Lawsky Warns Pioneer Savings Bank Customers of Breach

A stolen company laptop has left customers of Pioneer Savings Bank vulnerable, according to a consumer alert from the New York State Department of Financial Services.

The department warned that the recent security breach affected sensitive customer data at the Troy, N.Y.-based bank, the March 5 alert said. While Pioneer has maintained that they are unaware of any misuse of the customer information, the bank said in the alert that it would provide free credit monitoring and identity protection services to anyone affected by the incident.

"We strongly encourage Pioneer customers who think they may have been affected to take the necessary steps to safeguard themselves from any potential damage to their financial lives," New York Superintendent of Financial Services Benjamin M. Lawsky said in the alert. "This is the latest in a string of breaches of sensitive customer information that further underscores the need for strong information and cyber security standards within financial institutions."

The state agency advised affected customers to monitor their credit cards, monthly bills and credit score. Other suggestions included placing a fraud alert with the three major credit reporting agencies — Equifax, TransUnion and Experian — and keeping an eye out for phishing scams that may attempt to get more customer information.

Pioneer discovered the theft of the company laptop in late January, according to the alert. The laptop contained personal information, including names, Social Security numbers and account and debit card numbers. The nearly $821 million-asset bank said in the alert that it is investigating the incident and has monitored accounts for suspicious activity.

The bank told the Albany Times-Union that it had sent a letter to customers whose information may have been on the laptop, but company executives would not tell the newspaper the extent of the data breach.