Protect Yourself When Using Your Computer

• Use a current web browser. Newer browsers are being deployed with your security in mind.
• Install all security updates offered by your software provider(s).
• Install a personal firewall on your computer.
• Protect your computer against viruses and spyware by using anti-spyware software, anti-virus software, and automatic upgrades.
• Scan your computer regularly for both spyware and viruses.
• Avoid downloading programs from unknown sources. Some source may have hidden forms of spyware or viruses that could compromise the security of your computer.
• You can verify secure sites by "double-clicking" on the padlock icon located at the bottom of your browser application and reading the site info in the box that appears.
• Activate a pop-up blocker.
• Leave suspicious sites. If a website does not appear to be what you expected it to be, leave immediately.
• When your computer is not in use, shut it down or disconnect it from the Internet.
• Be vigilant in your online activities. Always keep in mind that forging emails and creating fraudulent websites is not difficult.
• Confirm the validity of all requests for sensitive personal, financial, or account information, particularly if they are made with an urgent or threatening tone.
• Read and familiarize yourself with the Privacy Policies and legal disclosures of software providers.
• Always sign off from your Online Banking session.

E-mail

• Question suspicious emails. We will never send you an email asking for any account information, passwords, or other personal information.
• If you receive an email that appears to be suspicious, do not reply to it or click on the link it provides. Simply delete it.
• If you think you may have provided personal or account information in response to a fraudulent email or website, report the fraud immediately, change your passwords, and monitor your account activity frequently.
• Avoid clicking on links provided in emails. It is always better to type the address into your browser.
• Open email attachments only if you know the sender. It is best to scan attachments with your anti-virus software prior to opening.
• Most computer files have filename extensions, such as ".doc" for documents or ".jpg" for images. Any file that appears to have a double extension, like "heythere.doc.pif" is extremely likely to be a dangerous file and should never be opened.
• Never open email attachments that have file endings of .exe, .pif, or .vbs. These are file extensions for executables, and are commonly dangerous files.
• Be careful and selective before providing your email address to a questionable website. Sharing your email address makes you more likely to receive fraudulent emails.
• Do not give out any sensitive personal, financial, or account information.  Try to validate any requests for this type of information.
• Confirm requests for personal or account information by going to the company's website directly. Open a new browser window, type the Web address, and check to see if you must actually perform any activity that an email may be asking you to do, such as change a passcode.

Online Banking

• Online Banking gives you secure access to your accounts.
• Monitor your account activity frequently by logging into Online Banking and using e-Alerts to detect fraud earlier.
• Use Online Banking e-Alerts to be immediately notified of important account activities such as balances, payments and transactions. E-Alerts can be sent through email or as a text message to your mobile device.
• Ask us to stop sending your monthly statements through the mail and sign up for e-statements.