Corporate Account Takeover is a type of fraud where cyber thieves gain access to a business’s finances using spoofed email, malicious software spread through infected attachments, and social media networks to obtain login credentials to a business’s accounts, transfer funds from the business’s accounts, and steal private information. These attacks are constantly evolving and growing increasingly sophisticated. Together we can work to combat account takeover. We have many safeguards available that help ensure fund transfers, payroll requests and withdrawals are legitimate, accurate and authorized. As the first line of defense, we encourage you to train your employees to stay alert to any account or network activity that appears suspicious, teach them how to safely use the internet, and help them understand the warning signs of account takeover. Tips to help you prevent account takeover:
- Educate your employees. You and your employees are the first line of defense against corporate account takeover. A strong security program paired with employee education about the warning signs, safe practices, and responses to a suspected takeover are essential to protecting your company and customers.
- Protect your online environment. It is important to protect your cyber environment just as you would your cash and physical location. Do not use unprotected internet connections. Encrypt sensitive data and keep updated virus protections on your computer. Use complex passwords and change them periodically.
- Partner with your bank to prevent unauthorized transactions. Talk to your banker about programs that safeguard you from unauthorized transactions. Positive Pay and other services offer call backs, device authentication, multi-person approval processes and batch limits help protect you from fraud.
- Pay attention to suspicious activity and react quickly. Look out for unexplained account or network activity, pop ups, and suspicious emails. If detected, immediately contact us, stop all online activity, and remove any systems that may have been compromised. Keep records of what happened.
- Understand your responsibilities and liabilities. The account agreement with your bank will detail what commercially reasonable security measures are required in your business. It is critical that you understand and implement the security safeguards in the agreement. If you don’t, you could be liable for losses resulting from a takeover. Talk to your banker if you have any questions about your responsibilities.
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