Skip to Content
Farmers & Merchants Bank & Trust
  • 1-800-789-6617
  • Contact Us
  • Locations & Hours
Facebook Icon Menu
  • Home
  • Business
    • Commercial Loans
    • Business Checking Accounts
    • Savings & Money Market Accounts
    • eBanking
    • Business Credit Cards
    • Deposit Rates
  • Personal
    • eBanking
    • Checking Accounts
    • Savings & Money Market Accounts
    • CDs and IRAs
    • Deposit Rates
    • Fraud & Identity Theft
    • Galaxies Unlimited Kids Club
    • Horizons Unlimited Senior Club
    • Personal Credit Cards
    • Debit Cards
  • Trust
    • Trust Services
  • Lending
    • Commercial Loans
    • Mortgage Loans
    • Consumer Loans
    • Personal Credit Cards
    • Business Credit Cards
    • NMLSR Numbers
    • HELOC Special
  • About Us
    • Mission and History
    • Meet the FMBT Team
    • Security & Privacy
    • Hi-Q
      • Advisor Resource Tab
    • Locations & Hours
  • Blog
  • Careers
Online Banking

Money Matters Blog

Home Blog Cybersecurity for Beginners
  • Aa
  • Aa
  • Aa

Cybersecurity for Beginners

Posted On: August 26, 2019 by Farmers & Merchants Bank & Trust in: Cyber Security

  • 0 Comments
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Email
Cybersecurity for Beginners

Let’s get back to the basics! Cybersecurity is important for everyone, no matter if you use the internet on a daily basis or just once in a while. If you’ve never considered the best security tactics for the cyber world, hold on tight as we run through seven pillars of cybersecurity.

What is cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity is the act or process of protecting devices, networks and programs from theft or damage. Everyone has something to lose, whether it be their identity, money or hardware. Cybercrime can happen to anyone and it’s important to be prepared.

Start With the Physical

Just because we are talking cyberspace, doesn’t mean your should neglect protecting your physical space. Keep all of your devices secured with password protection, so that in the case your device is taken, they will not be able to crack into your sensitive documents. Be cautious about what flash drives or hard drives you plug into your computer. Unknown ones may be infected with malware seeking to steal your information. This also means your devices should never be left without your supervision.

Create a Tight Password

The first line of defense against a cybercriminal is your password. It’s tempting for many to choose something that is short and easy to remember. However, your password should be complicated enough to keep a hacker out. It’s suggested to use a sentence for a password. For example, instead of choosing your pet’s name as a password, create a sentence about your animal. It could be something like, “Mydogspotlikestonap.” Get creative!

Avoid Public Wi-Fi

While we believe it’s fantastic to make use of our public libraries and coffee shops, using public Wi-Fi can put you at risk. However, there are two types of public Wi-Fi and one is safer than the other. Unsecured networks often don’t require a password or any login information. A secured network will require that you create an account in order to access the service. While less convenient, this is a safer option. However, if you do choose to use an unsecured network, do not access your bank accounts or any personal information, as the line can be easily hacked.

Be Social Conscious

Social media is a great tool to stay connected with friends and family. However, be sure that you are not posting sensitive information about your identity such as your birthdate and current location. It’s also important to keep your settings private so only your close friends have access to the account.

Welcome Updates

Updates may seem tedious, but they keep your device secure by patching any areas that are prone to hacking. Take the time to install them or you may regret it later.

Be Suspicious

Whether it’s an unsolicited advertisement or an email from an unknown source, always be suspicious of anyone asking for your personal information or money online. It’s often a best course of action to not interact with any unknown sources.

Stay safe and secure by utilizing these cybersecurity tips! You can also enroll in Online and Mobile Banking with us – so you can securely check your finances between statements.

Want more cybersecurity tips? Visit our Fraud & Identity Theft Resources page to learn more.

Tags: beginner, cybersecurity

0 comments

Featured Blogs

  • FMBT’s Response to Silicon Valley & Signature Bank Failures

  • Cybersecurity for Beginners

    Cybersecurity for Beginners

    Categories: Cyber Security

  • Categories
  • Recent
  • Archives
  • Budget
  • Community
  • Cyber Security
  • Family
  • General
  • Mortgages
  • Retirement
  • Save
  • Seasonal
  • FMBT’s Response to Silicon Valley & Signature Bank Failures
  • Stay Safe Online While Holiday Shopping
  • Special, Yet Inexpensive Christmas Gift Ideas
  • How to Know if it’s the Right Time to Refinance
  • Finance Tips for Soon-To-Be Newlyweds
  • Most Common Money Mistakes to Avoid in Your 30s
  • 5 Steps Towards Tackling Your Student Loans
  • Smart Money Choices for First-Time Parents
  • Finance Tips Your Kids Should Know Before College
  • Tom Maxwell and FMBT Recognized by Marinette School District
  • March 2023
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • Personal
  • Business

Online Banking

Enroll Forgot Password?

Online Banking

Forgot password or PIN?
  • Deposit Rates
  • Order Checks
  • Financial Education Center
  • Contact Us

Popular Visited Pages

  • eBanking for Individuals and Families
  • Meet the FMBT Team
  • Locations & Hours
  • Contact Us
  • Your Hub for Hi-Q
  • Checking Accounts
  • Deposit Rates
  • Careers at FMBT
  • Our Mission and History
  • Mortgage & Home Loans
  • Security & Privacy
  • Commercial Loans
  • Business Checking Accounts
  • Blog
  • Calculators

Contact Information

Ludington:  (715) 735-6617

Roosevelt:  (715) 732-4411

Crivitz:  (715) 854-7445

EZ Access Banking:  (877) 735-4228

Lost/Stolen Debit Card?:  (833) 613-0441

Lost/Stolen Credit Card?:  (866) 552-8855

Routing #:  075901037 *

* Not to be used for wire transfers. Please call us for wire instructions.

© 2023 Farmers & Merchants Bank & Trust. All rights reserved.
Privacy Policy | Mobile Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | USA Patriot Act | Website Accessibility Notice | Sitemap
Financial site created and powered by VGM Forbin.

  • FDIC Logo
  • Equal Housing Logo
Back to Top
Close
  • Home
  • Business
    • Commercial Loans
    • Business Checking Accounts
    • Savings & Money Market Accounts
    • eBanking
    • Business Credit Cards
    • Deposit Rates
    • Back
  • Personal
    • eBanking
    • Checking Accounts
    • Savings & Money Market Accounts
    • CDs and IRAs
    • Deposit Rates
    • Fraud & Identity Theft
    • Galaxies Unlimited Kids Club
    • Horizons Unlimited Senior Club
    • Personal Credit Cards
    • Debit Cards
    • Back
  • Trust
    • Trust Services
    • Back
  • Lending
    • Commercial Loans
    • Mortgage Loans
    • Consumer Loans
    • Personal Credit Cards
    • Business Credit Cards
    • NMLSR Numbers
    • HELOC Special
    • Back
  • About Us
    • Mission and History
    • Meet the FMBT Team
    • Security & Privacy
    • Hi-Q
      • Advisor Resource Tab
    • Locations & Hours
    • Back
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Search