Business Security

Your business is your lifeline, and we’re here to help you protect it. Whether you have one employee or 1,000, you still need to keep your financial transactions secure and sensitive company information confidential. We’ve pulled together some tips to help you maintain security and keep financial fraud at bay.

Employee access and user administration guidelines.

Your people are your best tools in maintaining financial security. Your employees are your greatest line of defense in protecting your company from security attacks. By implementing some smart practices and educating your workforce on scams and threats, you can all be vigilant and prepared to act.

Create a separate User ID for each individual that needs online access. Limit the “Admin” User ID to a single authorized employee.
Establish formal security policies and procedures that govern access to online applications, including remote and wireless connectivity.
Educate employees on information and Internet security and usage policies and procedures, including individual responsibilities.
Educate employees on the latest scams and threats making the rounds – and how to combat them – to keep all staff vigilant.
Delete User IDs as part of the exit procedure when employees leave your company.
Limit administrative rights on users' workstations to help prevent inadvertent downloading of malware or other viruses.
Establish second approval requirements for changes to User Administration.
Establish second approval requirements for transactions and separate entry and approval users.
Establish transaction dollar limits for each user who initiates and approves online transactions, and set limits at multiple levels: per transaction, daily, weekly, monthly.
Review transaction histories and user activity audit logs regularly for unusual activity.

Network security.

Reduce the chances of a data breach with preventive measures. Cyber attackers don’t discriminate. Small businesses can have their systems compromised as easily as companies whose data breaches make headlines. While it is impossible to be 100% secure, it is possible to make it harder for hackers to succeed.

Fully deploy computer firewalls and manage with security procedures.
Password-protect your Wi-Fi network.
Use and update anti-virus software regularly.
Update operating systems with most recent security patches.
Regularly back up company data and store copies in another location, such as the cloud.
Test security systems and processes on a regular basis.

Wireless network management.

Secure the door to your business network. Wireless networks can provide an unintended open door to your business network, so consider disabling them if there isn’t a valid business need. If you need a wireless network, ensure that strong security is in place.

Use a complex administrative password for the wireless network hardware (router/access point), not the factory default.
Save the password in a secure location, should it be needed for future changes.
Disable remote administration of the wireless network hardware (router/access point).
If possible, disable broadcasting the network SSID.
Enable WPA encryption of the wireless network if it is available.
If only known computers will access the wireless network, consider enabling MAC filtering to only allow computers with permitted MAC addresses.

Physical security.

Maintain secure physical access to data. Considerable attention is devoted to cyber criminal activity, and for good reason. But while protecting networks and systems, don’t overlook the importance of physical security in keeping your business information safe.

Local critical networks, servers, workstations and telecommunications equipment in physically secure locations accessible only to authorized personnel.
Provide access to financial and sensitive information (account numbers, Social Security numbers, checks, customer deposits, etc.) on an as-needed basis.
Instruct employees on maintaining security of company-issued laptops, smartphones and other devices.

Fraud prevention products.

Services designed for businesses to reduce the risk of fraud. Washington Trust offers commercial and business clients a selection of fraud prevention products and services designed with you in mind.

Positive Pay

Positive Pay is fraud detection for checks. Checks that post to the account are systematically compared to a list of valid outstanding checks. Checks are automatically paid when they match based on account number, check number and amount. Checks that do not match are identified as exceptions, and you are notified to apply pay or return decisions by a cutoff time; exceptions not receiving a decision by the cutoff time are automatically returned.

ACH Positive Pay

ACH Positive Pay is fraud detection for incoming ACH debits (electronic transactions initiated from outside the bank). It is a self-service alternative to ACH Debit Filter.

Security

A virtual token or One-Time passcode provides a higher level of security when you login to Business Digital Banking. The credential provides a dynamic security code used in addition to your Business Digital Banking Company ID, User ID and Password.

Alerts^*

Get notified by email, text, phone or at login when you set up alerts in Business Digital Banking. Specify alerts according to the following:

Event.
Activity/amount.
Balance.
Cleared check/item.
Security.
Personal.

* Some mobile service provider fees may apply.

We're here to help.

Simple steps to help protect you from fraud.

Protect the big three: your data, credit rating, and computer.

Protect your personal data:
- Confetti shred documents with personal data.
- Remove yourself from junk mail lists.
- Purchase a locking mailbox.
- Question when asked for your Social Security number; it is usually NOT necessary.
- Use the EMV chip feature for credit and debit card transactions.
- Upgrade to an EMV chip card at a Washington Trust branch any time.
- Maintain up-to-date contact information with all your financial institutions so suspicious activity can be verified quickly.
Protect your credit rating:
- Each year, get free credit reports from all three major agencies at annualcreditreport.com.
- Review a credit report at least twice a year and submit corrections in writing immediately.
- Review credit and bank account statements each cycle for any suspicious charges or debits – large or small.
Protect your personal computer:
- Use comprehensive spyware, virus protection software and a firewall, which prevents unauthorized users from gaining access.
- Keep operating systems and web browsers up to date and turn on automatic updates.
- Protect your home wireless network with a password for a secure connection.
- Make sure your PC is password protected.
- Disconnect your computer from the Internet when not in use.

Never:

Put mail with a check or personal information in a non-locking mailbox.
Answer emails seeking personal information.
Give personal information over the phone, unless you made the call.

Report fraud.

It's important to notify us as soon as you suspect fraudulent activity on your accounts. Call Priority Service at 800.788.4578 right away.

Block a debit card.

Call Priority Service at 800.788.4578 and follow the prompts to Card Services to block your card.
You can suspend your debit card or report it as lost or stolen within WTB Online.