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Introduction:
Q: What type of security do you offer?
A: Our Internet Banking system uses many lines of defense to protect your account information. From authentication, SSL, exclusive encryption software, high-end firewalls, and automatic sign-off, you're information is always safe -- it's like having a bank vault online.
Q: What is encryption and how does it work?
A: Encryption turns meaningful words and phrases into coded language. Everything that you do during your Internet Banking session becomes a string of unrecognizable numbers before entering the Internet. Your account information will read as gibberish to everyone but you and our financial institution. All of the your Internet Banking sessions will be encrypted. We employ the strongest forms of cryptography that are commercially available for use over the internet.
Q: What is 128-bit encryption?
A: A 128-bit encryption means there are 2128 possible keys that could fit into the lock that holds your account information, but only one that works for each Internet Banking session. (Try that on your calculator!) This level of encryption is so powerful that the U.S. government lists this encryption as a federal munition - meaning browsers that offer it can only be used and downloaded by citizens and permanent residents of the United States and Canada.
Q: What does SSL mean?
A: SSL stands for "Secure Socket Layer." This technology allows users to establish sessions with secure Internet sites - meaning they have minimal risk of external violation. Once inside the Internet Banking site, our use of SSL technology keeps you and your account information secure.
Your Account:
Q: What types of security measures are taken to prevent sensitive information from being intercepted online?
A: From the moment account information leaves your computer to the time it enters the Internet Banking system, we take numerous steps to ensure yor information is secure in cyberspace. We make sure only authorized people with secure browsers can access our system.
- You must enter your passcode, and we must verify it before you are allowed to access your accounts.
- Only browsers supporting the SSL security protocol can be used to log on to our system.
Once online, we make sure only you can view any information about your accounts.
- SSL uses a digital signature to make sure that no one can send you false information; your browser will only accept information from the Internet Banking system.
- SSL also uses the highest level of encryption supported by your browser to encrypt all information before it is sent. This ensures that only the browser that logged on can read any information the system supplies.
Q: What can I do to protect my account infromation while I'm online?
A: We take numerous steps to keep your account information secure. However, you must take precautions as well.
- Choose a good passcode - Your online passcode, along with your access ID, authenticate you when you begin an Internet Banking session. You should carefully select a passcode that is hard to guess. You should not use personal information or a word that can be found in the dictionary.
- Keep your passcode safe - Even the best passcode is worthless if it's written on a note attached to your comptuer or in your checkbook. Memorize your passcode and never tell it to anyone. We do not need yoru passcode to help you, so we will never ask you for it.
- Change your passcode regularly - It's important to change your passcode regularly. Every time you choose a new passcode, the Internet Banking system runs a quick program to test it. If we can guess it, we will immediately ask you to choose another one.
- Remember to sign-off properly - You may not always be at your own comptuer when you bank online. Therefore, it's improtant to sign off when you're finishing banking. If you forget to do so, the system automatically signs you off after 10 minutes of inactivity. This will prevent anyone else from accessing your account.
Q: How do I know if my session is encrypted?
A: You can determine if you are in a secure session by looking for the following icons in the status bar of your respective browser:
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Browser
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Secure
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Unsecure
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Firefox
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No icon |
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Microsoft Internet Explorer (any version)*
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No icon
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*Different web browsers display these icons in different areas of their windows. All browsers offer information on the level of security they provide.
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Q: What happens if an unauthorized person uses my access ID and passcode?
A: You must notify us immediately if you believe your access ID or passcode has been compromised or if an unauthorized transaction has occurred. If you tell us within two banking days after you learn of a loss or theft, you can lose no more than $50.00.
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