Press Release

FDIC Highlights New Resources for Bank Customers on Precautions When Using Computers and the Internet

Cybersecurity publications announced as part of National Consumer Protection Week

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 8, 2016

Media contact: Julianne Fisher Breitbeil (202) 898-6895 jbreitbeil@fdic.gov

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).

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Congress created the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation in 1933 to restore public con?dence in the nation's banking system. The FDIC insures deposits at the nation's banks and savings associations, 6,182 as of December 31, 2015. It promotes the safety and soundness of these institutions by identifying, monitoring and addressing risks to which they are exposed. The FDIC receives no federal tax dollars—insured ?nancial institutions fund its operations.

FDIC press releases and other information are available on the Internet at www.fdic.gov, by subscription electronically (go to www.fdic.gov/about/subscriptions/index.html) and may also be obtained through the FDIC's Public Information Center (877-275-3342 or 703-562-2200). PR-19-2016

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