In recognition of National Cybersecurity Month in October, First Community Bank of East Tennessee (FCB) and the Independent Community Bankers of America® (ICBA) are reminding consumers of simple steps they can take to safeguard their sensitive data when making purchases online or via a smart device and what to do if they suspect their information has been compromised.

“Educating customers about account security and cyber threats is something we all must be conscious about if we want to reduce the risk of sensitive information being exploited for criminal use,” said Jordan Key, FCB IT Support Specialist. “We take great care in handling our customers’ sensitive information and want to equip them with practical steps they can take to help strengthen our nation’s cybersecurity ecosystem and avoid falling prey to identity theft and fraud this holiday season.”

There are steps consumers can take to reduce their chances of becoming a victim of identity theft or fraud. ICBA and FCB encourage consumers to:

• Enable the strongest authentication tools offered by their bank. Popular authentication methods include biometrics, security keys and single-use codes.
• Use complex passwords and differentiate them across multiple platforms. For example, customers should use one password for their online bank account and another for their email account.
• Do a system check. Purge unused apps and outdated or sensitive information stored in old files and emails and ensure all software on internet-connected devices is current.

Consumers can also make sure their account has not been compromised by taking the following steps:

• Check bank statements regularly to ensure the purchases are legitimate.
• Read the fine print when purchasing items online. Often a website or application will ask for permission to save account information.
• Stay vigilant. Be mindful when shopping online and look for signs of illegitimate websites. Spelling or grammatical errors, missing contact information, and suspicious URLs or email addresses are all red flags.

Learn more about how to protect your digital life during National Cybersecurity Awareness Month by visiting www.staysafeonline.org/ncsam.

About First Community Bank of East Tennessee

With more than $160 million in assets, First Community Bank offers a complete range of financial services including savings, checking, CDs, investment services, consumer, mortgage, and commercial lending, business services, and much more.  The philosophy of local bank decision-making and personalized service is the driving force of First Community Bank. 

Founded in 1993, First Community Bank has seven locations in Rogersville, Surgoinsville, Church Hill, Kingsport and Colonial Heights.  Follow First Community Bank on Facebook at www.facebook.com/fcbanktn or Instagram at www.instagram/fcbanktn.  For more information, visit www.fcbanktn.com or stop by a branch location near you. 

About ICBA

The Independent Community Bankers of America® creates and promotes an environment where community banks flourish. With more than 52,000 locations nationwide, community banks constitute 99 percent of all banks, employ more than 760,000 Americans and are the only physical banking presence in one in five U.S. counties. Holding more than $4.9 trillion in assets, $3.9 trillion in deposits, and $3.4 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.