CyberSmart Series: April 2024Hello HCN customers, Welcome back to the latest edition of the CyberSmart Series, our dedicated effort at HCN Bank to keep you informed and protected in the evolving landscape of security and technology. This edition highlights a rising threat in the digital realm that has been affecting banking clients, including those at HCN Bank. Beware of Smishing Scams: SMS Phishing, or "Smishing," leverages the widespread use of smartphones and text messaging to exploit unsuspecting victims. It is becoming a prevalent tactic among cybercriminals, targeting individuals through text messages. Smishing attempts to trick recipients into revealing personal information or downloading malicious software via links in seemingly legitimate text messages. Here's What You Need to Know: Smishing messages often mimic notifications from trusted entities, such as banks, government agencies, or popular retailers, claiming issues with your account, prizes won, or urgent actions required. The goal is to prompt you into clicking on a link or providing sensitive information, leading to fraud or identity theft. These messages can be convincingly crafted, making them sometimes hard to distinguish from legitimate communications. Our Recommendations: • Verify Before You Trust: Always verify the source of a text message before taking any action. Contact the company using official channels if you're unsure. • Do Not Click on Suspicious Links: Clicking on links in unsolicited text messages can install malware on your device or direct you to phishing websites. If in doubt, don’t click. • Guard Your Personal Information: Never share personal, financial, or login information in response to a text message. Legitimate organizations will not request sensitive information via text. • Enable Spam Filters: Many phones offer features or apps that can filter or block potential spam messages. Enabling these can reduce the number of unsolicited texts you receive. • Report Smishing Attempts: Forward suspicious messages to 7726 (SPAM) to report them to your mobile carrier, and notify relevant authorities like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to help combat these fraudulent activities. Protecting yourself from Smishing attacks requires vigilance and an understanding of the risks and methods used by thieves. By following these recommendations, you can significantly lower your chances of becoming a victim. Stay tuned for more updates and tips in our CyberSmart Series. If you have any questions feel free to contact us.
Mickey McGuire About HCN Bank: HCN Bank is a full-service community bank that has been serving the Hemet community since 1974. With a commitment to personalized service, innovative solutions, and strong community relationships, HCN Bank offers a comprehensive range of financial services to individuals, businesses, and organizations. |
