be a costly expense for a home or business and you may need to find alternative ways to pay for such a project. If you’re in need of a loan for a new roof,...