Internet Safety and Security

Wednesday, July 13, 2016 10:51:00 AM

Using the internet and online banking is convenient, secure and reliable. You can bank anytime and anywhere with an Internet connection. Your safety is increased by using online banking because you can check the status of your accounts more frequently. You will know if your accounts were accessed unlawfully. This tool also gives you real time balances and immediate transfers between accounts. Using good judgment and foresight can help safeguard your information from identity theft and account fraud.

What Are We Doing

  • You must first apply for online banking. We use many resolves to authenticate our customers. To manage your accounts, you must enter a secure area on our website.
  • The internet browser on your home computer must be able to support the level of encryption that our financial institution requires. If your browser cannot handle this encryption, you may need to install a more secure version of your browser.
  • Before using online banking, you must first create a secret password, logon, image, and phrase. This guarantees that you, and only you, have access to your accounts.
  • Once you have accessed our site, your personal information, history, and transactions are protected by encryption software that converts the information into code readable by only you and our financial institution.
  • Bank privacy policies protecting your personal and financial information are stringent and enforced. Each customer's information is treated with the maximum consideration. Guarding your privacy is our obligation.

What You Can Do

There are security procedures you can follow with your home computer to ensure safety for your online experiences. The following are suggested procedures that should be in place before accessing online banking.

  • Anti-virus software-Anti-virus software should be installed on all Internet-connected computers. This software should check for and update your anti-virus signatures regularly.
  • Anti-spyware software-"Spyware" is hostile software designed to take control of a computer's operating system without the informed consent of that owner or user. Your home computer should posses a trustworthy program to scan for the presence of spyware.
  • Patch Management-Most home computers run systems created by Microsoft. Home computers connected to the Internet have the ability to check for available patches to fix known exploits in these systems and programs. Home computers can be configured to automatically be notified of new patches as Microsoft makes them available.
  • Firewalls-A firewall is a protective layer between your computer and the rest of the Internet. There are some free products (Microsoft firewall available with Windows XP Service Pack 2, ZoneAlarm, etc.) and some subscription-based products (McAfee, Norton, etc.) that are offered. We recommend that you have a software firewall installed on your home computer to prevent an outside intruder from gaining access.
  • Passwords-Your password is the main element that allows access to your financial information. It is good practice to use a password that contains a variety of letters, numbers, and symbols, not one that may be easy to guess, such as birth dates, mother's maiden name, child or pet's names, or social security numbers. Change your password often. Do not file them in a rolodex or tape it to your computer monitor.
  • Encryption-When you access your bank accounts through our institution, the web page is secure and the information you transmit is almost certainly encrypted. However, email is generally unencrypted, so be wary of sending certain sensitive information such as account numbers and other personal information through email.
  • Disconnect-Always log off properly after you have completed your online business session. Follow the secure area exit instructions.
  • Spam with Viruses-Make sure all emails are free of any viruses before opening them. The best defense against this is to be sure your anti-virus software is current and scans your emails as they are received.
  • Phishing-Fraudsters will design fake websites that use a deceptive web address that is close to a genuine business name. They are trying to entice you to giving them personal information, and in effect could put charges on your credit cards and steal your identity. Always be sure you are on the correct website. Our financial institution will never send you an email requesting your personal information.

Learn More

Anti-Virus Resources

Firewall Resources

Anti-Spyware

Multifactor Authentication

Security Feature
What Is it?

In order to make your online banking experience as secure as possible, we implemented a security feature that detects any uncharacteristic or unusual behavior involving your account. If anything out of the ordinary is detected, we will verify your identity.

How Does It Work?
If we detect any unusual or uncharacteristic activity, we will ask you to answer your security questions or receive a phone call to make sure that it's really you. This will most likely be a very rare occurrence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this security system?
As our customer, we know your typical transactions, times, and locations. If we detect any activity that does not seem like your typical behavior, we will prompt you to further verify your identity so that we can stop fraudulent attempts to compromise your account. This process will only occur on rare occasions. Normally, you will not be asked for any additional information.
For example, if someone tries to sign in with your user name and password from a computer in another country shortly after you have logged off from your normal computer at home, we may decide to verify who is trying to access your account.

How do I sign up for the new security system?
There is no need to sign up for the service-it is already protecting you! You simply need to provide the information that is requested when prompted. This may include choosing several security questions that only you know the answers to, as well as supplying phone numbers where you can be reached while banking online.

How much will it cost?
There is absolutely no cost associated with the new security system.

When will I be asked for more information?
You will only be prompted to enter more information when a particular activity or transaction appears to be unusual or uncharacteristic of your typical behavior.

What additional information will I be asked for?
If any unusual or uncharacteristic behavior is detected, you will be asked to answer several of the security questions you chose. You may also be asked to answer an automated phone call.

What is unusual or uncharacteristic behavior?
Uncharacteristic or unusual behavior is anything that appears out of the ordinary compared to how and where you normally bank online. If the requested action does not appear to be something you would normally do, we will ask you for more information to verify your identity.

How are you able to detect unusual or uncharacteristic behavior?
The security system takes into account factors such as the type of transactions you ordinarily perform, the PCs you usually use to access your account, or the typical security settings for your computer. Hundreds of factors such as these create a profile that is unique to you that allows us to make decisions about whether a given activity and transaction within your account appears valid.

Will I be asked for more information all the time now?
No, you will only be asked for more information when unusual or uncharacteristic behavior is detected. This will most likely be a rare occurrence.

How do I know it is working?
You only need to complete the setup process once; afterwards the new security system will work automatically. You are protected every moment, from signing into your account to logging out. Occasionally, you will see this symbol to remind you that you are being protected :

How will my phone numbers be used?
If any unusual or uncharacteristic behavior is detected, you may be asked to answer an automated phone call. Once you answer the phone call, you will be prompted to enter the code that will appear on your computer screen at that time in order to verify your identity. Your phone numbers will not be sold to a third party, nor will they be used to contact you about offers and promotions.

How many phone numbers should I provide?
You must provide at least one phone number but are encouraged to provide up to three. In case we need to verify your identity, you may receive an automated phone call at one of the numbers you have provided. It is important to provide numbers where you can be reached when you are banking online. For instance, if you bank online at work, you should provide your work or cell phone number so you can be reached there. This will ensure you can continue your online banking session without any inconvenience.

What if I need to change my phone number?
If you need to change your phone number, please contact the bank. You may also be occasionally asked to verify that your information is up-to-date during your online banking session.

What if I cannot be contacted at any of the phone numbers listed?
If you cannot be contacted at any of the phone numbers, please contact the bank.

Is my personal information still safe?
Yes. In fact, your personal information is safer than ever before because we are verifying your identity and restricting unauthorized users from accessing your information.

I have already set up my contact numbers. Why am I being asked for them again?
Occasionally, we will prompt you for phone numbers to ensure that the information we have on file is up-to-date.

How will this help prevent online fraud?
If your user name and password are stolen, the fraudulent user would have to answer your security questions correctly or answer a call at one of the numbers you provided before being able to access your account or complete a fraudulent transaction. If the user is unable to provide this information or be reached by phone, the activity is blocked. This added layer of security helps us protect your online account at all times.

I check my account very often. Wouldn't I know if something unusual showed up on my account?
It is always a good idea to regularly monitor your account for any unusual activity (such as withdrawals you didn't make). This security service helps prevent those incidents from ever occurring, so when you check your account everything is exactly as it should be.

I already have anti-virus security and a personal firewall. Why do I need this?
It is a good idea to have anti-virus security and a personal firewall. Keep both software programs up-to-date for the best possible protection against viruses, Trojans, and hackers. This new security feature protects against other kinds of threats, such as a stolen user name and password. It works with your other personal security programs, but it does not replace them.

Identity Theft

The Problem of Identity Theft
Some 500,000 to 700,000 Americans a year are at risk of having their identities stolen, according to government and private sector estimates. Identity theft occurs when someone steals your personal information and uses it to establish credit, borrow money, charge items or even commit crimes in your name.

While the incidence of internet identity theft is growing, fraud experts agree that you still are more likely to become a victim of this federal crime by more traditional means, such as improperly discarding credit card or other financial data. Here are some tips on how to avoid becoming an ID theft victim and what to do should you be stung by one of these thieves.

If You Become a Victim
If you find you have become a victim of identity theft, immediately take the following actions:

  • File a police report
  • Contact your banker
  • Notify all of those with whom you have a financial relationship
  • Tag accounts closed due to fraud, "Closed at consumers request"
  • Notify credit bureau fraud units
  • Establish a password for telephone inquiries on credit card accounts
  • Place a fraudulent alert statement on your credit report
  • Request bi-monthly copies of your credit report until your case is resolved (Free to fraud victims)
  • Report check theft to check verification companies
  • Check post office for unauthorized change of address requests
  • Follow-up contacts with letters and keep copies of all correspondence

Phishing

Phishing attacks use email messages and web sites designed to look as if they come from a known and legitimate organization, in order to deceive users into disclosing personal, financial, or computer account information. The attacker can then use this information for criminal purposes, such as identity theft, larceny, or fraud. Users are tricked into disclosing their information either by providing it through a web form or by downloading and installing hostile software.

A phishing attack succeeds when a user is tricked into believing they're interacting with a legitimate company and thus takes actions that have effects contrary to the user's intentions. Usually this involves giving away a user's name and password.

Once the fraudster obtain this compromising, private information; they access the account to perform fraudulent activities, such as transferring the balance of a checking account to an external account.

Protecting Yourself

Remain Alert
Suspect ID theft if you’re denied credit for no apparent reason or if routine financial statements stop arriving in a timely manner.

Protect Your Identity

  • Never respond to unsolicited requests for your social security number (SSN) or financial data
  • Before discarding, shred credit card, ATM receipts and any pre-approved credit offers you have received, but don’t plan to use
  • Check all credit card and bank statements for accuracy
  • Avoid easy to figure out access and personal ID (PIN) codes
  • Obtain a copy of your credit report yearly and check it for accuracy
  • Use only secure sites when making online purchases. Secure pages begin with "https."
  • Pay for online purchases by credit card to assure you get what you paid for and to limit your liability
  • Safeguard your SSN and check Earnings and Benefit Statements annually for fraudulent use.

What if Your Identity is Compromised?

Where to Get Help

Credit Reporting Bureaus

Equifax(www.equifax.com):
Feport Fraud 800-525-6285
Order Credit Report 800-685-1111

Experian(www.experian.com):
Report Fraud 888-397-3742
Order Credit Report 888-397-3742

Trans Union (www.tuc.com):
Report Fraud 800-680-7289
Order Credit Report 800-888-4213

Social Security Administration
Report Fraud 800-269-0271
Order Benefits and Earnings Statement 800-772-1213

Reporting Fraudulent Check Use

Check Rite 800-766-2748
Chexsystems 800-428-9623
Crosscheck 707-586-0551
Equifax 800-437-5120
National Processing Co 800-526-5380
SCAN 800-526-5380
Telecheck 800-710-9898

More Information
For more information about identity theft and how to avoid it, visit:
www.ftc.gov