Protecting Yourself After a Cyber Attack: Steps You Can Take Today

When a data breach affects people close to home, it can cause real concern. That’s why Heartland Bank is sharing practical steps you can take today to protect your accounts, your identity, and your peace of mind.

When a Cyber Attack Hits Close to Home

Hearing about a cyber attack that exposes personal or financial information can be unsettling — especially when it affects people in your own community. Unfortunately, these types of incidents are becoming more common across businesses, schools, and organizations nationwide.

If you’ve been notified that your information may have been compromised, it’s important to take action quickly. At Heartland Bank, we want you to feel empowered and supported with the right tools and steps to help protect your financial well-being.

1. Monitor Your Accounts Closely

Keep a close eye on your bank accounts and credit card statements for any unusual or unauthorized activity. If you notice a transaction you don’t recognize, contact your financial institution immediately.

💡 Tip: With HB Alerts, Heartland Bank customers can receive real-time notifications for transactions, balance changes, or login attempts — helping you catch fraudulent activity fast.

2. Change Your Passwords and Strengthen Security

If your information may have been exposed, update passwords for your online banking, email, and other financial accounts. Choose strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication whenever possible.

💡 Tip: Avoid reusing the same password across multiple accounts. Using a password manager can help you safely store and generate strong passwords.

3. Place a Fraud Alert or Credit Freeze

Contact one of the three major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion) to place a fraud alert on your credit file. This makes it harder for someone to open new accounts in your name. For an extra layer of protection, consider a credit freeze, which blocks access to your credit report entirely.

💡 Free Resources:

• Equifax.com
• Experian.com
• TransUnion.com

4. Check Your Credit Report Regularly

You’re entitled to one free credit report each year from each credit bureau through AnnualCreditReport.com. Reviewing your reports helps you identify suspicious accounts or activity early.

💡 Heartland Bank Advantage: Our customers can use Credit Sense, a free tool available within Online and Mobile Banking, to monitor credit scores and reports year-round — with no impact on your credit score.

5. Beware of Scams and Phishing Attempts

After a data breach, scammers often take advantage of uncertainty by pretending to be from trusted organizations. They might contact you through phone calls, texts, or emails, asking for sensitive information.

⚠️ Remember: Heartland Bank will never ask for your password, PIN, or online banking credentials through email, text, or phone.

💡 Learn More: Visit our blog to explore our “Banks Never Ask That” and “Practice Safe Checks” campaigns.

6. Report and Recover

If you believe you’ve been the victim of fraud or identity theft:

• Contact your bank immediately to secure your accounts.
• File a report with the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov.
• Notify local law enforcement if necessary.

We’re Here for You

At Heartland Bank, your financial security is our top priority. We understand that cybersecurity threats can be stressful, and we’re here to help you stay informed, secure, and supported every step of the way.

If you have questions about your account or want help setting up alerts, credit monitoring, or additional security features, please contact your local Heartland Bank branch or visit www.MyHeartland.Bank.

💙 Heartland Bank — Experience the Difference. Protect What Matters Most.