In recognition of National Data Privacy Day on January 28, First Northern Bank is advising consumers to take an active role in protecting their data.

To help ensure the safety of personal information, follow these four simple tips:

1. Create complex passwords. Avoid birthdays, pet names, and simple passwords like 12345. 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.
   
   
2. 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 alerts so you’re notified of transactions over a certain dollar amount or geographic area. If you notice unusual or unauthorized activity, contact us right away. When a customer reports an unauthorized transaction in a timely manner, we can help take measures to protect their account.
   
   
3. 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. We 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.
   
   
4. Protect your mobile device. Lock 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.

For more security information click here to prevent cyber theft.

Tips for Victims:

If you are a victim of fraud and suspect your personal information has been compromised, you should take the following steps:

• Contact us immediately so we can take the necessary steps to protect your account.

• File a report with the local police.

• Contact the three major credit bureaus to place a fraud alert on your credit records:
• Equifax, www.Equifax.com, 1-800-525-6285
• Experian, www.Experian.com, 1-888-397-3742
• TransUnion, www.TransUnion.com, 1-800-680-7289

• Keep a log of all the contacts you make with authorities regarding the matter. Write down names, titles, phone numbers, and case IDs in the event you need to re-contact them or refer to them in future correspondence.

• Contact the FTC’s ID Theft Consumer Response Center by:
  • Calling (877) ID THEFT or (877) 438-4338
  • Visiting www.ftc.gov/idtheft