How to Protect Yourself

Use multi-factor authentication (MFA).    There are three factors:  something you know (e.g. password); something you have (e.g. phone with an authenticator application); and something you are (i.e. biometric).  For MFA, use two or more of these factors for your log on.

 

Password hygiene is a necessity.  Always choose a strong password.  Here are a few tips that will ensure that their login security is as strong as possible.

Utilize a password vault solution to securely store all of your passwords. A password vault is an encrypted digital web vault that stores online login credentials, documents, images and other sensitive information. It is decrypted with a single master password that acts as a key to open your digital vault, providing you access to the credentials and personal information in your vault. The personal information stored in a password vault is encrypted, protecting it from cyber criminals.  You can have multiple strong passwords for all of your login needs while only needing to remember the single master password, a task far more reasonable for everyone to do.

 

If you are concerned your account has been compromised, please contact Third Coast Bank Customer Service at 833-844-7708 (tel:833-844-7708)  (Monday–Friday 8am–9pm, Saturday–Sunday 9am–5pm CT).

To report your Debit Card lost or stolen, please contact us at 833-844-7708 (tel:833-844-7708).

To report phishing scam attempts, please email phishing@thirdcoast.bank.

Remember that Third Coast Bank will NEVER ask you:

—          For your online banking credentials

—          For your personal or business information via text message

—          For your full debit card payment information

—          For your Zelle registered token (email or mobile phone number)

These are the most recent and prevalent forms of attack that have been witnessed this season.  Stay alert and always be aware of outsiders requesting your personal information.  Remember, we already have your information, so we do not need to ask for it.

If you receive forms of communication that you are wary or hesitant about, do not hesitate to contact your banker or branch.

Best Practices to Help Protect Your Personal Devices and  Information

• Be suspicious of e-mails purporting to be from banks, financial institutions or government agencies requesting account information or banking access credentials such as usernames, passwords, PIN codes and similar information. Opening attachments or clicking on web links in suspicious emails could expose your system to malicious code that could hijack your computer or steal your credentials. Third Coast Bank  will never contact you and request your passwords.
• Install a dedicated firewall
• Use a virtual private network (VPN) service for your computer and phone internet connections.
• Install virus/malware protection on all computer systems and ensure they are updated regularly
• Computers and servers should be patched regularly
• Consider spyware detection programs
• Verify use of a secure session (https, not http) in the browser for all online banking sites
• Avoid using automatic log-in features that save usernames and passwords for online banking
• Never leave a computer unattended while using any online banking service.
• Make frequent backups of your data
• The best protection you provide for yourself is to never give out personal information over the Internet
• Treat your mobile device with the same level of care as you would a credit card. If it is lost or stolen and you have not protected the device adequately, you may be at risk
• Password-protect your mobile device