Through previously posted blogs you have heard about some of the new ways theft is occurring online and through bank accounts. These criminals, however, have moved to slightly bigger targets in recent days, finding that they can get much more money through small businesses’ bank accounts. If you are a small business owner with a big bank account, there is no need to panic yet, included in this article are some ways you can help protect yourself from these “cyber criminals” and keep your accounts safe.
The first line of defense to protect your business from hackers is to defend your computers and computer programs. Hackers are known for targeting small firms because there computer systems are easier to hack into than larger corporations or banking systems. An often used method for these hackers is to send an email to employees of the company with ties to the financial accounts that is loaded with infected files. This will install malware that allows these criminals to access log Ins and passwords of these financial employees. Antivirus software can never be 100% efficient, but making sure yours is installed and up to date should help some.
Bank accounts and other information can also be installed on computers without access to email or web surfing, or even not connected to the interoffice network at all can help protect your bank accounts as well. Using unknown or little known computer operating systems and web browsers will often help as well. Many hackers have not yet created or will not create malware for them. Ubuntu is an operating system you might consider and Opera is a less well known web browser that you may want to consider. If you do use the well known browsers and software, be sure to set your security settings to high.
Protecting your accounts is another way to make sure fraud does not occur in your small business. Make sure your bank has dual controls set up on your account. This will ensure that each time a transaction is processed it will require the approval of two people (that is two signatures). It may also be wise to set up a daily limit for how much money can be transferred or withdrawn from your account. You could also require that all transfers be scheduled or confirmed via phone, email, or text message. You should also keep a close eye on your bank balances at the end of each workday or at least at the end of the week so that you can immediately contact your bank if anything is out of place. Many places don’t transfer funds until the next morning, so by keeping tabs on your bank account at night you may be able to stop a transfer that you would have missed in the morning.
Talking to your bank is a third important way to protect yourself as well. You should strive to know your rights,and what you are missing out on by not taking full advantage of all of the security services they offer. Don’t forget to shop around as well for better deals,and consider adding insurance against fraud.
Connect with local agencies including law enforcement and other small business agencies to help prevent fraud from happening in the first place. When you have good communication and connections with local, and even federal agencies, you will feel more comfortable speaking with them and reporting incidents to them. Many local law enforcement agencies have connections to the FBI and the FBI has been working with foreign law enforcement to work towards catching many of these internet and banking criminals.
Now that you have all the tools and ideas you need to keep your financial accounts safe, what better way to get that extra insurance you need than from Check City? Check City offers great deals on our various Insurance Plans. We can help carry you with Insurance for everything, from auto to small business. Our prices are great and our services are even better. Visit us today to learn all about them.
