Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/45928
Gone Phishing? Protect Yourself With Knowledge By Krista Dobronos N OWADAYS, THERE ARE so many different fraud scams that can affect you and your business. One of the most common forms of fraud is "phishing," which is a lure used to catch, or acquire, sensitive information, such as usernames, passwords and credit card details. It is typically an electronic communication, e-mail or instant message, form someone masquerading as a trustworthy entity directing users to enter sensitive information at an imposter's website. Often times, phishing scams ask you to click on a link, which will download a virus or malware (malicious software) onto your computer. Once downloaded, the virus will then alert the fraudster when the user logs in to a secure site, such as Internet banking. They are then able to view your accounts and perform transactions without you knowing they are in the online banking application. Many small businesses are targeted for these attacks, as they do not have sophisticated technology in place to protect them or dedicated awareness resources to answer questions about these "phishy" emails. In fact, a 2010 poll conducted by Applied Research found that an amazing 33% of small businesses still did not have antivirus software installed on their computers. Safety tips for you and your business: + Most fi nancial institutions will not e-mail customers for personal information + Do not follow unsolicited links or e-mail attachments + Use caution when providing personal information online + Have phishing fi lter enabled on Internet properties + Verify the legitimacy of e-mail by contacting the sender directly + Monitor your bank accounts daily + Install anti-virus on your computer and keep it current + Do not use unsecured wi-fi networks when entering personal information + Change online passwords when an employee leaves the company + It is recommended for businesses to use a computer that is dedicated to banking/accounting transactions, and not allow this computer for regular Web surfi ng or e-mail + Businesses should segregate employee duties and require dual control If you think your account information has been compromised, make sure to contact your fi nancial institution immediately. Krista Dobronos is a senior vice president and market leader at Westfi eld Bank in Akron, Ohio. n Annual By Diane M. Burge, CPA special section of your local newspaper for individuals that are entitled to H AVE YOU EVER seen ads for the "Ohio Online Treasure Hunt"? Did you ever notice a list of names published in a Unclaimed Funds Reporting funds that were turned into the Ohio Division of Unclaimed Funds? So, what's this all about? Each year, a l l b u s i - nesses that are located and/or operate in the State of Ohio are required to fi le an Annual Report of Unclaimed Funds; 52 | Cleveland-Akron-Canton MD NEWS MDNEWS.COM NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2011 even if that business is not actually holding any unclaimed funds. The only exemptions for fi ling an annual report exist for political subdivisions and tax exempt hospitals. Only three types of unclaimed funds or accounts are exempt from being reported: wages less than $50, gift certifi cates and "business to business transactions; i.e. (b to b)" wherein a receipt or issuance of an invoice is part of the transaction. Based on the regulations, therefore, all medical practices are obliged to fi le