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First Security Warns of New Cybersecurity Threat: E-Skimming
October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month.
Cybercrime continues to evolve, and that is true with one of the latest methods criminals are using called e-skimmers. To help consumers protect themselves from this threat, First Security is offering tips on how to avoid becoming a victim of e-skimming.
Many consumers may already be aware of the use of physical skimmers that are used to steal personal information. A skimmer is a device that is typically placed on a gas pump or ATM and is programmed to steal data from credit and debit cards. With e-skimming, cybercriminals hack into a company’s server and plant malware on their e-commerce site. That code helps them steal the personal information from credit cards people use when shopping online.
Just like with skimmers placed on an ATM, you won’t know you’ve been victimized until your information has been used. While this may sound scary, it is still safe to shop online, but it’s crucial that when doing so, you take certain precautions. The Better Business Bureau recommends the following.
- Monitor your accounts — Knowledge is power. The best way to combat cybercrime is to report it as soon as it happens. Checking your accounts regularly and reporting fraudulent charges to your bank or credit card issuer will help stop cyber thieves in their tracks.
- Use Mobile Wallet services — Apple Pay®, Samsung Pay®, and Google Pay™ are all supported at First Security. Simply register your debit card with any of these services and they will act as an intermediary between you and the merchant. This way, your debit card information isn’t being shared with the merchant and is protected from e-skimming.
- Sign up for fraud monitoring and identity management services — Every First Security deposit account comes with automatic enrollment in CyberScout® identity protection services at no additional cost. Your personal fraud specialist will guide you through the resolution process in the event your personal information is compromised. Consider upgrading to FraudScout® for just $6 per month and receive active identity and credit report monitoring.
- Consider a credit freeze — By law, you have the ultimate control over your credit. A credit freeze restricts access to your credit report and prevents new credit from being opened in your name without your express permission. Learn more here: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0497-credit-freeze-faqs
“Cybercriminals are constantly changing their methods to try to catch consumers off guard,” said Donnis Borcherding,VP/Operations at First Security. “It’s not surprising that they have reverted to an old tactic to try to take advantage of people who shop online. I urge all consumers to watch out for any signs that they have been victimized and to take precautions when shopping online.”
Learn More
To learn more about how to protect yourself from e-skimmers or other types of cybercrime, contact First Security Bank at 800-272-0159 or visit www.1stsecuritybank.com/security/ to view the products and services First Security offers to protect consumers’ information.