Blog Post

When using digital banking and navigating the web, there are some important things you can do to protect your banking and personal information.

Online banking safety tips.

The best way to access digital banking is on a personal, trusted device. Never access your online banking on a public computer or using public Wi-Fi. There is a potential that malicious software could have been downloaded onto public computers, and unwanted access to your computer can be gained by using a public Wi-Fi network.

When you first arrive on the login page to online banking, be aware of how the website looks. If your online banking looks unexpectedly different, exit the site, and contact us at 815-226-2260 immediately. Do not enter any login information within site.

Regularly changing your password is a great habit that can increase your security.

• Make sure the new password differs from the old one.
• Choose a password that is difficult to guess.
• Include a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters.
• Do not use any personal information to create your password such as a birth date or name.
• Store your user ID and password in a secure place, avoid keeping them on your computer or mobile device.

Digital banking users may change their passwords as often as they would like for extra security and protection.

Safeguarding your computer and mobile device

Maintaining your device’s security can safeguard your personal information by making your computer less vulnerable to malware and viruses. Keep your computer updated with the latest software by either downloading regular updates manually, or automatically. New updates may come with security patches and important bug fixes. When using the internet on your device, make sure you have downloaded and are using the most current version of your Internet browser. Using old browsers can make your computer susceptible to viruses and malicious software.

Navigate the web with caution. Not all websites are secure. Ensure the website is secure with SSL security before you conduct any transactions or enter any personal information. Two signs will confirm site security:

1. The URL will look like this "https://" and always include the "s".
2. A small padlock icon will appear in the URL.

Clicking on pop-ups, links, and downloads on untrusted or unfamiliar websites can pose a threat to your device’s security. Being cautious with where you click also applies to emails — especially emails from users you do not know. Such links, downloads or attachments could contain malicious software or viruses that could damage your computer or extract personal information from your computer.

Do not interrupt your online session by clicking on another site when you are completing a transaction online. Always complete the transaction and then log out of the site before you move on to another website.

Always officially log out of any shopping site when you are done and close the browser window. Do not click the "remember me" check box on a website's login page, especially if anyone else has access to your device to prevent someone else gaining login access.

Clear your cookies and cache on your computer or mobile device on a regular basis. Cookies may contain personally identifiable information, so clearing them can help avoid misuse of that information.

Practicing these important habits significantly decreases the vulnerability of your device, and your personal information. For more helpful tips to keep your information safe visit our blog.