Cybersecurity, data breach crimes
are increasing, and consumers need to be aware of how to protect their
information
Washington,
D.C. (Jan. 28, 2014)—
Today is Data Privacy Day, according to the National Cyber Security Alliance, and given
recent consumer data security breaches at a few of the nation’s largest
retailers, the Independent Community Bankers of America® (ICBA) and Community
Financial Services Bank (CFSB) wants consumers to be alert when it comes to
protecting their sensitive financial information and to know how to be
safe online.
Community
banks have worked aggressively to protect their customers following recent
consumer data breaches. They have been informing customers about community
banks’ multiple layers of security protection, monitoring customer accounts for
fraudulent activity, reissuing credit and debit cards to consumers as
appropriate and educating consumers on how to avoid fraud. If charges you did
not make appear on your credit or debit cards, alert your community bank
immediately.
“The
latest data breaches at retailers such as Target and Neiman Marcus remind us
that criminals are looking to capture sensitive consumer financial information
and personal data online and in-person,” said Bill Loving, ICBA chairman and
president and CEO of Pendleton Community Bank, Franklin, W.Va. “The community
banking industry wants consumers to have as much information as possible so
they can help protect themselves against these types of attacks.”
ICBA and
CFSB provides consumers valuable tips when it comes to taking proactive
security measures:
- Be
sure to use unique passwords for all financial online accounts. Never
share or duplicate usage of your password, account number, PIN or answers
to security questions.
- Monitor
all of your financial accounts and report any suspicious activity, such as
false or multiple charges, to your community bank immediately.
- Do
not save credit or debit card, banking account or routing numbers, or
other financial information, on your computer, phone or tablet.
- Be
vigilant about using a password on mobile devices. Be sure to set your
devices to automatically lock after a selected period of time to ensure no
one can access your smartphone, tablet or laptop.
- Do
not provide your secure financial information over the phone or Internet
if you are unsure of who is asking for it. Contact your community bank
directly by using the phone number on the back of your debit or credit
card, or stop in your bank to speak with someone in person. Remember, your
community bank will never contact or text you asking for personal or
banking information. Assume any unsolicited text request is fraudulent.
- Be aware of the location of your mobile devices (smartphones, tablets) at all times. Only log on financial websites when you have a secure, safe and trusted Internet connection.
“Contact
your community bank immediately if you think any of your financial data has
been compromised,” Loving said. “The sooner you alert proper authorities about
suspicious activity, the sooner it can be resolved.”
For
additional information about Data Privacy Day, visit Stay Safe Online’s website
at www.staysafeonline.org. For information
about community banks, visit www.icba.org. For further information on
CFSB, log on to www.yourlifeyourbank.com.
About
ICBA
The
Independent Community Bankers of America®, the nation’s voice for nearly 7,000
community banks of all sizes and charter types, is dedicated exclusively to
representing the interests of the community banking industry and its
membership through effective advocacy, best-in-class education and high-quality
products and services. For more information, visit www.icba.org.
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About
CFSB
CFSB
is a locally-owned and operated ESOP financial institution with headquarters in
Benton, Kentucky. CFSB has locations throughout Calloway, Marshall and
McCracken County in Western Kentucky and employs more than 170 team members.
Member FDIC. For more information, visit www.yourlifeyourbank.com.
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