4 Simple Steps to Stop a Cyber Thief
Access National Bank Raises Awareness for Data Privacy Day Jan. 28
RESTON, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–In recognition of National Data Privacy Day on January 28, Access
National Bank is urging consumers to take an active role in protecting
their data.
Access National Bank is committed to securing our clients’ financial
information by applying industry best practices as well as training
staff in security policies and procedures,” said Wendy Dunham, Senior
Vice President, Risk Management and Security. “We continue to implement
ongoing improvements to our systems and security measures and offer
helpful guidance to our clients.”
To help ensure the safety of personal information, Access National Bank
suggests following these four tips:
-
Create c0mplic@t3d passwords. Avoid birthdays, pet names and
simple passwords like 12345. It is also important to change passwords
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,
don’t share your passwords with family members and 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. Sign up for text or email alerts to be
notified of transactions over a certain dollar amount or online
transactions. If you notice unusual or unauthorized activity, notify
your bank right away. -
Stay alert online. Be sure 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. Your bank will never
contact you by email asking for your password, PIN, or account
information. 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. -
Protect your mobile device. 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 and 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 cybersecurity education for all online citizens.
Access National Bank was founded in 1999 by professional bankers and
business people. It is an independent, nationally chartered bank based
in Reston, Virginia that serves the Greater Washington DC Metropolitan
area. Access National Bank is a subsidiary of Access National
Corporation and trades on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol
“ANCX”. Additional information is available at www.AccessNationalBank.com.
Contacts
Access National Bank
Shannon Rones
VP, Marketing Director
703-871-1325
