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W hether you're running a large company or building your first small business, one thing holds true: cybercriminals don't discriminate. With the rise in digital transactions every busi- ness faces potential risks online. The good news? A few common-sense practices can go a long way toward protecting your business and your bottom line. Start with your people The first line of defense is often your team. • Vet and educate. Conduct back- ground checks for all new hires and contractors and make cybersecurity awareness a routine part of train- ing. Employees should know how to recognize red flags like unexpected links or attachments and understand that banks will never email or text requesting account updates. • Build a "human firewall." Encourage a workplace culture where employees feel empowered to report anything sus- picious. Cybercriminals are constantly evolving their tactics, so keeping your team informed is key. • Strengthen internal processes. Put clear checks and balances in place, no single person should be respon- sible for both initiating and approving transactions. Set authorization limits and require verification for major payments or account changes. • Verify directly. For any financial or account updates, skip the email confirmation. Call vendors or clients directly using a known number or handle changes in person to ensure legitimacy. Leverage your bank's security tools Even in the digital world, check fraud remains a common threat. Each check carries sensitive account details that criminals can exploit. Moving toward electronic payments can reduce risk, but the safest approach combines digital tools with diligent monitoring. Here are a few banking safeguards worth exploring: • Check Positive Pay. This service cross- checks checks presented for payment against your own records, flagging anything that doesn't match. • ACH protections. Tools like ACH Posi- tive Pay, ACH Filters, and ACH Blocks can help ensure only authorized trans- actions are processed and prevent unauthorized withdrawals. • Universal Payment Identification Code (UPIC). This electronic identifier allows you to receive ACH payments without exposing your real bank account informa- tion, adding an extra layer of protection. • Dedicated payroll accounts. Keeping payroll separate from other business funds helps limit exposure. Sign up for alerts and review account activity daily to spot irregularities early. Make cybersecurity a habit You don't need to be a tech expert to take meaningful action. Consistent, prac- tical steps like reviewing your controls regularly and reinforcing good digital habits can make all the difference. A few minutes spent tightening processes today can help save time, money, and stress tomorrow. Protecting your business doesn't have to be complicated, it just takes aware- ness, diligence, and the right tools. S P O N S O R E D C O N T E N T Smart, Simple Ways to Help Safeguard Your Business from Cybercrime For more information: We hope you found this helpful. This article is based on information available in November 2025 and is subject to change. It is provided as a convenience and for general information purposes only. Our content is not intended to provide legal, tax, investment, or financial advice or to indicate that a particular TD Bank or third-party product or service is available or right for you. For specific advice about your unique circumstances, consider talking with a qualified professional. For more tips, resources, and small business support, visit td.com/us/en/ small-business/resource-center

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