v 128-bit SSL encryption. AVBOnline uses strong encryption to protect information as it is transmitted over the internet. This encryption requires the latest versions of browsers, and uses Verisign digital certificate technology.
v Uses latest hardware and software technologies to protect data.
v Session time-out. Your online banking session will automatically time out after 10 minutes of inactivity, requiring you to sign in again for additional transactions. This will help protect your information in the case that you forget to log out and walk away from your computer.
v Monitor for fraud. Allegheny Valley Bank monitors account activity for fraud and abuse.
v Audit I.T. Systems. We perform regular audits of our information systems.
These tips apply not only to AVB Online, but to your general online experience. When available, hyperlinks are provided to assist with more information. If you have questions or concerns abut the security of online banking, please visit your local branch.
v
Use the
latest version of your browser and update your computer with the most recent
security patches. Frequently,
software vendors such as Microsoft work hard to update programs to make them
more secure. Check software vendor’s
websites regularly to ensure that you have the latest versions of the software
you use. www.windowsupdate.microsoft.com
v
Use
“stronger” passwords on accounts. Avoid easily guessed passwords on important
online accounts. It is generally a good
idea to avoid using passwords that can be found in a
dictionary. Try incorporating ‘special’
characters (!@#$ %^&*) and numbers into passwords.
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/privacy/password.mspx
v
Never share your passwords with anyone.
v Change your passwords regularly. The simple act of changing your passwords at regular intervals (we recommend every 30 days) can help protect your information. We require password changes at least once a year, but it is a good idea to do it more often.
v
Do not
use the “Auto-Complete” features of browsers. Turning this
feature off in your browser helps to ensure that your password remains
confidential and is not left behind for the next person who uses that
computer. http://www.helpbytes.co.uk/acomp.php
v Be Aware of the people around you! Do not fall prey to ‘shoulder surfers’ who try to determine your password by watching you type. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shoulder_surfing
v Make sure you have installed antivirus software and keep it up to date. Installing protective software can greatly assist in keeping your online experience safe. Make sure that your antivirus software is updated as frequently as possible, as new viruses are released daily. Also consider installing spyware-removal and personal firewall programs. Many good programs are available free for home users. http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=free+anti+virus&btnG=Google+Search
v Be aware of email scams. Email is the electronic equivalent of a postcard. It is not private, and can be read at various points as it leaves your computer and arrives at its destination. Never send confidential or private financial email to anyone without employing encryption technologies. Never give your password to anyone via email. Be wary of ‘phishing’ scams where official looking email (from a credit card company or bank) asks you to download software, update your account information, or visit a particular web site. At no point will Allegheny Valley Bank send you an email that you are not expecting. Allegheny Valley Bank employees will never request confidential financial information from you via email unless prior secure communications have been put in place. If you receive an email from someone claiming to represent Allegheny Valley Bank that you were not expecting, and it asks for personal financial information, please forward it to webmaster@avbpgh.com and delete it. http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/alerts/phishingalrt.htm
v Recognize potential threats in using public computers such as those available at libraries or hotels. Any computer that you do not control may be tampered with by other people and should be considered suspect. Malicious programs such as viruses, key stroke-loggers, and spyware can easily be installed and transmit information to a third party. It is generally a good idea to refrain from accessing online banking accounts that contain private or personal information from a public computer. http://moneycentral.msn.com/articles/banking/online/5485.asp
v Make sure that an E-commerce site uses encryption (SSL) before you transmit personal or financial information. Before giving bank account or credit card information, ensure that the web site uses digital certificates with strong encryption. This guarantees that your transmission will be confidential. Often, a browser will indicate that the web page is encrypted by displaying a small padlock and the web address will begin with https://. http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/S/SSL.html
v Make sure you have logged out when finished.
v Only access AVB Online by starting from the Allegheny Valley Bank website: http://www.avbpgh.com.
v Review your account activity for unauthorized use.
If you have any reason to believe that
your Allegheny Valley Bank account(s) have been compromised, notify your local branch immediately!
Please note that these tips are intended to be suggestions to help
you protect your information, and will not determine liability from unauthorized transactions.
Ultimately, you are the most important component in ensuring the safety
of your confidential data. For more on
information security, try some of these web sites:
http://www.cert.org/tech_tips/before_you_plug_in.html
http://www.ftc.gov/infosecurity/
http://www.ready.gov/business/st3-improvecyber.html
http://www.techspot.com/tweaks/windows_security/index.shtml
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/using/articles/banking.mspx