Locked Down & Linked Up: How We Partner for Your Digital Safety

At BNC National Bank, we believe that safeguarding your financial data is more than just a service—it’s a partnership. While we employ cutting-edge technology and rigorous practices to keep your information secure, your own awareness and proactive efforts are increasingly crucial in today’s digital landscape

In honor of National Internet Safety Month, we are highlighting the essential steps we take to protect you, as well as the simple, effective actions you can take to enhance your own cybersecurity. From recognizing sophisticated phishing attempts to mastering multifactor authentication (MFA), discover how we can work together to ensure your banking information remains protected.

How BNC National Bank Protects You 

We utilize industry-accepted security standards and a layered defense strategy to ensure your banking experience is safe and encrypted.

• Secure & Encrypted Sessions: Our website uses high-level encryption to safeguard your data during Online Banking sessions.
  

• Layered Authentication: We use multi-factor authentication (MFA) to verify your identity. Business users are also deployed SecureID Tokens, which generate unique, hacker-resistant security codes at login.
  
  
• Proactive Fraud Monitoring: Our Fraud Center monitors your debit card for suspicious activity 24/7. If we suspect unauthorized use, we will contact you immediately and may suspend the card to prevent further loss.
  
  
• Secure Communication: We offer Secure Messaging through our website and Online Banking. Unlike regular email, this tool is encrypted, making it the safest way to send us confidential information.

Steps You Can Take to Safeguard Your Information 

• Your daily habits are vital to maintaining a secure financial profile. We recommend the following best practices:
  
  
• Master Your Passwords: Create unique, complex passwords that avoid personal info like birthdays. For expert guidance, visit www.us-cert.gov/ncas/tips.
  
  
• Go Paperless: Sign up for eDocs to eliminate the risk of sensitive documents being stolen from your physical mailbox.
  
  
• Stay Vigilant: Regularly check your account activity through mobile or online banking. Don't wait for a monthly statement to spot unusual transactions.  For tips on recognizing fraudulent messages, see What Are Common Indicators of a Phishing Attempt? - Keeper
   
• Utilize Alerts: Enable Online Banking alerts to receive instant text or email notifications for specific account changes or transactions.
  
  
• Monitor Your Credit: Request a free annual credit report at www.annualcreditreport.com to watch for unexplained debts or unfamiliar inquiries
  
  
•  For a comprehensive guide, see https://www.bnc.bank/personal/fraud-prevention 

How You Can Master Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

• Enable it Everywhere: Visit your bank's security or settings menu to turn on MFA. Don't stop at banking; enable it for email and any sensitive accounts.

• Choose Your Method: Select the second factor that works best for you. Common options include:
  Authenticator Apps: Apps that generate a unique code.
  SMS/Text Codes: A one-time code sent directly to your mobile device.
  Physical Tokens: For business users, BNC deploys SecureID Tokens that generate hacker-resistant codes.
  

• Protect Your Codes: Never share your MFA one-time passcode with anyone. Legitimate BNC National Bank employees will never ask for this code via email, text, or phone.
  

• Regular Maintenance: Periodically review and update your MFA settings to ensure your contact information is current and your protection remains robust.
  

• Understand the "Why": Recognize that while MFA adds an extra step to your login, it makes unauthorized access significantly harder for cybercriminals.
  

   

Reporting Fraud and Identity Theft 

• If you suspect you've been a victim of fraud, contact us immediately. BNC National Bank will never ask for your password, PIN, or full account number via email or text.
• General or Debit Fraud: 1-800-BNC-BANK (1-800-262-2265).
• Personal Credit Card Fraud: 1-800-558-3424.
• Business Credit Card Fraud: 1-866-552-8855.
• For identity theft recovery, visit the Federal Trade Commission's dedicated site at identitytheft.gov

If you or someone you know is a victim of elder or vulnerable person abuse, exploitation, or neglect, please reach out for help:

• Arizona: 1-877-767-2385.
• North Dakota: 1-855-462-5465.
• National Center on Elder Abuse: https://ncea.acl.gov/.
  

Don't wait for a red flag to appear. By combining BNC National Bank’s advanced security infrastructure with your own proactive habits, you create an unbreakable defense for your financial future. Contact us today for more information.