Online Security FAQs

I'm still hesitant about banking online. Can other people see my account information?

We've taken every step possible to be sure our system meets the latest security standards, including using the latest security encryption methods and software.

What about filling applications out online? How secure is that?

Filling out applications online is as secure as the Online Banking System. Your entire session, from beginning to end, is encrypted. Our system supports 128-bit encryption, so you can also use the latest browser from Netscape or Microsoft that supports this security level. In fact, the highest encryption Netscape and Microsoft browsers support is 128-bit, so you will be using the highest bit encryption currently available if you use a 128-bit encryption capable browser.

I keep hearing a lot about encryption? What exactly is it, and why does it make everything more secure?

Encryption is basically a way to rewrite something in a code which can then be decoded later with the right key. The encryption we use employs a mathematical process for the key which is made up of a certain number of bits (hence, 128-bit encryption). The higher the number of bits, the better the encryption. While using our Online Banking System, all communication from you to the system and from the system to you is encrypted using a maximum of 128 bits. In other words, when you send information to the system, your browser encrypts it using a 128-bit key, and then sends it to the system. The system then decodes the information you sent it using the key (which is predetermined when your Online Banking session is started) and processes it.

What about information that is stored? Is it encrypted as well?

Information stored on our system is also encrypted using at least 128 bits.

What should I use for a password to ensure it cannot be guessed?

Choosing your User ID and Password is an important part of establishing the security for your account. The following Do's and Don'ts can help you select something that will be easy for you to remember but difficult for "outsiders" to guess.

Do's:

• Mix letters and numbers.
• Select codes that will be easy for you to remember.
• Use phrases that combine spaces, words and other symbols (i.e. "Mary had a little lamb," etc.)

Don'ts:

• Don't use a password more than 8 characters/letters/numbers in length.
• Don't use only one word.
• Don't use something readily identifiable such as your birthday, spouse or child's name, social security number, phone number or street address. While these may be easy for you to remember, they can be traced directly to you and are easy for potential hackers to guess.
• Don't use the same code for your User ID and Password. They should be two distinct entries.
• Don't use letters or numbers that are near each other on the keyboard (i.e. hjkl;) or that appear in a logical sequence (i.e. 123456 or abcdefg).
• Don't ever share your codes with anyone.