Safe Online Banking

Understanding the threats
Protecting against account fraud and identity theft
Securing your Internet transactions

Making Online Banking Safe and Secure

When you travel the Internet to access online banking, you want to be assured, first and foremost, that effective safeguards are in place to make your visit safe, secure, and reliable. When you use online banking to visit the bank, whether it’s to learn about rates, to review your accounts or to pay your bills, you are entering a secure area. Measures we take include one or more of the following.

• Password Protection and PIN
  Your password and PIN (personal identification number) are the first line of defense, and are your unique identifier. Be sure not to share them with anyone-- most frauds involving hijacked accounts originate with someone the victim knows.
• Multi-Factor Authentication
  This form of identity verification provides added security by requiring multiple forms of identification, such as something you know (password, or PIN) and something you have (Debit card).
• Encryption
  Once online with our bank, your transactions and personal information are secured by encryption software that converts the information into code that is readable by only you and our bank.
• Privacy Policies
  Bank privacy policies protecting your personal information are stringent. Your confidential information is treated with the utmost care, meeting or exceeding federal and state mandates.

Whether you are conducting online financial transactions over the Internet or simply “surfing,” some easily implemented precautions can help safeguard your personal information from identity theft and account fraud:

• Passwords
  Security begins with a strong password, which only you, the user, knows. Experts advise a combination of letters and numbers, and advise against using easily guessed passwords such as birthdays or home addresses.
• Anti-Virus Protection
  Make sure the anti-virus software on your computer is current and scans your email as it is received. This simple step is critical to your personal safety and security when online.
• E-mail Communication
  E-mail is generally not encrypted so be wary of sending any sensitive information such as account numbers or other personal information in this way. If you receive an unscheduled or unsolicited email purporting to be from our bank be cautious-- take the time to call our bank and make sure the email was sent from us.
• Signing Off
  Always log off by following the bank’s secured area exit procedures to ensure the protection of your personal information.
• Be Aware
  Crooks are trying to get your personal information-- and they employ some ingenious methods. Don’t respond to any unusual requests for personal information-- when you opened your bank accounts you already gave it to us. When in doubt, call us.