When using Online Banking you are using a secure site. We are committed to online technology and have taken steps to ensure that accessing your accounts via the Internet is safe and secure. The privacy of the communications between you (your browser) and our servers is ensured using cryptography.

Cryptography scrambles messages exchanged between your browser and our online banking server. Encryption happens as follows:

  • When you go to the sign-on page for online banking, your browser establishes a secure session with our server.
  • The secure session is established using a protocol called Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) Encryption.
  • This protocol requires the exchange of what are called public and private keys.
  • The keys are random numbers chosen for that session and are only known between your browser and our server.
  • After the keys are exchanged, your browser will use the numbers to scramble (encrypt) the messages sent between your browser and our server.

Both sides require the keys because they need to de-scramble (decrypt) the messages when they are received. The SSL protocol, not only ensures privacy, but also ensures that no other browser can "impersonate" your browser, nor alter any of the information sent. You can tell whether your browser is in secure mode by looking for the secured lock symbol at the bottom of your browser window.

The numbers used as encryption keys are analogous to combination locks. The strength of encryption is based on the number of possible combinations that a lock can have. As the number of possible combinations grows, it becomes less likely that anyone would be able to guess the combination in order to decrypt the message. Today's browsers offer 40-bit encryption or 128-bit encryption. Both result in a large number of possible combinations, 240 and 2128, respectively. Our servers are compatible with both, however we recommend the use of 128-bit capable browsers.

The credit union has taken the necessary steps to ensure that our Internet account access service is secure and that your account information remains confidential. However, it is also your responsibility to play an active role in protecting the security of your accounts. The following are ways that you can protect yourself and your accounts:

    • Never divulge your password to anyone.
    • Change your password on a regular basis; however, if you think your password may have been compromised change it immediately and contact the credit union.
    • Do not walk away from your computer in the middle of an active session. If you are logged on, and walk away, anyone can sit down to your computer and have immediate access to your account(s).
  • Always remember to log off when you are finished with your sessions