First National Bank of Michigan Discloses December Data Breach

The December 2023 Security Incident

Between December 11, 2023, and December 13, 2023, First National Bank of Michigan experienced unauthorized access to an employee email account. This security breach was detected and promptly addressed by the bank's IT security team. A thorough investigation was conducted, which revealed that certain files within the compromised email account were accessed by unauthorized parties. The review of these files was completed on March 7, 2024, confirming that they contained sensitive customer information.

Information Exposed

• Personal identification details
• Contact information
• Financial records

First National Bank of Michigan's Response

In response to this incident, First National Bank of Michigan has taken several steps to bolster security and prevent future breaches. These measures include enhancing the security protocols of their email systems and increasing the frequency and depth of employee training on data security.

Steps to Take if You Are Affected

If you suspect that your information may have been compromised in this breach, it is crucial to act swiftly to protect yourself from potential identity theft:

1. Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly review your bank statements and credit reports for any unauthorized transactions or changes. You can obtain a free credit report from each of the three major credit reporting agencies once every 12 months through AnnualCreditReport.com.
2. Place Fraud Alerts: Consider placing a fraud alert on your credit reports, which warns creditors that you may be an identity theft victim and they should verify that anyone seeking credit in your name is actually you.
3. Consider a Credit Freeze: A more severe option is to place a credit freeze on your reports, which prevents creditors from accessing your credit report entirely. This makes it more difficult for identity thieves to open accounts in your name, though it also means you must temporarily lift the freeze if you wish to apply for new credit.
4. Report to Authorities: If you believe you have been a victim of fraud or identity theft, report it to the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov. Additionally, you may want to file a report with your local law enforcement.

About First National Bank of Michigan

First National Bank of Michigan is a community-focused financial institution that has been serving the Michigan area since 2006. With branches in Kalamazoo, Portage, Grand Rapids, Holland, Lansing, and Traverse City, the bank prides itself on building personal, lasting relationships with its customers and supporting local economic growth by keeping deposits within Michigan for funding loans.

For more details on the breach and the bank's response, you can view the official notice provided to consumers on the Massachusetts Attorney General's website.