In recognition of National Data Privacy Day today, Iowa State Savings Bank urges bank customers and users of financial services generally to take an active role in protecting their data.
“Management and staff of Iowa State Savings Bank consider protection of our customers’ confidential information and financial resources among our highest obligations and priorities,” said Karl Knock, CEO. “We employ a combination of frequently reviewed and updated safeguards to protect customers’ information. However, the greatest protection can only occur if customers partner with us by doing their part to be safe.”
To help ensure the safety of personal information, Iowa State Savings Bank suggests following these four tips:
• Create complicated passwords. Avoid easily guessed passwords using birthdays, pet names and simple numeric codes like 12345. It is also important to change passwords from time to time. We suggest you change them at least three times a year. Because friendly theft – theft by someone the victim knows – is the most common type of identity theft or fraud, we suggest you keep your passwords private. If you must, share them with only a family member who is intimately part of your day-to-day life. Always be mindful of who has access to your personal information.
• Keep tabs on your accounts. Check account activity and online statements often, instead of waiting for the monthly statement. You are the first line of defense because you know right away if a transaction is fraudulent. You may want to use ISSB's free, e-alert messaging system to send yourself e-mails or text messages when events you identify occur, such as when an item clears your account or when your account balance falls below a threshold you set. If you notice unusual or unauthorized activity, notify us or your financial provider right away. With your timely notification to us, we will cover the reported loss and can take steps to work with you to protect your account against further unauthorized transactions.
• Stay alert online. Be sure your computers and mobile devices are equipped with up-to-date anti-virus and malware protection. Never give out your personal financial information in response to an unsolicited email, no matter how official it may seem. ISSB will never contact you by email asking for your password, PIN, or account information. Neither will any government agency. The best practice is to only open links and attachments from trusted sources. When submitting financial information on a website, look for the padlock or key icon at the top or bottom of your browser, and make sure the Internet address begins with "https." This signals that your information is secure during transmission. We recommend against using public access computers and networks for transacting business. They are susceptible to thieves' hidden malware that could infect your computer, intercept your communication or even duplicate your key strokes for a waiting criminal to see.
• Mobilize your defenses. Use the passcode lock on your smartphone and other devices. This will make it more difficult for thieves to access your information if your device is lost or stolen. Before you donate, sell or trade your mobile device, be sure to wipe it using specialized software or using the manufacturer's recommended technique. Some software allows you to wipe your device remotely if it is lost or stolen. Use caution when downloading apps, as they may contain malware. Avoid opening links and attachments – especially from senders you don't know.
Tips for Victims:
If you are a victim of fraud and suspect your personal information has been compromised, you should take the following steps:
• Call your bank and credit card issuers immediately so they can take necessary steps to protect your account.
• File a police report and call the fraud unit of the three credit-reporting companies.
• Consider placing a victim statement in your credit report and a fraud alert on your account.
• Keep a log of all the contacts you make with authorities regarding the matter. Write down names, titles, and phone numbers in case you need to re-contact them or refer to them in future correspondence.
Contact the FTC's ID Theft Consumer Response Center at 1-877-ID THEFT (1-877-438-4338) or www.ftc.gov/idtheft.
Data Privacy Day commemorates the 1981 signing of the first legally binding international treaty dealing with privacy and data protection. It is led by the National Cyber Security Alliance, a non-profit, public private partnership focused on cyber security education for all online citizens.
Iowa State Savings Bank is an employee-owned, full service bank headquartered in Creston with branches in Corning, Diagonal and Lenox.