Safety Tips

Mobile devices such as cell phones or tablets need security protections in place, too.

General Security Precautions

• Set a security lock on the device such as passphrase, PIN, fingerprint, or facial recognition. This will avoid someone simply picking up your device and accessing your information.
• Be aware of your surroundings. Don’t type passwords for your accounts while people may be watching you or looking over your shoulder. Don’t leave your phone or tablet unattended in a public place, even for a minute.
• Don’t connect to untrustworthy, unknown, or “open” (no security) WiFi networks.
• Keep your device up to date with the latest version of operating system available and keep your Apps up to date as well. Updates prevent security threats due to software flaws.

Additional Apple Device Precaution

• Avoid “jailbreaking” the system. Jailbreaking is a process of modifying the mobile operating system to allow a great deal of customization, but doing so drastically increases the chance of malware threats to your device.

Additional Android Device Precautions 

• Don’t allow your device to install applications from “unknown sources.” This is a setting found under “Security.”
• Install a trustworthy antivirus program, just like you would with your main computer. Once installed, scan your device for viruses on a regular basis.
• Remove applications you don’t need from the device. Understand and be picky about the permissions an application wants from you. A flashlight application should not access your personal contacts!
• Avoid “rooting” the system. Rooting is a process of modifying the mobile operating system to allow a great deal of customization, but doing so drastically increases the chance of malware threats to your device.

Identity theft happens when someone uses your Social Security number or other personal information to open new accounts, make purchases, or get a tax refund.

Most people who experience identity theft must take several steps to recover. IdentityTheft.gov is the federal government’s one-stop resource to help you report and recover from identity theft. The site provides step-by-step advice and helpful resources like easy-to-print checklists and sample letters.

If you believe that someone is using your personal information, visit IdentityTheft.gov.

Why Should I Ask for a Credit Report? 

Under federal law, you are entitled to a copy of your credit report annually from all three credit reporting agencies – Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. You can take advantage of a report from each agency once every 12 months. 

Doing so will help give you a clear picture of your credit profile, all while ensuring your credit is up-to-date and accurate.

Look closely at the data from each credit bureau to see that it all matches up.

Things to look for:

• Wrong mailing addresses
• Incorrect Social Security info
• Old employers
  Signs of identity theft
• Errors in your credit accounts
• Late payments
• Unauthorized hard inquiries

If you see something suspicious, visit IdentityTheft.gov and Onguardonline.gov for resources and next steps to restore your credit.

Passwords are used in many places to access everything from email, bank accounts, medical records, etc. They help verify that you are the person to whom the information should be given. Protecting many of your accounts can begin with a strong password.

What is the difference between a passphrase and a password?

While passwords and passphrases essentially serve the same purpose, providing access to secure services or sensitive information, passwords are generally short, hard to remember and easier to crack. Passphrases are easier to remember and type. They are considered more secure due to the overall length of the passphrase and the fact that it shouldn’t need to be written down.

A strong passphrase:

• Is 20 to 30 characters long
• Is a series of words that create a phrase
• Does not contain common phrases found in literature or music
• Does not contain words found in the dictionary
• Does not contain your username, real name, or company name
• Is significantly different from previous passwords or passphrases

A strong password:

• Is at least eight characters long
• Does not contain your username, real name, or company name
• Does not contain a complete word
• Is significantly different from previous passwords
• To learn more about passwords, visit the Federal Trade Commission’s website Onguardonline.gov.

Bridgewater Bank will never ask for your personal account information or credit card information over the phone, via email or the internet, unless the client initiates the contact. We will never ask for your password in any way. We advise you to never share this information, unless you are sure with whom you are dealing. If you are ever in doubt about legitimacy, hang up (or cease communication), and call the number on the back of your credit/debit card, or as printed on your financial statement.

Additional Tips

• Never reuse your password from site to site. Your important passwords (like those used for banking) should only be used in one place. If another site experiences a security issue, your passwords for other services are safe.
• Change your password from time to time and customize your userID to something very unique.
• Your userID should not be something personally identifiable, like your Social Security Number.
• Avoid using online banking services from shared computers that are not under your control and are untrusted, such as those found in hotels, libraries, or internet cafes.
• Business clients should be especially vigilant and use existing business online banking features that allow for multiple users with differing roles and dual controls over processing.

If you have released any information improperly or believe you may have compromised account information, please immediately report it to our Support team at 952.893.6868.