Online Security Tips

While online banking is safe, as a general rule, you should always be careful about giving out your personal financial information over the Internet. Review the following tips to protect your personal information while using the Internet.

• Memorize your User Name and Password. Your online User Name and Password authenticate you when you begin an Online Banking session. You should memorize your Password and never write it down anywhere, save to your computer, or reveal it to anyone. Create a complex Password that:
  • Is 8 - 12 characters in length. The longer the Password, the better.
  • Includes letters and numbers.
  • Has at least four different characters (no repeats).
  • Has at least one special character.
  • Is a sequence of random letters and numbers.
  • Is not obvious or easily obtainable information.
• Change your Password regularly. It is recommended to change passwords every 30 to 60 days.
• Remember to logout of Online Banking and close all browsing sessions for security. Don't rely on our session time-out feature.
• Verify the security certificate of any website you're going to input sensitive information into.
• When conducting online transactions involving sensitive information such as passwords, PINs or account numbers, look for the SSL lock first.
• Check for the yellow lock icon in the status bar of your browser. This means that the website uses encryption to protect your information. Make sure the yellow lock icon is closed, indicating that the encryption is on. Double-click it to display the security certificate. The security certificate information should match the name of the site you intend to be on.
• Do not share any confidential information through suspicious emails, websites, social media networks, text messages or phone calls.
• >If you receive a suspicious email, do not click on any links or reply to it. Simply delete it.
• Avoid using a public or shared computer for personal and financial transactions. Only conduct Online Banking and financial transactions using a trusted computer.
• If your computer is infected with a virus, run anti-virus software to remove the infection and change passwords on all your financial and personal accounts including your email using a secure device.
• Make sure the computer(s) you use have current software security patches and anti-virus software. Anti-virus software requires frequent updates to guard against new viruses.
• Install a personal firewall to help prevent unauthorized access to your home computer.
• Wireless access should be secured with strong password encryption. Be cautious when using public hotspots and consider your Wi-Fi auto-connect settings.

Email Security Tips

• Be wary of unsolicited email containing urgent appeals for security or personal information.
• Spelling errors can help fraudulent emails get through your spam filters.
• Never open attachments, click on links, or respond to emails from suspicious or unknown senders.
• If you receive a suspicious email that you think is a phish, do not respond or provide any information. Simply delete it.
• If you use online banking, please send a secure message through the Message Center function of your Online Banking service.

Scam Prevention Tips

• Use common sense.  If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
• Never give personal information to a stranger who contacts you, whether by phone, email or other means.
• You are responsible and liable for items you cash or deposit into your account.
• Be wary of offers of mortgage modification, foreclosure rescue, or short sale scams involving money-back guarantees, title transfers, up-front fees, or high pressure sales tactics.
• No matter how urgent someone claims a deal or job offer is, you should research and confirm its legitimacy.