When you consider the number of online accounts the average user accesses each day, the amount of personal information vulnerable to exposure can be staggering. Do you know how to protect your accounts and prevent cybercriminals from stealing your information?

Not everyone is a pet lover, but if you are, your pet probably plays a significant role in your happiness and wellbeing. It’s also your responsibility to ensure the wellbeing of your pet.

Imposter scams occur when criminals pretend to be someone you know and trust, such as a government agency, a financial institution or even a friend or family member. According to the Federal Trade Commission, imposter scams are on the rise. There is an increased likelihood that you will be contacted by an imposter, however, with a little education and prevention, you can keep from becoming a victim.

The holiday season is a prime time for hackers, scammers, and online thieves. Due to the popularity of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, we all need to be aware of the potential dangers online shopping can bring and the ways we can protect ourselves.

Sheffield, Ala.− Wednesday, October 28, 2020 – Bank Independent has been named one of the Best Banks to Work For in 2020.  This marks the second year in a row this prestigious honor was awarded to the Bank.

Sheffield, Ala.− Wednesday, September 28, 2020 – Bank Independent has been named one of the Best Companies to Work For in Alabama. This annual program is in its eleventh year - created by Business Alabama and Best Companies Group.

Sheffield, Ala.− Thursday, June 25, 2020 – Bank Independent has been recognized as part of Forbes’ annual nationwide list of America’s Best-In-State Banks 2020 and ranks number 1 in the State of Alabama. This prestigious award is presented by Forbes and Statista Inc., the world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider. The awards list was announced on June 25, 2020 and can currently be viewed on the Forbes website.

Sheffield, Ala.− Wednesday, August 28, 2019 – Bank Independent has been named the 2019 Large Business of the Year in the Shoals Chamber Business Excellence Awards. Bank Independent was nominated and chosen among a field of six local businesses employing more than 50 employees. The Large Business of the Year award recognizes a business that has a significant impact on the Shoals area through community efforts and economic growth.

Today’s technology allows us to connect around the world, to bank and shop online, and to control our televisions, homes, and cars from our smartphones. These activities require you to provide personally identifiable information (PII) such as your name, date of birth, account numbers, passwords, and location information. With the added convenience of these digital tools comes an increased risk of identity theft and Internet scams. #BeCyberSmart when sharing personal information online to reduce the risk of becoming a cybercrime victim.

Do Your Part. #BeCyberSmart.

We have been observing National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM) every October, as a nation, since 2003. As technology and online resources have grown, so have the concerns that impact cybersecurity across the nation. The Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) works diligently to provide educational materials to help individuals and organizations take proactive steps to to ensure all Americans have the resources they need to be safer and more secure online.