News & Media

Have you ever been on a trip and realized you forgot to pack something important? It's easy to overlook things during the hustle and bustle of traveling, especially during the holidays. Unfortunately, cybercriminals take advantage of this busyness to target holiday travelers. They aim to catch you off guard when or where you least expect it. Don't let cybercriminals ruin your holiday plans! Follow the tips below for safe travels: 

Secure your devices when they are not in use.

Never leave your phone, tablet, or computer unattended. Try to take your device with you wherever you go. If you do need to step away, lock your device. Then, ask a trusted friend or family member to keep your device safe while you're gone. 

Use strong passwords.

Use strong passwords for all your devices, apps, and services! Remember to include the apps and services you only use while traveling, such as hotel websites and translation apps. Many apps allow you to use biometric identifiers instead of passwords for added security. If your device has a fingerprint scanner or facial recognition, set up this feature before leaving on your trip. 

Use a VPN when connecting to your organization's network.

Use a Virtual Private Network or VPN if you need to work while traveling. VPNs create a private network and encrypt your internet activity to protect your information from cybercriminals. A VPN is essential if you connect to a network in a public place, such as a coffee shop or airport.

Beware of public Wi-Fi networks.

Always turn off the option to automatically connect to Wi-Fi networks on your phone, tablet, or computer. Instead, manually choose which network you'd like to join. Only use Wi-Fi networks that you know are safe, and never connect to random hotspots.

What to do if you feel your account has been compromised:

• Review your banking accounts regularly. You can set up account alerts in online and mobile banking to monitor your account balance and any credits to your account.
• If you discover a fraudulent transaction on your Blue Ridge Bank account, immediately contact us at (888) 331-6521 or visit your local branch.

At Blue Ridge Bank, we work to keep your accounts safe and secure, whether you're accessing them online, through an ATM, mobile device, or in one of our branches. For more information on how to keep your personal information secure, visit our Identity Protection page.