Online Safety

Your online safety is important to us

• Phishing – Fraudulent emails claiming to be from your bank, or another trusted source, that provide a link to a website that looks legitimate. You are then asked to verify or enter personal information that is used to access your online account.
  
• Pharming – Internet traffic is intercepted and rerouted to a fraudulent website.
• Malware – Software designed to damage a computer system without the owner’s knowledge.
  Examples include viruses, worms, Trojan horses, spyware, and adware.

• Password Protection – Be sure not to share your password with anyone. Most frauds involving stolen accounts start with someone the victim knows.
  
• Encryption – When accessing your accounts online, your transactions and personal information are encrypted so that it is readable by only you and the Bank. Website encryption is indicated by the “s” in the “https” part of a website address.
  
• Watermark – This is a picture that is selected by you. It will display throughout the website to show that you are in a secure location.
• Privacy Policies – The Bank has established policies and procedures to protect your personal information.
• Account Information – Account information is never stored on the computer or device used to access online banking.

• Passwords – Security begins with a strong password. Experts suggest a strong password include a combination of letters and numbers.
  
• Anti-virus Protection – Make sure the anti-virus software on your computer is current and scans your email as it is received.
  
• Email Communication – Email is usually not encrypted. Fifth District will never ask for personal information in an email. Be careful when sending personal information. If you receive a suspicious email, contact the Bank immediately.
  
• Avoid Public Access Points – Never use a public computer or wireless network to access personal information.
  
• Be Aware – Verify the website address prior to logging into online banking. Do not respond to any unusual requests for personal information. When you are unsure or see something unusual, call the Bank.

• Enable password protection or biometric authentication (Face ID or Touch ID) on your mobile device. This will increase security if your mobile device is lost or stolen.
  
• Do not connect to mobile banking through a public wireless (WiFi) network. Data transmitted over wireless networks is not encrypted and can be easily intercepted.
  
• Turn off the Bluetooth connection when not in use. This will reduce the risk of someone using Bluetooth to connect to your mobile device.
  
• Regularly install operating system and software updates on your mobile device.
  
• Consider installing mobile antivirus software on your mobile device.
  
• Try to download mobile applications from verified sources. This will reduce the risk of downloading malicious applications.

• Internet Crime Complaint Center – www.ic3.gov
  
• Consumer Fraud (Department of Justice Homepage) – www.justice.gov/
  
• Federal Trade Commission Consumer Response Center – www.ftc.gov
  
• Consumer Guides and Protection – www.usa.gov
  
• Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force – www.justice.gov/fraudtaskforce
  
• On Guard Online – www.consumer.ftc.gov