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In an effort to provide the best internet security possible, over the next several months, Citizens State Bank will be implementing several new layered security features that will better protect our customers from any possible internet fraud. Citizens State Bank currently uses a multifactor authentication feature that can verify that the computer you are logging into from is a computer authorized by you and if not, requires additional security information before allowing login. We will be upgrading this feature in response to changing internal and external threats from fraudsters who continually develop more sophisticated and malicious methods to hack into computer systems and steal customer information.

Citizens State Bank has not had any reported issues of a security breach in our internet environment. And although Citizens State Bank can provide the best and up to date security features, a great portion of protection against any online fraud comes from our Customers' themselves. Below is a list of things that you can do to protect yourself from being a victim of computer malware, viruses and identity theft and fraud.

1. Keep your antivirus and malware software up to date at all times and respond to any issues it might find on your computer when it does it's scheduled scan of your computer.

2. Be very cautious when responding to emails or phone calls from banks, government agencies, high profile online shopping sites (such as E-bay or Amazon etc.) that state that they have "lost" your personal or account information or need this information "updated" by clicking on a link. Often this is a scam to get your personal information from you to create a fake identity or get credit card information. If you are not sure, do not be afraid to contact the institution "sending" the email or link to you to verify that it is true. Use the phone number that you have in your records, in the local phone book, or go to the website DIRECTLY to get a contact number. If the email is a scam, then the number included in it is sure to be a fake number. Citizens State Bank DOES NOT send out emails requesting you to update this information via email. If you should ever receive one requesting this information, please contact us immediately.

3. Be wary of emails that have a link attached from someone you do not recognize. Often these links will install a cookie on your machine that will copy any personal information and then use it for fraud.

4. BE VERY CAREFUL with personal information that you display to family, friends and the public on such sites as Facebook, Myspace, Twitter and even personal dating sites. Often the simplest things such as high school mascot, year of birth, or your pet's name, can be used to make you a victim of identity theft and fraud. Often these seemingly harmless items are also the answers to questions used in a multifactor authentication environment used to protect your identity on your internet banking and shopping sites. Be very limited in the personal information that you allow the world to see.

5. Be careful in allowing these sites that have a feature available to "notify your friends of your current location". Remember, if you are not specific on your privacy settings, EVERYONE (regardless of how well you know them) that you have "friended" will know your current location be it a restaurant or an ATM MACHINE.

REMEMBER IF AN EMAIL OR LINK SOUNDS QUESTIONABLE, DO NOT BE AFRAID TO CONTACT THE AGENCY THE EMAIL OR LINK IS IN REFERENCE TO. ANY REPUTABLE FINANCIAL INSTITUTION, GOVERNMENT AGENCY, OR SHOPPING SITE SHOULD BE MORE THAN WILLING TO ASSIST YOU IN DECIDING IF THE EMAIL OR SITE LINK IS VALID.

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