Cybersecurity

Managing finances effectively is crucial to avoid falling into common debt traps. Today, we'll explore some of the most common debt traps, provide tips for staying on track, and highlight common giveaways for scams. 8 Common Debt Traps Credit Card Debt High interest rates and hidden fees can quickly add up, making it difficult to pay off your balance. Tip: Pay your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges. If you can’t pay in full, aim to pay more than the...
Read More

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a perfect time to focus on protecting your small business from cyber threats. Small businesses are often targeted by cybercriminals because they typically have fewer resources dedicated to cybersecurity. To help you safeguard your business, Middlefield Bank has compiled 10 essential tips to enhance your cybersecurity posture. 1. Educate Your Employees Your employees are your first line of defense. Conduct regular training sessions to help them...
Read More

As technology evolves, so do the tactics of scammers. In 2024, it’s more important than ever to stay vigilant and protect yourself from financial fraud. Here are 7 scams to watch out for in 2024, along with tips on how to identify and avoid them. 1. AI-Powered Scams Scammers are increasingly using artificial intelligence (AI) to create convincing phishing emails, deepfake videos, and voice messages. These AI-generated scams can impersonate friends, family, or even employers to trick...
Read More

Online shopping provides convenience and so many possibilities, but it's important to remember that it comes with its own set of security risks. In this blog, we'll walk you through essential cybersecurity steps, making sure your online purchases are made with peace of mind. Get ready to shop with confidence by following these simple tips.  Shop Only on Trusted Sites Before you begin entering your personal and financial information, you must ensure that the site is secure and legitimate....
Read More

As we increasingly rely on the internet and mobile devices to manage our financial transactions, the risk of cybercrime also continues to rise. From paying bills to sending money to family and friends, there are numerous options available that make it easier for scammers to raid your bank account. However, there are ways to keep your accounts safe and secure from common types of bank fraud. Keep reading to learn more.  Check Fraud  This type of fraud involves illegal attempts to obtain...
Read More

In the digital age, protecting your bank account and personal information is crucial! Cybercriminals are constantly devising new tactics to steal personal information and access bank accounts which poses a serious threat to your financial well-being. The good news is that there are steps you can take to safeguard your sensitive information. Today, we will walk you through the essential steps to fortify your defenses against identity theft! Understanding the Threat It’s important to be...
Read More

Having our kids grow up in a world that becomes more and more digitized can be a scary thing. The best thing you can do for your kids is to teach them about cybersecurity and implement safe online habits early on. Here are some tips to outline with your kids to ensure safe cybersecurity practices.  Educate Yourself First  There is not a one size fits all approach to teaching your kids cybersecurity at a level they understand. Each kid is different and wants different things from...
Read More

When we think of cybersecurity and cybercriminal activity, we often think about businesses being at risk. It’s important to know that anyone can be affected, so there are certain precautions to take when it comes to protecting yourself and your personal information.    Things to Keep an Eye Out For:   1. Unusual Account Activity   One reason why it’s crucial to have notifications turned on for your bank accounts is so you can be alerted when withdrawals...
Read More

When it comes to older individuals, cybersecurity is something that can be commonly overlooked. Instead of hoping for the best, it’s important that we take steps to educate those who might not know how to spot cybercriminal activity. Here are some important things to remind your elderly loved ones:  Even if an email looks legitimate, there’s still a chance it isn’t.  Cybercriminals do a great job masking their identities by making emails and messages look like they’re...
Read More

With the holidays right around the corner and online shopping more popular this year than ever before, it’s important to keep online safety measures in mind. To avoid issues like identity theft, hacking and financial fraud, check out these important online safety tips. Always Ship to a Safe Place Don’t be a victim of porch thieves who steal packages from doorsteps. Make sure someone is home when your package is delivered so it’s not sitting outside for too long. If you won’t...
Read More