EVANSVILLE, Ind., Jan. 25, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In recognition of Data Privacy Week, First Federal Savings Bank and the Independent Community Bankers of America® (ICBA) are reminding customers to take proactive steps to safeguard their personal and financial information amid an evolving cybersecurity landscape. The average cost of a data breach in the United States rose to $10.22 million in 2025, signaling both continued attacks and increasing regulatory fines even as global costs declined 9% year over year.

“Safeguarding customer information is central to our mission,” said Courtney Schmitt, VP Marketing Manager at First Federal Savings Bank. “Although no system can be completely risk-free, community banks like ours make significant investments in advanced security technologies, ongoing monitoring, and employee training to protect sensitive data. We also partner with our customers by sharing practical guidance to help reduce risk and respond swiftly in the event of a data breach.”

Reducing Your Risk
As a consumer you also can help minimize your risk:

• Be cautious on public networks—Avoid accessing financial accounts or entering sensitive data when using public Wi-Fi. When necessary, use a virtual private network or mobile hotspot.
• Limit information sharing—Don’t share personal or financial information such as account numbers or passwords in response to unsolicited calls, texts, or emails, even if they appear legitimate.
• Keep software up to date—Regularly update operating systems, browsers, and security software to protect against known vulnerabilities and emerging threats.
• Monitor accounts frequently—Review bank and credit card statements for unusual activity, and check your credit report regularly for unauthorized accounts or inquiries. Report any suspicious activity to your bank immediately.
• Use strong, unique passwords—Create complex passwords of at least 12 characters and enable multifactor authentication whenever available. A reputable password manager can help securely manage credentials.
  

Responding to a Data Breach
If you believe your personal information has been compromised, take immediate action:

• Place a security freeze on your credit report to restrict credit file access.
• Set up a fraud alert, which directs banks to verify your identity before opening a new account, issuing an additional card, or increasing the credit limit on an existing account.
• Shred documents with personal or sensitive information and change your passwords.
• Report stolen finances or identities and other cybercrime to the Internet Crime Complaint Center and to your local law enforcement and/or state attorney general.

Learn more about how to protect your digital life by visiting the Stay Safe Online website and spreading the word on social media with the hashtag #BeCyberSmart.

About First Federal Savings Bank Member FDIC

First Federal Savings Bank was established on Evansville, Indiana's Westside in 1904. A community bank offering eight locations in Posey, Vanderburgh, Warrick, and Henderson County. First Federal Savings Bank is also proud to offer Home Building Savings Bank locations in Daviess and Pike County.

About ICBA
The Independent Community Bankers of America® has one mission: to create and promote an environment where community banks flourish. We power the potential of the nation’s community banks through effective advocacy, education, and innovation.

As local and trusted sources of credit, America’s community banks leverage their relationship-based business model and innovative offerings to channel deposits into the neighborhoods they serve, creating jobs, fostering economic prosperity, and fueling their customers’ financial goals and dreams. For more information, visit ICBA’s website at icba.org.

Media Contacts
Courtney Schmitt
Nicole Swann
cschmitt@fbei.net
Nicole.swann@icba.org
(812) 492-8295
(202) 821-4458
@ICBA_nswann