News

Identity Theft: Preventing, Detecting, and Responding

In today's digital age, your personal information is more valuable than ever. Unfortunately, this also makes it a prime target for identity theft. Understanding this threat, detecting it, and knowing how to protect yourself are essential elements in safeguarding your online digital life.

Messaging Do's and Don'ts

Messaging serves as a primary mode of communication in both our personal and professional lives. However, quite often we can be our own worst enemy when it comes to text messaging safely and securely. Learn the most common mistakes people make and how you can avoid them in your day-to-day lives.

QR Codes

Have you ever wondered what those squares of dots or bars called "QR codes" are all about? You most likely have seen them posted on websites, printed on posters, used as mobile tickets, or on restaurant tables. How do these work, and are there risks you should be worried about? Let's find out.

The Power of the Passphrase

Are you tired of constantly creating complex passwords? Frustrated with having to remember and type all those characters, symbols and numbers? Well, we have a solution for you: the ever-powerful passphrase!

I'm Hacked, Now What?

The internet can be overwhelming, with new technologies changing all the time. No matter how safe you try to be, sooner or later you may be unfortunate enough to get hacked. The sooner you detect something bad has happened, and the faster you respond, the more you can minimize the impact. Below are signs that you may be hacked and if so, suggestions to resolve it.

The Power of Updating

Cyber attackers are constantly looking for and finding new vulnerabilities in the software you use every day. A vulnerability is a mistake or weakness in how software was developed. This software may run your laptop, the mobile apps on your smartphone, or perhaps even the software in your thermostat. Cyber attackers take advantage of and exploit these software vulnerabilities, allowing them to remotely break into systems, including the ones you use. At the same time, the vendors who create the d

Online Security for Kids

Our kids' lives are online today more than ever, from socializing with friends and gaming, to online learning and education. So how can we help our kids make the most of online technology, safely and securely?

The Power of Password Managers

Like most people, you likely find creating, managing, and remembering all your different passwords a daunting task. It seems like every website has different password rules and many require additional security measures such as security questions. Wouldn’t it be great if there was a single solution to take care of all your password problems? There is. It’s called a password manager.

Stop Those Phone Call Scams

David was busy watching his favorite streaming series when he got a phone call from a number he did not recognize. The area code was the same as his, so he assumed it was someone local and answered the phone. Right away David was asked to confirm his full name. The caller then stated that he was from the police department and that a warrant had been issued for David’s arrest. David’s taxes were outstanding and if they were not paid in the next 24 hours, the police would have to arrest him. David

College Parents: Don’t Leave Money on the Table!

My daughter Kayla will be starting her second year at the University of St. Thomas in September. With her first year under her belt, our family knows what to budget – and borrow – to pay for her college.

Securing Your Financial Accounts

Your financial accounts are a primary target for cyber-criminals. You have money, and they will do anything to steal it. By financial accounts, we mean not only your checking or savings accounts, but also investments, retirement, and online payment accounts like PayPal. Fortunately, with some simple, fundamental steps, you can protect yourself.

Artificial Intelligence: What to Know

Artificial Intelligence (AI) describes systems programmed to think and respond like humans. In fact, we asked the AI solution ChatGPT that very question and got this response.

Scareware: A Story

Warning! Your computer is infected with Black Basta ransomware. Call this phone number right away to fix your computer! - If you saw this warning pop-up on your computer, would you call the phone number?

Digital Spring Cleaning in 7 Simple Steps

We often hear of the term “spring cleaning,” the time of year when we go through our belongings and organize our house and lives in preparation for the upcoming summer. This is also the perfect time to take an annual review of your digital life. The following seven simple steps, taken once a year, will go a long way toward ensuring you can make the most of technology, safely and securely.

Do I Need Security Software?

When you bought a new computer years ago, you often had to install additional security software on your computer to help ensure it was secure against cyber attackers. However, most of today’s computers and devices have numerous security features already built into them, such as automatic-updating, firewalls, disk encryption, and file protection. In addition, Microsoft provides on Windows computers security functionality called Microsoft Defender, which includes additional features such as anti-v

New Market Bank Chosen ‘Best Bank’ in Lakeville Sun Thisweek Readers’ Choice Awards for Third Consecutive Year

Bank Also Voted ‘Best Mortgage Lender-Broker’ for the First Time

For the third consecutive year, the readers of the Lakeville Sun Thisweek have chosen New Market Bank the “Best Bank” in the publication’s 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards. The bank was also voted the “Best Mortgage Lender-Broker” for the first time. The results were announced in a special section of the newspaper published today.

New Market Bank Community Giving Totals More than $25,000 in 2022

Local, family-owned New Market Bank, with locations in Lakeville, Prior Lake and Elko New Market, announced today that it contributed $25,431 to local nonprofit organizations, schools and community initiatives in 2022. The total includes bank donations, sponsorships of various fundraising events, donations by employees and customers, which the bank matched, and special requests.

Biometrics - Making Security Simple

Do you hate passwords? Are you tired of constantly logging into new websites or can’t remember all of your complex passwords? Frustrated by having to generate new passwords for new accounts or having to change old passwords for existing accounts? We have good news for you. There is a solution called biometrics that helps make cybersecurity easier for you. Below we explain what biometrics are, how they make your life simpler and why you will start seeing more of them.

Disposing of Your Mobile Device

Mobile devices, such as smartphones, smart watches, and tablets, continue to advance and innovate at an astonishing rate. As a result, you may be replacing a new device as often as every year. Unfortunately, you may not realize just how much personal data are on your devices — far more than your computer. Below we cover the different types of data on your mobile devices and how you can securely wipe your device before disposing or replacing it. If your mobile device was issued to you by work, ch

Counseling Home Buyers in a Tough Market

I’ve seen a lot of ups and downs in the market during my 30+ years in the mortgage industry but perhaps none more challenging than what we’re experiencing now. That’s not very comforting to buyers, sellers or my colleagues in the industry, I know.