In recognition of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, Heartland Bank and the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) are reminding clients of practical steps to help safeguard their sensitive data and mitigate losses in the event of a data breach or compromise.

“As stewards of our clients’ financial data, we understand the importance of shielding data against a cyberattack and want to educate clients on how best to handle sensitive data so that it doesn’t fall into the wrong hands,” said Scott McComb, chairman, president and CEO at Heartland Bank. “By staying vigilant and instituting proper protocols, together we can create a culture of cyber hygiene throughout our community.”

There were more than $1.8 billion in losses from Business Email Compromise in 2020 and more than 240,000 reported phishing-related scams, according to the FBI. Heartland and ICBA encourage consumers to take the following proactive measures to protect their financial data and quickly recover in the event of a breach.

Reduce Your Risk

While there is no foolproof way to avoid online identity theft, you can minimize your risk by:

• Limiting disclosed information—Never respond to requests for personal information such as your banking ID, account number, username or password, even if they appear to originate from your bank, government agencies or officials or companies with which you have a relationship.
• Taking advantage of security features—Update your computer security software and apply software updates to your computer system, mobile devices, web browsers, and operating system regularly to defend against viruses, malware, and other online threats.
• Monitoring account activity—Carefully review statements and check your credit report regularly for unusual or unexplained charges, unknown accounts in your name, or unexpected denials on your card and report any suspicious activity to your bank immediately.

Respond to a Data Breach

In the unfortunate event of a data breach, there are steps you can take to minimize your risk:

• Consider a security freeze on your credit report to restrict access to your credit file.
• Set up a fraud alert, which directs banks to verify your identity before opening a new account, issuing an additional card, or increasing the credit limit on an existing account.
• Shred documents with personal or sensitive information and change your passwords.
• Report stolen finances or identities and other cybercrime to the Internet Crime Complaint Center and to your local law enforcement and/or state attorney general.

Learn more about how to protect your digital life during Cybersecurity Awareness Month by visiting the Stay Safe Online website and spreading the word on social media with the hashtag #BeCyberSmart.

About ICBA
The Independent Community Bankers of America® creates and promotes an environment where community banks flourish. ICBA 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.

With nearly 50,000 locations nationwide, community banks constitute roughly 99 percent of all banks, employ nearly 700,000 Americans and are the only physical banking presence in one in three U.S. counties. Holding nearly $5.9 trillion in assets, over $4.9 trillion in deposits, and more than $3.5 trillion in loans to consumers, small businesses and the agricultural community, community banks channel local deposits into the Main Streets and neighborhoods they serve, spurring job creation, fostering innovation and fueling their customers’ dreams in communities throughout America. For more information, visit ICBA’s website at www.icba.org