As we conclude October’s Cybersecurity Month, it is essential to reinforce the importance of safeguarding both yourself and your financial institution, such as RCB Bank, against the ever-present threat of phone-based social engineering. This form of cybercrime preys on trust and human vulnerability, making it crucial for individuals and institutions to stay vigilant.
Here are some final tips to keep in mind:
Verify Identities: When receiving phone calls requesting sensitive information, always take the time to verify the caller’s identity. Do not be hasty in sharing personal or financial details. To ensure that you are speaking with a legitimate representative, consider calling back using official contact details that you obtained independently from trusted sources.
Educate Yourself and Others: Knowledge is a powerful weapon against social engineering. Stay informed about common tactics employed by cybercriminals who aim to deceive you over the phone. Share this knowledge with friends and family to create a network of individuals who are equally vigilant. Protecting your circle can go a long way in thwarting potential threats.
Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): One of the most effective ways to enhance the security of your personal accounts is by enabling Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). MFA adds an extra layer of protection by requiring more than just a password for access. Whenever possible, activate MFA on your accounts to make it significantly harder for cybercriminals to breach them.
Exercise Caution Online: Be cautious about sharing personal information on social media or other online platforms. Cyber attackers often exploit the information they collect from platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and others to craft convincing schemes. Protect your personal data online to make it more challenging for malicious individuals to target you.
Report Suspicious Calls: If you ever receive a suspicious phone call related to your RCB Bank account(s), it is imperative to report it promptly to RCB Bank. You can reach us at 855.226.5722. Timely reporting of such incidents can help the bank take action to protect your accounts and investigate potential threats.
Phone-based social engineering is a persistent threat that preys on trust and human vulnerability. By understanding the tactics used by attackers and remaining vigilant, you can protect both yourself and your financial institutions. Remember that skepticism is a valuable defense, and it is essential to prioritize your security over convenience when dealing with phone calls from unknown or suspicious sources. Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility and staying informed and cautious is key to defending against these threats.
Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility. By staying informed, you can enhance your digital defenses and protect yourself from the evolving landscape of cyber threats. Remember, vigilance is your greatest asset in the battle for digital security.
If you feel or think you detect fraud or are a victim of fraud call us at 855.226.5722 or visit our website RCBBank.Bank and click on Security Center for a variety of methods to keep you and your money safe and to stay up to date.
Opinions expressed above are the personal opinions of the author and meant for generic illustration purposes only. RCB Bank, Member FDIC.
Sources: Risukhin, A. (2023, May 9). Social Engineering: What it is and how to protect yourself. ClearVPN. https://clearvpn.com/blog/what-is-social-engineering/
