Spring is just around the corner and has many of us excited for warmer weather. Spring represents a time for new possibilities, getting rid of the winter blues and, of course, spring cleaning. And while you may think of spring cleaning as the opportunity to remove clutter from your house or get out the cobwebs that have built up over the winter, it’s also an opportunity to clean up your online presence. Mayville State Bank wants you to take the opportunity to use these tips to clean up your online presence this spring to protect your identity and your finances.

Cyber Spring-Cleaning Tip #1: Change Your Passwords

We get it, changing your password can be a pain. You must remember your new password and reset your password across multiple devices. But, it’s best practice to change your passwords every 90 days. It’s also important to not use the same password across multiple services. For example, you should not have the same password to log into your online banking profile as you do to log into your favorite social media website. This way, if one of your passwords becomes compromised, it will only affect that specific service. We encourage you to sign up for a password management service where you can manage all your passwords from one single location, which makes it much easier to remember your different passwords across multiple websites.

Cyber Spring Cleaning Tip #2: Evaluate Your Subscriptions

Many people sign up for a lot of subscription-based services during the winter to increase convenience. Some people add a new streaming service to watch a new show, while others look to take on a new activity like cooking and subscribing to a meal delivery service. Spring gives you the opportunity to evaluate your subscription services. If you no longer use the service, cancel your subscription to save some money.

Cyber Spring Cleaning Tip #3: Invest in Security Software

Some things are worth paying for, and cyber security is one of them. There are a wide range of cyber security software solutions available for you to download to protect your devices. You should look for options that have features that include:

• Antivirus options to scan for and remove potentially harmful files from your device
• VPN enhancements for private browsing
• Identity theft protection
• Password protection that will inform you if your user data has been part of any data breaches

If you want to learn more about how you can improve your online presence and protect yourself, please contact Mayville State Bank to speak with our team.