Protect Your Business

Many of us know the basics of avoiding identity theft personally. But have you given thought to protecting your business from identity theft? A major trend in identity theft is attacking business bank accounts through a variety of means. Here are some ways you can help protect your own company’s security.

Here are some things that you can do to help protect your business:

  • Never share login credentials with other employees.
  • Monitor account activity every day, for every account – not just your primary account.
  • Change passwords regularly, and don’t use the same password for multiple logins (for example, don’t use your network login password as your password for your online banking).
  • Complete background checks on all new employees, especially if they will be given access to your banking accounts, an online banking credential, or authority to initiate bill pay or funds transfers.
  • If you scan and deposit checks via Remote Deposit Capture, make sure scanned checks are maintained in a secure location in accordance with your account agreement.
  • Ensure that your employees receive security training and understand their responsibility for maintaining your company’s security through password protections and computer security.
  • Check out these security links for additional information on how to protect yourself:

Protect Yourself

Identity theft is awful. It’s not just the money being taken – it’s the time and energy you have to put into getting your good name and financial well-being back. Modern technology brings some great conveniences to us, but those same conveniences can make identity theft easier if we don’t take some precautions to guard against it.

Here are some things that you can do to help protect yourself:

  • Sign up for eStatements to reduce confidential information coming to you through the mail.
  • Avoid accessing online banking over a public WiFi connection.
  • Secure your mobile device with a passcode or fingerprint to keep thieves from gaining access to your confidential information.
  • Enroll your debit card in VISA® Purchase Alerts, to receive notifications of spending outside of thresholds that you set.
  • If you receive an email from an unknown source – especially if it has attachments or links in it – just delete it. Many email scams count on recipients to be curious and will use dramatic subject titles.
  • Avoid clicking on any links within an unsolicited email, particularly emails that ask (either directly or by pointing to a website) for personal, financial, or identity information. Instead, directly type the website destination into your browser or use a trusted bookmark to verify the site or to log into your account directly.
  • If you receive an email that warns you, with little or no notice, that an account of yours will be shut down unless you reconfirm your billing information, do not reply or click on the link in the email. Instead, contact the company cited in the email using a telephone number or website address you know to be genuine.
  • Avoid sending personal or financial information over the Internet unsecured. Before submitting financial information through a website, look for your browser’s address bar to be highlighted green, which is a visual clue to you that the website is trusted and secure.
  • If you suspect fraudulent activity on your account, notify us as soon as possible at 503-905-2222.
  • Check out these security links for additional information on how to protect yourself:
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PWB is launching a new personal online and personal mobile banking experience, coming October 24th. Click here to learn more . 

Pacific West Bank will be closed Monday, October 14th in observance of Indigenous Peoples' Day and Columbus Day.

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