Spring Clean Your Security: Simple Ways to Help Protect Your Finances

When spring arrives, many of us feel ready for a fresh start.

We clean out closets, organize paperwork, tackle projects we’ve been putting off, and try to make life feel a little simpler. But spring cleaning doesn’t have to stop at home — it can also be a great time to check in on your financial habits and account security.

Just a few small steps can help you stay more organized, better informed, and more protected from fraud and scams.

Here are a few easy ways to spring clean your security this season.

1. Start with your online banking tools

One of the best places to begin is with the tools you may already have at your fingertips. Online and mobile banking can help you keep a closer eye on your accounts and make it easier to notice unusual activity quickly.

This spring, take a few minutes to:

• Review your contact information
• Confirm your login and security settings
• Turn on account alerts and notifications

These small updates can help you stay connected and informed.

2. Refresh your passwords

If you’ve been reusing the same password across accounts, now is the time to refresh it. Strong passwords are one of the simplest ways to help protect your accounts.

A few best practices:

• Use a unique password for each important account
• Choose passwords that are hard to guess
• Avoid using names, birthdays, or simple number patterns
• Consider using a password manager to keep things organized

It may seem like a small step, but it can make a meaningful difference.

3. Turn on multi-factor authentication

If multi-factor authentication is available, it’s worth enabling. This extra step helps verify it’s really you when you log in, often by sending a code to your phone or through an authentication app.

It’s a simple way to add another layer of protection to:

• Financial accounts
• Email accounts
• Payment apps
• Business or work-related accounts
  ‍

4. Review your statements and account activity

Regularly checking your accounts is one of the best habits you can build.

Take a little time to:

• Review recent transactions
• Look over your monthly statements
• Make sure purchases and transfers look familiar
• Watch for anything unexpected

If something doesn’t look right, reporting it quickly can make a big difference.

5. Stay aware of scams

Scammers continue to find new ways to trick people into giving away personal or financial information.

You may see this through:

• Text messages that look urgent
• Emails pretending to be from a trusted company
• Phone calls asking you to “verify” account details
• Fake websites designed to look real

A few simple reminders:

• Never share your password or secure access codes
• Be cautious with unexpected messages or links
• Don’t feel pressured to act immediately
• If you’re unsure, contact Firstrust directly at 800-220-BANK

When in doubt, it’s always okay to pause and double-check.

6. Don’t forget your devices

The devices you use every day are part of your financial security, too.

Take a moment to make sure your:

• Phone and computer software are up to date
• Banking and payment apps are current
• Devices are locked with a PIN, password, or biometric login

These updates often include important protections that help keep your information safer.

For businesses: a quick security checkup matters too

If you manage business finances, spring is also a good time to review the processes that help protect your organization.

Consider taking time to:

• Review who has access to business accounts
• Remove outdated users or permissions
• Confirm approval processes for payments or transfers
• Remind employees how to spot phishing or impersonation scams

Even a quick review can help strengthen your day-to-day fraud prevention habits.

A fresh season is a good time to protect what matters most

Financial security doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Often, the best protection comes from simple, steady habits — checking in regularly, using the tools available to you, and staying alert to anything unusual.

This spring, take a few minutes to spring clean your security and give yourself a little extra peace of mind for the season ahead.