Six US banks alert their users for security breach

• Six U.S. Banks Issue Security Alert to Customers
• Warning of Potential Data Breach
• How Are Customers Reacting?

Six regional banks based in Massachusetts have alerted their customers about a potential security breach that may have compromised debit card information.

According to the banks, a flaw in a merchant’s payment network allowed unauthorized access to sensitive data, prompting the issuance of new cards for affected users.

The banks involved are Eagle Bank, The Village Bank, Savers Bank, Webster Five, Watertown Savings Bank, and Main Street Bank, all operating in the Boston area and surrounding communities.

These institutions have sent letters to customers and state government officials detailing the actions taken and providing recommendations to minimize risks, according to Daily Mail.

Banks Issue Security Alert as Response to the Security Incident

Mastercard, whose debit card network was implicated, denied any vulnerabilities in its systems, stating the issue originated from a specific merchant.

«When we identify such events, we notify the issuers of affected cards to take appropriate measures,» a Mastercard spokesperson clarified.

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However, Mastercard has not disclosed the merchant responsible or the full extent of the security breach.

Eagle Bank and Savers Bank announced that compromised cards will be canceled and replaced automatically, requiring no action from customers.

Watertown Savings Bank reported that the breach included names and card numbers, advising customers to monitor their accounts over the next 12 to 24 months.

The Village Bank and Webster Five emphasized that their systems were not compromised.

Webster Five urged customers to report any suspicious activity within 60 days of receiving their first statement with unauthorized transactions to avoid liability.

The Village Bank offered to replace cards upon request, urging customers to mitigate potential fraud risks.

Three of the banks also provided resources for contacting major credit agencies, including Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.

They recommended additional precautions, such as monitoring for fraud and implementing credit freezes, according to the Daily Mail.

Specific exposure timelines were disclosed: Eagle Bank: August 2023 to May 2024; Main Street Bank: June 2023 to April 2024; Another community bank: January to September 2024

This incident underscores the critical need for enhanced security measures in digital transactions and the importance of keeping customers informed.

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