Call Us Today (888) 522-2265
Locations Contact Us Appointments Español Careers
Personal Banking Accounts & Services
Banking
Loans
Digital Banking
Wealth Management
Terms & Conditions
Business & Commercial Banking
Banking
Loans
Treasury Management
Wealth Management
Terms & Conditions
Wealth Management
Wealth Advisory
Lake City Investments
Private Banking
Retirement Plans
About Us
Learning Center
Latest News
Insights Blog
Tools & Calculators
Resources

Online Security

Security is a major issue these days. Whether it’s identity protection or the safety of your personal financial information, you can rest assured Lake City Bank has the systems in place to maximize the security of all your digital banking activities.

Protecting Our Customers and Their Data

Lake City Bank places great importance on information security, and cybersecurity, to protect against threats of all kinds. Lake City Bank’s Cybersecurity defense-in-depth strategy prioritizes monitoring, detection, and response methodologies to known, anticipated or unexpected cyber threats, effective management of cyber risks, and resilience against cyber incidents. Lake City Bank continuously strives to meet or exceed the industry’s information security best practices and applies controls to protect its customers.

Protect Yourself During Tax Season

Tax season can be a prime time for identity theft and scams. Hackers often impersonate the IRS to steal personal or business information. Here’s how to stay safe.

Tips for Individuals

  • Watch for IRS impersonators. Scammers may call, text, or email pretending to be the IRS. The real IRS will never demand immediate payment or threaten legal action.
  • Know the signs of tax-related identity theft. If someone files a return using your Social Security Number, you may receive a notice from the IRS. Keep an eye out for unexpected refunds or letters.
  • Use an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN). This unique number helps prevent someone else from filing a tax return in your name.
  • Be cautious with emails and attachments. Do not click links from unknown sources, and never share passwords or personal information.
  • Report suspected identity theft immediately. If you suspect your identity has been compromised, start a recovery plan and track your progress. The Federal Trade Commission’s IdentityTheft.gov website will help you file, report and find the right recovery plan.

Tips for Businesses

  • Beware of W-2 email scams. Hackers often request employee information via email. Always verify requests through trusted channels.
  • Implement a data security program. Protect sensitive business and employee information through secure storage, access controls, and regular audits.
  • Educate your team. Train employees to recognize phishing attempts and suspicious communications.
  • Monitor for unusual activity. Review payroll, tax filings, and financial statements regularly for signs of fraud.
  • Respond quickly if compromised. If you suspect your business information has been stolen, act immediately to secure accounts and notify affected parties. The Federal Trade Commission’s IdentityTheft.gov website will help you file, report and find the right recovery plan. 

Safe Online Shopping

Online shopping is convenient, but hackers and scammers are always looking for ways to access your personal information. By taking a few simple precautions, you can shop safely and protect your accounts.

General Tips

  • Stay alert while shopping. Double-check the website, product, and seller before making a purchase, especially if it’s unfamiliar.
  • Look for secure connections. Only shop on websites that use HTTPS (look for the padlock icon in your browser).
  • Be cautious with deals that seem too good to be true. Scammers often use deep discounts or fake promotions to steal your information.
  • Holiday shopping requires extra vigilance. Scammers step up during busy shopping seasons and charitable giving periods, but these precautions apply year-round.

Avoiding Scams

  • Check site legitimacy. Confirm the seller’s reputation, read reviews, and verify contact information.
  • Watch for phishing and scams. Hackers may impersonate banks, retailers, or online services to steal personal info. Always verify messages using official channels and never share passwords, PINs, or account numbers.
  • Be cautious with gift cards. Never purchase or provide gift cards in response to urgent payment requests — this is a common scam tactic.
  • Be mindful of charity scams. Verify charities before donating, and avoid high-pressure requests for money or personal information.

Protecting Your Packages

  • Beware of “porch pirates.” Packages left outside can be stolen. Consider delivery options like secure lockers, requiring a signature, or having packages sent to a trusted location.
  • Track deliveries. Monitor your shipments and act quickly if something goes missing.

Payment Options

  • Use secure payment methods. Digital wallets or services like PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and card-based click-to-pay solutions add an extra layer of protection between your personal information and the merchant.
  • Credit cards vs. debit cards. Credit cards are generally safer for online shopping because fraudulent charges don’t immediately impact your bank account and can be disputed more easily.

Passwords and Account Protection

  • Use strong, unique passwords for every shopping account. Include a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols.
  • Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) whenever possible to add an extra layer of security.
  • Monitor alerts. Set up transaction alerts through your bank’s digital platform to receive immediate notifications of unusual activity.

If You Suspect Fraud

Even with precautions, it’s possible for your information to be stolen. If you notice suspicious activity:

  1. Contact your bank or credit card company immediately. Report unauthorized charges and follow their instructions.
  2. Change passwords for affected accounts.
  3. Monitor your accounts closely for additional suspicious transactions.
  4. Check your credit report and report theft quickly. Review your accounts and credit report regularly. If you suspect identity theft, contact your bank and all three major credit bureaus promptly to limit damage.
  5. Consider a fraud alert or credit monitoring to protect your identity.

Advanced Online Security Tips

Hackers are constantly evolving. These advanced tips help you stay one step ahead and protect your personal and business information.

Common Security Myths

  • Don’t rely on assumptions. Myths like “Macs can’t get viruses” or “I’m too small to be a target” are false. Every device and user is a potential target.
  • Stay informed and question advice that seems too good to be true.

Social Media Safety

  • Be cautious with quizzes and apps. Innocent questions like “Which character are you?” can collect personal data that hackers use to access accounts.
  • Check app and quiz sources and limit the information you share online.

External Storage Devices

  • Use USB drives, memory cards, and external hard drives carefully.
  • Scan devices for malware before opening files.
  • Avoid using public or shared drives for sensitive information.

Wireless Connections

  • Secure Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections.
  • Turn off Bluetooth when not in use, and set devices to “non-discoverable” when possible.
  • Avoid connecting to unknown or unsecured networks.

Active Content and Cookies

  • Active content (scripts, pop-ups, or automatic downloads) and cookies can track your behavior.
  • Limit cookies and disable unnecessary scripts to reduce the risk of malware or unauthorized data collection.

Regular Backups

  • Back up your devices regularly. Schedule automated backups for computers, smartphones, and tablets.
  • This ensures your data is safe if a device fails, is lost, or becomes infected.

Malware, Ransomware, and Fake Antivirus

  • Understand threats like viruses, spyware, ransomware, and botnets.
  • Only install trusted antivirus software from reputable sources.
  • Be wary of pop-ups or programs claiming your device is infected — these could be fake antivirus scams.

Internet Privacy

  • Limit what websites collect. Use privacy settings, disable unnecessary tracking, and review permissions for apps and browsers.
  • Consider using tools that block trackers and help protect your identity online.

General Pro Tips

  • Keep all devices and software up to date.
  • Use strong, unique passwords and multi-factor authentication.
  • Monitor accounts and credit. Regularly check financial accounts and your credit report to detect fraud early. Use alerts and strong passwords to help prevent unauthorized access.
  • Stay aware of new cyber threats and adjust your security practices accordingly.

Online Safety for Kids

Kids are online more than ever, often starting at a very young age. While the internet offers learning and entertainment, it also exposes children to risks like scams, cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and privacy issues. Parents and caregivers can help kids navigate the digital world safely with guidance, tools, and open conversations.

General Safety Tips

  • Set rules and boundaries. Discuss screen time limits, appropriate content, and safe online behavior.
  • Stay involved. Know the websites, apps, and games your kids are using and encourage open communication about online experiences.
  • Teach critical thinking. Help kids identify suspicious messages, scams, or misleading content.
  • The Federal Trade Commission has a great general resource page to help you get started protecting your kids online.

Mobile Security

  • Use parental controls. Smartphones and tablets can be secured with built-in features or apps to limit access to certain content.
  • Monitor device use. Keep devices in shared spaces when possible and review app permissions regularly.

Scams and Phishing

  • Teach scam awareness. Kids should know that not everything online is trustworthy, and that anyone asking for personal information may be a scammer.
  • Use examples. Show real-life scenarios in an age-appropriate way so kids can recognize suspicious requests.

Privacy Protection

  • Follow the law. Tools like the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) give parents control over information collected from children under 13. This Federal Trade Commission article explains in more detail what the COPPA Rule is, how it is enforced, and how you can report sites and services that violate it.
  • Model good habits. Demonstrate safe sharing, strong passwords, and cautious online behavior.
  • Discuss privacy regularly. Teach teens to think critically about what they post and share online, including on social media.

Social Media Safety

  • Understand the platforms. Know which apps your kids are using and the potential risks, such as scams, cyberbullying, and oversharing.
  • Set ground rules. Establish what is safe to post and who can interact with your kids online.
  • Encourage communication. Kids should feel comfortable coming to you if they encounter suspicious messages or content.

Online Security for Businesses

Cyber threats can strike businesses of all sizes at any time. Regularly reviewing and updating your online security practices is essential to protect sensitive information, finances, and your reputation.

Protect Against Business Email Compromise (BEC)

  • Know the risk. BEC is a type of cybercrime where criminals impersonate employees, executives, or partners to steal money or sensitive information.
  • Verify requests. Always confirm payment or sensitive requests in person or via a trusted channel.
  • Educate your team. Train employees to recognize suspicious emails, phishing attempts, and unusual account activity.

Secure Employee and Customer Information

  • Identify and limit sensitive data. Keep track of the personal information you collect and store, including Social Security numbers, payroll, and contact details.
  • Implement safeguards. Encrypt sensitive data, use secure storage, and enforce access controls.
  • Plan ahead. Have clear procedures for responding to potential data breaches.

General Business Security Best Practices

  • Small businesses are targets too. Hackers often focus on small companies with weaker defenses.
  • Train employees. Teach best practices for passwords, email security, device safety, and recognizing scams.
  • Protect mobile devices. Ensure smartphones, tablets, and laptops are secure with passwords, encryption, and remote wipe capabilities.
  • Review and update security policies. Regularly evaluate firewalls, antivirus software, multi-factor authentication, and backup protocols.

Cybersecurity Practice and Policy

Lake City Bank approaches cybersecurity with a defense-in-depth strategy that aligns people, process and technology with industry best practices to foster a culture of cybersecurity awareness. This culture of cybersecurity awareness starts with our people. Before new employees start their career with Lake City Bank, they must pass a comprehensive background check. Every employee’s first day with Lake City Bank begins with a full day of training that includes several hours focused on the bank’s cybersecurity practices. Training continues for every employee throughout the year, to ensure every employee is trained, tested, and capable of detecting and preventing Cybersecurity threats.

The Lake City Bank Cybersecurity Program incorporates a comprehensive set of policies and procedures that provide governance and direction over its dedicated Information Security and Technology teams. These policies and procedures define responsibilities related to separation of duty requirements, change management processes, user access controls, critical vendor due diligence efforts, technical readiness maturity, and incident response management procedures. In addition to annual audits by state and federal regulators, Lake City Bank enlists third party auditors specializing in network security and penetration testing activities that hold the bank accountable to these policies.

In addition to anti-virus and anti-malware software on all computer systems through the bank, Lake City Bank continually makes significant investments in implementing state-of-the-art monitoring, detection and response technologies and has created a dedicated Information Security Team that is charged with the continuous scanning of every computer, laptop, server, printer, and telephone, among other devices and endpoints, for known vulnerabilities and threats. These state-of-the-art technologies are designed to detect and prevent, among other things, malicious e-mails with links or attachments that may contain viruses and malware. In addition, systems are designed to detect the movement of files that contain customer information and prevent that information from leaving the Lake City Bank network unless specifically authorized.

Lake City Bank’s team is well trained and regularly reviews, tests, and practices its Incident Response Plan. The plan is updated regularly as new requirements related to incident readiness, response, and notification are enacted through regulation, industry best practice or other needs. The team tests the Incident Response Plan through annual exercises that simulate cyberthreat events, to be certain the team can act quickly, decisively, and instinctively to ensure the safety of your information, your money and your peace of mind.

Rest assured that the Lake City Bank technology teams are monitoring its network 24×7 to protect its customers’ information and assets.

Data Privacy and Information Security

Lake City Bank maintains an enterprise-wide privacy and security governance program not only to comply with regulations for data privacy and protection, but also because we believe it is in the best interest of our customers.

Based on our policy, we collect, retain and use information about consumers and customers only when we believe that gathering the information is useful and allowed by law to conduct business and/or to provide products, services or opportunities to our customers. Also according to policy, we respond promptly to customer requests to correct inaccurate information.

The bank provides online and mobile security awareness and identity theft information in a variety of ways to inform customers about how to protect themselves from hackers, identify potential fraud, and react if their personal information has been compromised. We provide information and links to external sources on our website, via email and through social media.

Meet Your Local Banker

We’d love to talk to you one-on-one.

Schedule an Appointment

Find a Branch Near You

Banking Tips & Insights

Secure Your Business in the New Year

Cybercriminals are more active than ever — and businesses of all sizes are targets. A quick New Year cybersecurity check can go a long way toward protecting your accounts, your data, and your team. Below is a simple, high-impact checklist to help strengthen your defenses.

Protect Your Business from Account Takeover

Account takeover is a fast-growing form of business fraud where cybercriminals steal login credentials to access your accounts, change information and move money. Find out how these attacks happen and what you can do to stay protected.

Phishing Red Flags Every Business Should Know

Fraud threats are constantly evolving, and phishing scams remain a favorite tool for cybercriminals. These scams often target businesses through seemingly legitimate emails, aiming to gain access to accounts, sensitive information, or payment details. By staying vigilant and recognizing the warning signs, you can help protect your business and employees.