First Option Bank is committed to protecting your personal and confidential information which you have entrusted in our care. We take the trust you have placed in us very seriously and have created this Internet Banking Customer Awareness & Education Guide to inform you of important information to assist you in keeping your information safe.

 

 

 

Mobile Device Security

• Configure your device to require a passcode to gain access if this feature is supported in your device.
   
• Avoid storing sensitive information. Mobile devices have a high likelihood of being lost or stolen so you should avoid using them to store sensitive information (e.g. passwords, account numbers, etc.). If sensitive data is stored, enable encryption to secure it.
   
• Keep your mobile device’s software up‐to‐date. These devices are small computers running software that needs to be updated just as you would update your PC. Use the automatic update option if one is available.
   
• Review the privacy policy and data access of any applications (apps) before installing them.
  Only download apps from trusted app stores (Apple, Google Play).
   
• Disable features not actively in use such as Bluetooth, Wi‐Fi, and infrared. Set Bluetooth‐ enabled devices to non‐discoverable when Bluetooth is enabled.
   
• Delete all information stored on a device before the device changes ownership. Use a “hard factory reset” to permanently erase all content and settings stored on the device.
   
• “Sign out” or “Log off” when finished with an app rather than just closing it.
   
• Utilize antivirus software where applicable (i.e. Android, Windows, etc.).
   
• Do not jailbreak or otherwise circumvent security controls.
   

 

Online Security

• Never click on suspicious links in emails, tweets, posts, or online advertising. Links can take you to a different website than their labels indicate. Typing an address in your browser instead of clicking a link in an email is a safer alternative.
   
• Only submit sensitive information to websites using encryption to ensure your information is protected as it travels across the Internet. Verify the web address begins with “https://” (the “s” is for secure) rather than just “http://”. Some browsers also display a closed padlock.
   
• Do not trust sites with certificate warnings or errors. These messages could be caused by your connection being intercepted or the web server misrepresenting its identity.
   
• Avoid using public computers or public wireless access points for online banking and other activities involving sensitive information when possible.
   
• Always “sign out” or “log off” of password protected websites when finished to prevent unauthorized access. Simply closing the browser window may not actually end your session.
   
• Be cautious of unsolicited phone calls, emails, or texts directing you to a website or requesting information.
   
• If you download anything from the Internet (such as music, pictures, videos, software, etc.), make sure you download only from a trusted source. Downloaded files can contain harmful threats to your PC, such as viruses, malware, spyware, etc.
   
• Make online purchases only from trusted web sites. Research unknown companies before making an initial purchase. The Better Business Bureau is a good resource.
   

 

General PC Security

• Maintain active and up‐to‐date antivirus protection provided by a reputable vendor. Schedule regular scans of your computer in addition to real‐time scanning.
   
• Update your software frequently to ensure you have the latest security patches. This includes your computer’s operating system and other installed software (e.g. web browsers, Adobe Flash Player, Adobe Reader, Java, Microsoft Office, etc.).
   
• Automate software updates, when the software supports it, to ensure it’s not overlooked.
   
• If you suspect your computer is infected with malware, discontinue using it for banking, shopping, or other activities involving sensitive information. Use security software and/or professional help to find and remove malware.
   
• Use firewalls on your local network to add another layer of protection for all the devices that connect through the firewall (e.g. PCs, smart phones, and tablets).
   
• Require a password to gain access. Log off or lock your computer when not in use.
   
• Use a cable lock to physically secure laptops when the device is stored in an untrusted location.
   
• Keep your computer’s operating system up‐to‐date with the latest security patches provided by the operating system vendor. Turn on automatic updates and keep your firewall on at all times.
   
• Take immediate action if you see signs of spyware on your PC. This includes pop‐up ads, icons on your desktop, error messages, sluggish/slow PC performance.
   

 

Passwords

• Create a unique password for all the different systems/websites you use. Otherwise, one breach leaves all your accounts vulnerable.
   
• Never share your password over the phone, in texts, by email, or in person. If you are asked for your password it’s probably a scam.
   
• Use unpredictable passwords with a combination of lowercase letters, capital letters, numbers, and special characters.
   
• The longer the password, the tougher it is to crack. Use a password with at least 8 characters. Every additional character exponentially strengthens a password. Passphrases are most effective. A passphrase is a short sentence and generally easier to remember.
   
• Choose a password you can remember without writing it down. If you do choose to write it down, store it in a secure location.
   
• Avoid using obvious passwords such as:
  • Names (your name, family member names, business name, user name, etc.)
  • Dates (birthdays, anniversaries, etc.)
  • Dictionary words
     

 

Email Security

• Scrutinize emails carefully before clicking on links or opening attachments in emails, even if they appear to be from someone you know. Many times, these emails will appear to be authentic and claim to be from your bank, credit card company, or another trusted source. They may ask you to verify information about your account. DO NOT respond to these emails, DO NOT click on links in these emails, and DO NOT open attachments in these emails.
   
• Do not call phone numbers provided in a suspicious email. It is likely a “fake” phone number monitored by a criminal. Always contact your bank, credit card company, or other trusted business using a phone number provided on their published website or other trusted source.
   
• Email is not secure, and you should never send an email to your bank that contains confidential information. At First Option Bank, you can send us confidential information electronically as follows:
  • Log in to Internet Banking and click MESSAGES in the upper right corner of the screen.
  • Click on NEW MESSAGE in the upper right corner of the next screen

 

Other Tips

• Balance your bank account on a monthly basis to ensure all transactions that appear on your account are legitimate. Remember, you only have 60 days after receiving your statement to report and recover unauthorized charges on your account.
   
• Sign up for text message balance alerts to receive your account balance on a daily basis automatically.
   
• Sign up for Internet banking so you can check your account activity from your PC or mobile device at any time.
   
• Don’t use your mail box for outgoing mail as criminals often monitor mailboxes in an effort to steal important information, bills, or checks you are sending via mail.
   
• Use a cross‐cut paper shredder to destroy all documents that contain personal and/or confidential information. Straight line cut paper shredders are less effective than cross‐cut paper shredders.
   
• Don’t write your PIN anywhere on your debit card or keep your PIN in your wallet or purse.
   
• Place your garbage out for collection in the morning instead of at night. This reduces opportunities for “dumpster divers” to steal information that may be in your garbage.
   

 

Resources

• Consumer Action: Complaints https://www.usa.gov/consumer-complaints
• FDIC Consumer Protection http://www.fdic.gov/consumers/
• ID Theft http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/
• On Guard Online: http://www.OnGuardOnline.gov