Page 14 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • October 29, 2014 Business Bank provides tips for protecting consumers online The Internet is a powerful resource that many Ameri- cans have come to depend on for everyday activities like banking and connecting with friends. Yet, for all the Internet’s advantages, it can also make users vulnerable to fraud, identity theft, and other scams. According to a Norton Cybercrime Report, 378 million adults worldwide were victims of cybercrime in 2013. “As cybercrime becomes more prevalent, it is important for users to take steps to protect themselves online,” said ASB Marketing Manager Tonni von Schaumburg. “Safe- guarding your personal information and money is a part- nership between you and your bank. We work diligently to protect your information and so should you.” In recognition of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, Atlantic Stewardship Bank provides the follow- ing tips to help consumers stay safe and secure online: • Keep computers and mobile devices up to date. Having the latest security software, Web browser, and operating system are the best defenses against viruses, malware, and other online threats. Turn on automatic updates to receive the newest fixes as they become avail- able. ‘Shop Small’ planned for November 29 Shop Small Business Saturday is the Saturday after Thanksgiving, Nov. 29. Everyone is invited to support their local community by shopping, dining, and choosing ser- vices from local businesses. As a Neighborhood Champion, the Waldwick Chamber of Commerce is registered as a participant in this American Express-sponsored Shop Small effort. The Midland Park, Wyckoff, and Ho-Ho-Kus chambers of commerce are also participating in this special event. Business owners will be offering special incentives for consumers to shop locally. “You can visit shopsmall.com to learn more about the program,” said Waldwick Chamber of Commerce Presi- dent Michele Calise. “We encourage you to shop small before you shop mall. There are lots of wonderful items here in your own neighborhood to choose from.” Stay tuned by following the Waldwick Chamber’s web- site, Instagram, and Facebook pages to learn more about participating businesses and some of the offers that will be available Nov. 29. In 2013, customers spent an estimated $5.7 billion at small, independent businesses on Small Business Satur- day. Calise encourages local shopkeepers, service provid- ers, franchise owners and operators, and deli and restau- rant proprietors to take advantage of the energy being created by this year’s event. “We want to make it known that small business is important to all our communities – the ONLY way to do that is to have participation from as many businesses as possible in our area,” she added. Local business people who wish to participate are invited to visit shopsmall.com to learn more about the program and what American Express has to offer – regardless of whether those businesses accept AmEx. Those who want to participate are urged to declare that fact by e-mailing the message, “Yes, I will be a Shop Small participant,” to mcalise@pascackbank.com. Busi- nesses should also register at shopsmall.com and plan for the day with special discounts and offers to those who shop small. “Remember the importance of ‘giving back,’” Calise continued. “We are considering including a ‘give back’ component for a local organization from businesses for Nov. 29.” • Set strong passwords. A strong password is at least eight characters in length and includes a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. • Watch out for phishing scams. Phishing scams use fraudulent e-mails and websites to trick users into disclos- ing private account or log in information. Do not click on links or open any attachments or pop-up screens from unfamiliar sources. • Forward phishing e-mails to the Federal Trade Com- mission at spam@uce.gov – and to the company, bank, or organization impersonated in the e-mail. • Keep personal information personal. Hackers can use social media profiles to figure out your passwords and answer those security questions in the password reset tools. Lock down your privacy settings and avoid posting things like birthdays, addresses, mother’s maiden name, etc. Be wary of requests to connect from people you do not know. • Secure the Internet connection. Always protect the home wireless network with a password. When connect- ing to public Wi-Fi networks, be cautious about what information you are sending over it. • Shop safely. Before shopping online, make sure the website uses secure technology. When you are at the checkout screen, verify that the Web address begins with https. Also, check to see if a tiny locked padlock symbol appears on the page. • Read the site’s privacy policies. Though long and complex, privacy policies tell how the site protects the personal information it collects. Atlantic Stewardship Bank maintains banking locations in Midland Park, Montville, North Haledon, Pequannock, Ridgewood, Waldwick, Westwood, Wyckoff, two offices in Hawthorne, and two offices in Wayne. Established in 1985, ASB is a full-service community bank serving both individuals and businesses. The bank’s website is http:// www.asbnow.com.