Yes. We use 128-bit encryption: Secure Socket Layer 3.0 (SSL) for all online banking communications. We also use Two-Factor Authentication where an additional layer of security is provided where a set of security questions need to be answered or a secure cookie is used to further authenticate both you as a customer as well as the computer you are using to login to your online services. This is currently the highest level of security available for internet transactions.

You'll need an Internet service provider (ISP), a modem (the faster the better, but at least 28,800 baud is recommended), and Browser software which supports Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption. For best results, we recommend Microsoft Explorer or Mozilla Firefox. In all cases it is important that you be on the most recent release supported by your operating system, of whatever browser you are using.

No. Your online account information is available through access methods that have been rigorously tested for security accessibility. The information is not public. Only you can access it using your Sign-On ID and Password. You can help safeguard your information and the banking systems by protecting your Sign-On ID and Password. A proper combination of your Sign-On ID and Password is the first step for getting access into your account. The second authentication step to accessing your account is to either answer 2 of 4 security questions or register your computer with a secure cookie. If you register your computer you will not be asked any of your security questions. We suggest you DO NOT register your computer on any public computers such as in an Internet cafe or public library. Please be careful to keep your Password, Sign-On ID and Security Question information secure and always Signoff after each session.

Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information such as your name, Social Security number, credit card number or other identifying information, without your permission to commit fraud or other crimes. Identity theft is a serious crime. People whose identities have been stolen can spend months or years - and their hard-earned money - cleaning up the mess thieves have made of their good name and credit record. In the meantime, victims may lose job opportunities, be refused loans, education, housing or cars, or even get arrested for crimes they didn't commit. Learn more about Identify Theft and what you can do in the event your identity is stolen from the Federal Trade Commission's official ID Theft website: Click here for website

In today's cyber world, your privacy is of utmost importance to us. As we disclosed in our original communications, we do require our customers to periodically change their password to assist in preventing identity theft.

If you've ever lost your wallet, you know the sense of vulnerability -- that someone else could be walking around with your identification, pretending to be you. Well, if someone were to get your passwords -- log on to your computer and your online accounts -- they could ultimately assume your digital identity, pass themselves off as you, and have fun at your expense.

What could someone do if they have your passwords?

You'll only know for sure that someone else is using your password to your online accounts, if you spot unusual activity in your accounts or if you don't receive a monthly bill or bank statement. If an identity thief changes the mailing address for your accounts, you may not know you have a problem until you get a phone call from a collections agency.

Hackers use "dictionary" and other software tools that run rapidly through thousands of likely passwords, looking for easy marks. Help protect your security by using unlikely or strong passwords, managing your password carefully, and monitoring your accounts.

1. What makes a password strong?
The challenge, of course, is creating a password that you can remember, but is hard for anyone else to guess.

Make sure you create a password that:

• Is at least eight characters in length, and the longer the better. (Passwords for Microsoft Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7can be up to 128 characters long.)
• Includes upper and lower case letters, numerals, symbols
• Has at least one symbol character after the first position
• Has at least four different characters in your password (no repeats)
• Looks like a sequence of random letters and numbers

Make sure you:

• Don't use ANY PART of your logon name for your password
• Don't use any actual word or name in ANY language
• Don't use numbers in place of similar letters
• Don't reuse any portion of your old password
• Don't use consecutive letters or numbers like "abcdefg" or "234567"
• Don't use adjacent keys on your keyboard like "qwerty"

Tip: Strong Passwords

Create a password from a phrase. Instead of using a memorable word, choose a memorable event in your life and convert it to a secret code. For example:

Using first letters: "I went to Ft. Lauderdale in 85!" would translate to IwtF.Li85!
Using last letters, and reversing capitals: iTOT.eN851

2. Manage your passwords
You'd be surprised at the number of people who write down their secret password, and tape it to the monitor or tuck it into a desk drawer next to their computer. Be sure you:

• Keep it to yourself.
• Do not write it down.
• Do not share it with anyone.
• Do not check the "remember my password" feature, without considering the value of the data the password protects.
• Create different passwords for information that needs a high level of protection (e.g. at financial Web sites) and for information that needs only casual protection (e.g. online magazines).
• Change your password at least every six months. Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7 can govern passwords with an expiration date. Read about resetting your passwords in the help section of the operatnig system you are using.
• Never tell anyone your passwords. If you do tell someone, create a new one at your earliest opportunity.

Tip: Different Passwords for Different Places

Create strong passwords for any online transaction where your credit is at stake -- such as shopping, banking, mutual funds, brokerage, investment retirement accounts, money management software, tax preparation software, auctions, insurance.

Create one "ligh-weight" password for online access to magazines, newspapers, chats, webcasts, etc. You can be comfortable checking the "Remember my password" option for these activities, but not for your online banking account.

3. Monitor your accounts, your credit, and your reputation
To make sure someone isn't having fun pretending to be you:

• Review your accounts online frequently to spot transactions you didn't authorize, such as online credit card charges, mutual fund transfers, bank account withdrawals or Bill Pay transactions you did not make.
• Review monthly statements you receive in the mail for unauthorized activity.
• Call a branch office if you don't receive a monthly statement in the mail.
• Get a credit check annually to see if anyone has opened a new account in your name.
• If you use Windows XP Professional, Vista or Windows 7 review the Event Log frequently and look for any logons at odd times you can't account for being online.

4. Victim of Identity Theft?
If you suspect your identity has been stolen, take immediate action:

• Change your passwords.
• Notify customer service for those online accounts.
• Notify your bank or financial institution.
• Request a credit report from credit bureaus.

For more information on Identiy Thief go to:
Don't Be an Online Victim: How to Guard Against Internet Thieves and Electronic Scams

This is a private computer system which is restricted to authorized individuals. Actual or attempted unauthorized use of this computer system will result in criminal and/or civil prosecution. We reserve the right to view, monitor and record activity on the system without notice or permission. Any information obtained by monitoring, reviewing or recording is subject to review by law enforcement organizations in connection with the investigation or prosecution of possible criminal activity on the system. If you are not an authorized user of this system or do not consent to continued monitoring, exit the system at this time.

A general term for a program that surreptitiously monitors your actions. While they are sometimes sinister, like a remote control program used by a hacker, software companies have been known to use Spyware to gather data about customers. The practice is generally frowned upon. You should obtain and install more than one version of spyware detection and eradication software to ensure that your key strokes are not being captured and published or communicated to another party. Though the following links are not specifically endorsed by the Bank, you may find them to be useful: SpyWare Blaster, AdAware Personal, SpyBot Search & Destroy, Malwarebytes