Cybersecurity Tip

October is "Cybersecurity Month." We will be posting tips to protect you while you are on the Internet.

Microsoft warns of phone-call security scam targeting PC users

Microsoft is warning its customers of a new scam that employs "criminals posing as computer security engineers and calling people at home to tell them they are at risk of a computer security threat."

The scammers tell their victims they are providing free security checks and add authenticity by claiming to represent legitimate companies and using telephone directories to refer to their victims by name.

Funds are stolen by the scammers using "a range of deception techniques designed to steal money.

Here are a few tips that may help prevent someone from being scammed:

• Be suspicious of unsolicited calls related to a security problem, even if those calling say they work for a respected company
• Never give out your personal information to such callers, including credit card or bank details
• Don't visit any websites, install any software or follow any other instructions "from someone who calls out of the blue"
• Use strong passwords and change them regularly

If you have any questions on how to protect yourself on the Internet, Quantum would love to help! We want to continue to be "Your Banking Partner for Success."

Online Banking Safety Tips

Do you remember the days when you had to go to the bank to “cash a check”?  It required a great deal of planning to be sure you got to the bank and had enough time to stand in line, wait for a teller, cash your check, keep some money and deposit the rest.  Looking back now, it seems like such a hassle!

These days, it’s easy to bank at your convenience, whenever that might be.  Between direct deposit, ATMs and online banking/bill pay, even when our physical offices are closed, Quantum National Bank is at your service.  That’s the good news.  The bad news?  All this convenience can lead to trouble if we’re not always vigilant.

On the Quantum side, we have extensive security measures in place.  We are constantly monitoring our systems and looking for ways to make them even more secure.  There are several things you can do, too, to protect your online banking and bill paying activities.  These online safety tips apply whether you’re using the Quantum system or ANY other finance-related website (bank, credit union, credit card issuer, etc.).

1. Never, ever give personal information to someone who calls or e-mail you.  Don’t click on links in e-mails from your “bank” or “credit card issuer,” even if the e-mail looks official.  Contact your bank or credit card company yourself, using contact information from a recent statement or by entering the web address yourself and using the contact information found there.
2. Do not access financial-related websites or pay bills at a public Wi-Fi hotspot.  You don’t know who’s around you and what their intentions are.  That nice looking person sitting next to you could be tracking everything you’re doing.
3. Make your passwords difficult to crack.  Don’t use any part of your Social Security number, your birth date, consecutive numbers (1234567) or repeated numbers (7777).  It’s also a good idea to stay away from using the names of family members or any specific dictionary word.  Try a random group of letters and numbers or perhaps a short phrase that’s memorable and meaningful to you only.
4. Change your password often and don’t use one password for everything.  Keep in mind that if your password is compromised and you use that password for multiple websites, you’ve just given the bad guys access to every one of those other sites.
5. Monitor your accounts on a regular basis and call us immediately if you notice anything suspicious or unusual or if there’s activity on there you don’t recognize.
6. Remember that Quantum National Bank will never contact you to ask for personal information!

I certainly hope you never have an internet security issues but rest assured that if you do, your “Banking Partner for Success” is here to help any way we can.

Wishing you success,

Bryan J. Cohen

President & CEO

A Little Lagniappe

It’s King Cake time.  King Cakes are those beautifully decorated circular cakes that signify the beginning of carnival season or Mardi Gras.  It’s one of the great traditions of life along the Gulf Coast.  Another tradition handed down from the epicurean French explorers who settled that area is the idea of “lagniappe.”

I can hear you wondering – “What is ‘lagniappe’ and what does it have to do with banking?”  Lagniappe is a little something extra, like the 13^th donut the baker might give you when you buy a dozen or a free download that might come with your purchase of a new iPod.  What it has to do with banking is that at Quantum National Bank, we’re always looking for that little something extra to let you know we appreciate your business.

We have already scheduled our first lagniappe event for 2013.  On Friday, February 8, in partnership with Level Creek Wealth Management, we’re hosting a 2013 economic forecast presentation.  Join Fidelity advisor Bob Frutoz as he looks at the factors influencing the economic recovery and how they affect you as an investor.  Bob will touch on housing, domestic energy and manufacturing in this interesting and informative hour.  Watch your e-mail for your invitation.

As 2013 unfolds, the Quantum team will continue to look for ways to add a little lagniappe to our banking products and services.  We thank you for allowing us to be “Your Banking Partner for Success.”  Enjoy carnival season…Laissez les bon temps rouler!

Wishing you success,

Bryan J. Cohen

President & CEO