Month: January 2018

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Blog Business Fraud & Security Personal Safety & Security

Protect Your “Cyber Home” with a Solid Foundation

From an original article by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation

As we all do more tasks such as shopping and banking on our computers, tablets, and smartphones, the need to keep our devices and networks secured has never been more important. Just as your home has locks to deter criminals from stealing your personal belongings, your electronic assets need to be properly protected to prevent theft. Otherwise, it’s like leaving your front door wide open.

Here are tips for cybersecurity:

Use a firewall program – A firewall is a combination of hardware and software that establishes a barrier between your personal computer and an external network, such as the internet, and then monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic.

Keep software up to date – Software manufacturers continually update their products to fix vulnerabilities or security weaknesses when they find them. This includes everything from your operating system and word processing software to your internet browsers and digital photography software.

Use security products from reputable companies – Some anti-virus software and firewalls can be purchased while others are free. Either way, it’s a good idea to check out these products by reading reviews from computer and consumer publications. Use products that have high ratings for detecting problems and providing support if your computer becomes infected.

Plan for a lengthy retirement – The good news is people are living longer. The bad news is many aren’t saving enough for retirement to match their life expectancy. According to the Social Security Administration, men and women who reach the age of 65 can expect to live until ages 84.3 and 86.6, respectively.

This only a fraction of the steps you can take to secure your electronic assets and home network. For the complete list, click here.

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Blog Business

5 Tips for Small Business Stress Management

stress-management

From an original article by Mike Kappel, Entrepreneur

Owning a business is both rewarding and stressful. Stress can come from lack of sales, debt, employee conflict, or any host of issues. It is mentally and physically draining. By learning to handle the stress, you can focus on growing your business and enjoying the success that follows.

Here are some stress relievers:

  • Remember what’s going right. It’s easy to let a negative overshadow all of the positive aspects of your business. Make a list of your accomplishments, even the smallest ones. There are probably more than you realize.
  • Prioritize your tasks. Don’t try to do everything at once. Focus on one or a small number of tasks at a time. Start with the greatest need and work your way down the list.
  • Purge your brain. If you constantly think about your business, you will never get the rest you need to stay sharp. Write down your problems along with possible solutions and notes. Putting your thoughts on paper takes the weight off of your mind so you can get some sleep.
  • Take breaks. It may seem counterproductive but taking a break—even if it’s only 10 minutes or so—keeps you energized and focused. Do something that relaxes you such as going for a walk, calling a friend, or grabbing some coffee.

For more details and tips, read the full article.

Categories
Blog Business Fraud & Security

How Safe Are Your Business Checks?

With all of the headlines about data breaches and online security, it’s easy for some people to forget about the threat of check fraud. We haven’t. If you are a business checking customer at Pinnacle Bank and order your checks through Harland Clarke, you are automatically protected by CheckArmor® Check Fraud Recovery.

If check fraud ever occurs, a certified fraud resolution specialist will guide you through the recovery process, replace your check, and if necessary, advance funds for any losses from the affected checking account.

Fraudulent Acts Covered by CheckArmor:

  • Forged signature – a legitimate blank check that is forged with the business signature
  • Forged endorsement – a legitimate check that is endorsed and cashed or deposited by a person other than the designated payee based upon a fraudulent endorsement
  • Altered check – a legitimate check that is fraudulently altered as to the designated payee, check amount, or otherwise to benefit the person altering the check
  • Counterfeit check – fraud in the form of check reproduction on unauthorized check stock

When you receive a new order of checks from Harland Clarke, look for the enclosed CheckArmor information card. Keep it handy for future reference should check fraud occur. At Pinnacle Bank, we are dedicated to helping your business thrive. That includes keeping your information and finances safe. It’s a responsibility we take seriously.