Released March 8th, 2016
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) announced new resources today to educate bank customers about appropriate steps they can take to help avoid fraud and other cyber threats when banking online or on their mobile devices. The information is being issued in advance of National Consumer Protection Week, March 6-12.
As part of an ongoing effort to highlight safe online banking strategies, the FDIC released two new cybersecurity brochures today aimed at consumers and business customers of financial institutions. The brochures include tips to help users protect and maintain their computer systems and data. In addition to expanded cybersecurity information available online, the FDIC also released a special edition of the quarterly newsletter FDIC Consumer News featuring precautions consumers can take at home and when banking remotely using laptops, desktops, smartphones, and other mobile devices.
While federally insured financial institutions are required to have vigorous information security programs to safeguard financial data, financial institution customers and businesses also need to know how to steer clear of potential fraudulent situations. The FDIC is using National Consumer Protection Week as an opportunity to remind bank customers about taking appropriate cybersecurity precautions.
“As financial institution customers rely more and more on computers, smartphones, and tablets for banking, it is important that they learn how to help protect themselves and their data,” FDIC Chairman Martin J. Gruenberg said.
National Consumer Protection Week is a campaign coordinated by federal agencies, state governments, consumer organizations, and local consumer protection authorities offering tips and information to help consumers better protect themselves. To learn more about National Consumer Protection Week and other resources from the FDIC, visit https://www.fdic.gov/ncpw.
For more information about the FDIC’s educational programs and services for consumers, including a toll-free call center, free videos and brochures, FDIC Consumer News, and the Money Smart financial education curriculum (one version for adults and one for young adults), start at www.fdic.gov or call 1-877-ASK-FDIC (1-877-275-3342).