eLSB Internet Banking Security

Password and PIN security

You should always be wary if you receive unsolicited emails or calls asking you to disclose any personal details or card numbers. This information should be kept secret at all times. Be cautious about disclosing personal information to individuals you do not know. Please remember that we would never contact you directly to ask you to disclose your PIN or all your password information.  Do not provide any confidential information over the phone unless you initiated the phone call. Hang up and call LSB at 815-223-8800 if you suspect fraud.

If it sounds too good to be true – it probably is

Don’t be conned by convincing emails offering you the chance to make some easy money. As with most things if it looks too good to be true, it probably is! Be cautious of unsolicited emails from overseas – it is much harder to prove legitimacy of the organizations behind the emails.

PC security

It is important to use up-to-date Anti-virus software and a personal firewall. If your computer uses Microsoft Windows operating system, it is important to keep it updated via the Windows Update feature, equally if you use another PC operating system or have an Apple Mac you should check regularly for updates. You should be vigilant if you use Internet cafes or a computer that is not your own and over which you have no control.

Keep your identity private offline

Your identity can be as easily stolen offline as it can online. It is important that you comply with instructions about destroying new PIN numbers and expired bank cards. You should also consider using a crosscut shredder to destroy unneeded bank and other statements that may contain sensitive personal information. It is advisable to store retained documents in a suitable locked and fireproof container.

Check your statements

It is important to check your statements regularly; a quick check will help identify any erroneous or criminal transactions that might have been performed on your account without your knowledge.

Check your banking session is secure

When undertaking any banking on the Internet, check that the session is secure. There are two simple indicators that will tell you if your session is secure. The first is the use of https:// in the URL. Some browsers such as Mozilla Firefox change the color of the URL window when you are in a secure session. The other indicator is the presence of a digital certificate represented by a padlock or key in the bottom right hand corner. If you double click on this icon it should provide you with information about the organization with which you have entered in to a secure session.

Check for Spyware

In addition to being protected by using up-to-date antivirus software you should also regularly use software to remove Spyware from you computer, as these programs record information about your Internet use and transmit it without your permission. In some circumstances this can compromise your PC security.

Always completely log off from your Internet banking session

It is important to completely log off from your Internet banking session; simply closing the window you performed the transaction in may not close the banking session. If your computer is infected with a Trojan, you session may become hijacked by a criminal and financial transactions performed without your knowledge. It is also advisable to disconnect from the Internet if you are not planning to use it.

What La Salle State Bank does to make your online banking secure

La Salle State Bank uses a combination of Secure Socket Layer (SSL) protocol and passwords to protect your information. In addition, stronger authentication is used as appropriate to particular markets.

IDENTITY THEFT ON THE RISE

Approximately 15 million United States residents have their identities used fraudulently each year with financial losses totaling upwards of $50 billion. Don’t become a statistic.

Identity thieves gather personal information about their victims including driver’s license numbers, social security numbers, and account numbers. Using this information, these criminals:

• Open new accounts and write bad checks
• Establish fraudulent credit card accounts
• Obtain automobile and personal loans
• Get cash advances
• Set up a cellular phone or utility services
• Change statement mailing addresses to cover-up unauthorized activities
• Obtain employment or rent an apartment

In many cases, months can pass before victims become aware of any wrongdoing. By then, collection agencies or credit bureau rejections reveal that the consumer has been abused by identity thieves.

What to do

1. Routinely review your bank account and credit card statements. Reconcile your checking account each month. Watch for any unusual transactions or purchases you didn’t make. Report any irregularities immediately.
2. Shred everything! All personal and financial information including bills, receipts and credit card offers should be shredded.
3. Keep personal documentation in a secure location.
4. Call the post office immediately if you are not getting your mail.
5. Be careful where you enter your Personal Identification Numbers at ATMs or retail check-outs.
6. Limit the number of credit cards that you carry in your wallet or purse.
7. Report lost or stolen credit cards immediately. Cancel all inactive credit card accounts.
8. Monitor credit card expiration dates. Ensure replacement cards arrive in time.
9. Use passwords on your credit cards and other accounts.
10. Review your credit reports annually.

What Not To Do

1. Never volunteer personal information when using your credit card.
2. Don’t give your social security number, credit card number, or any account details over the phone unless you’ve initiated the call and know who you are talking to.
3. Do not leave receipts at ATMs, retail stores or service stations.
4. Stop mailing envelopes containing your credit card payments or checks from your home mailbox. Use postal drop boxes instead.
5. Never write passwords or Personal Identification Numbers on paper and store them in your wallet or purse. Memorize them instead.

Don’t provide personal information to a web site using a link from an e-mail or an internet advertisement, no matter how legitimate it may appear.

Learn more about ID theft by visiting the Federal Trade Commission Web site at www.ftc.gov or calling toll-free 877-382-4357.