Data Privacy Day falls on January 28, 2026, and it’s a perfect reminder to do something we all mean to get around to: a quick “privacy checkup” for our digital life.

This year, Data Privacy Week runs January 26–30, 2026, with a theme that’s worth borrowing for our own routines: “Prioritize privacy by design.” The idea is simple: privacy works best when it’s considered from the beginning, not added after the fact.

As your community bank, that principle guides how we think about protecting your information. But privacy isn’t only something organizations build. It’s also something you can strengthen with a few smart habits at home. Here are practical, realistic steps every bank customer can take this week (and keep using all year long).

Step 1: Lock down your logins (the easiest win)
If you do only one thing today, do this:

• Turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA) for email, banking, and any account tied to payments (PayPal, Venmo, Apple ID/Google account). MFA makes it much harder for criminals to get in, even if they have your password.
• Use unique passwords for your most important accounts: email, banking, and mobile phone carrier. Reused passwords are a common way criminals hop from one account to another.
• Consider a password manager to generate and store strong passwords, so you don’t have to.

Tip: Your email account is the “master key” to password resets. If you secure only one account with a strong password and MFA, make it your email.

Step 2: Update your “recovery” info before someone else tries
Most account takeovers aren’t magic. They’re a process. Take five minutes to confirm:

• Your phone number and email are correct on key accounts.
• You still recognize the backup email or recovery questions (and the answers aren’t easy to guess from social media).

Step 3: Set up alerts for automatic security
A good privacy routine is one you can live with. In your bank’s digital banking tools, enable alerts like:

• Purchases over a chosen dollar amount
• Online or card-not-present transactions
• Password changes or profile updates
• Low balance notifications (so overdrafts don’t sneak up)

Alerts are like a smoke detector. You hope they never go off, but when they do, timing matters.

Step 4: Treat unexpected messages like a stop sign
Phishing (fake texts, emails, and calls) is still one of the biggest threats to everyday customers, because it targets humans, not hardware. A few rules we recommend:

• Do not click links in unexpected texts or emails about account issues.
• Do not share one-time passcodes with anyone. Not even someone who says they are from the bank.
• If you’re unsure, hang up and call back using the phone number on your statement, your debit card, or your bank’s website.

If a message creates urgency (“act now,” “last chance,” “your account will be closed”), pause. Pressure is a tactic.

Step 5: Reduce what you share (and what apps can see)
“Privacy by design” applies at home, too. The less data floating around, the less there is to misuse.

Quick checkup items:

• Review app permissions on your phone (location, microphone, contacts).
• Delete apps you do not use, especially shopping, coupon, or “free” utility apps.
• In your browser, clear old saved passwords (use a password manager instead) and enable anti-phishing protection.

And yes, it’s worth tightening privacy settings on social media. Criminals use public details (birthdays, pet names, schools, family connections) to guess passwords or impersonate you.

Step 6: Keep your devices updated and protected
Most security updates are not about flashy new features. They’re about fixing known vulnerabilities.

• Turn on automatic updates for your phone, computer, browsers, and apps.
• Use a screen lock (PIN, fingerprint, or face ID).
• Avoid financial activity on public Wi-Fi. If you must, use your phone’s hotspot or a trusted VPN.

Step 7: Know your "just in case" plan
If something feels off, faster is better than perfect.

• If you notice suspicious activity, contact your bank immediately.
• Change your email password first (remember: it controls resets).
• Consider a credit freeze with the major credit bureaus if you believe your identity information may be compromised.

Privacy is personal, and local
Data Privacy Day (January 28) and Data Privacy Week (January 26–30) are great reminders that trust is built on consistent habits, not one-time fixes.

From our side, “prioritize privacy by design” means we’re thoughtful about how information is collected, used, and protected throughout the life of the services you rely on. From your side, it can look like a 15-minute checkup: stronger logins, smarter alerts, fewer risky clicks, and cleaner device settings.

If you ever want help talking through a suspicious message, understanding a security alert, or tightening your account security settings, don't hesitate to call or stop in.