Commercial Bank’s 12 Days of Cyber Safety

The holiday season is filled with online shopping, digital communication, and increased financial activity. Unfortunately, it is also a peak time for cybercriminals who take advantage of the busy month. In order to help Michigan customers stay protected throughout December, Commercial Bank has created 12 Days of Cyber Safety tips. By learning a few simple practices, you can significantly reduce your risk of fraud identity theft and financial disruption.

Day 1: Protect your passwords

Strong passwords remain one of the most effective defenses against cybercrime. Use a long password with a mix of letters numbers and symbols and avoid anything that could be guessed from your social media profile. Consider using a password manager to securely store and generate complex logins for every account you use.

Day 2: Enable multifactor authentication

Multifactor authentication adds an extra step when signing in such as a text code or authentication app. This makes it far more difficult for criminals to break into your accounts even if they manage to steal or guess your password. Enable this feature wherever it is available especially for financial and email accounts.

Day 3: Beware of holiday phishing emails

December brings an increase in fake order confirmations, shipping notifications, and holiday promotions. Scammers design these emails to look real and prompt quick clicks. Take a moment to check the sender address, read the message carefully, and avoid opening attachments or links unless you are certain they are legitimate.

Day 4: Shop on secure websites

Before entering your card information, make sure the website uses secure encryption. Look for https at the beginning of the website address and a small lock icon near the URL. These indicators show that the site protects the information you enter, which is especially important during heavy holiday shopping weeks.

Day 5: Monitor your bank accounts regularly

Review your Commercial Bank accounts throughout the month to catch any unfamiliar transactions. Even small suspicious charges can signal a compromised card. Monitoring your activity often helps you respond faster and reduces the chance of larger unauthorized withdrawals.

Day 6: Use secure WiFi for purchases

Public WiFi networks found in airports coffee shops and hotels often lack proper security. Cybercriminals can intercept data on these networks including login credentials and payment information. Make online purchases only on trusted private networks and use a virtual private network if you need extra protection.

Day 7: Keep devices and apps updated

Software updates do more than add new features. They frequently include critical security fixes that close vulnerabilities. Take time to update your phone, computer, tablet, and apps so cybercriminals cannot exploit older software. Enabling automatic updates can help keep your devices protected without extra effort.

Day 8: Be cautious with holiday donation requests

During December, many charities raise funds and support important causes. Unfortunately, scammers create fake donation sites and emotional appeals to deceive generous people. Research any organization before donating and make sure you are using the charity’s official website or a verified platform.

Day 9: Watch out for social media scams

Social media platforms often see an increase in fake giveaways, coupon offers, and impersonation attempts during the holidays. These scams may ask for your personal information or encourage you to click unsafe links. Stay cautious and verify promotions directly through trusted sources before engaging.

Day 10: Use strong privacy settings

Your privacy settings help control who can see your information online. Review settings on your social media apps and email accounts to limit visibility of personal details that criminals could use for scams. Adjusting these settings only takes a few minutes but adds an important layer of protection.

Day 11: Protect your mobile banking

Commercial Bank’s secure mobile app offers safe tools for managing your accounts. Turn on notification alerts for withdrawals deposits and login attempts so you can immediately detect unusual activity. Keep your phone locked with a secure passcode or biometric feature to prevent unauthorized access.

Day 12: Stay informed about new threats

Cyber threats change throughout the year, and staying aware of evolving tactics helps keep you prepared. Follow reliable cybersecurity news updates and guidance from trusted sources. Knowing what to watch for can help you avoid the latest scams targeting Michigan consumers.

Stay safe with Commercial Bank this holiday season

Cyber safety is a year-round responsibility, but December is an especially important time to stay alert. With these twelve steps, you can strengthen your defenses and keep your financial information secure. Commercial Bank is committed to helping you stay informed and protected. If you ever notice suspicious activity or believe your account may be compromised, contact Commercial Bank right away for assistance.