Bank With 1st

What is a secure browser?

A secure browser is an Internet browser that uses high-powered, 128-bit encryption to conduct secure financial transactions over the Internet. Examples of browsers that have this capability are:

• Microsoft Internet Explorer 8.x 128-bit version
• America Online with the enhanced Internet Explorer 128-bit encryption browser

In order to use 1^st Online, you will need to utilize one of these browsers. To upgrade your browser, visit the Microsoft web site or contact your Internet Service Provider. If you are using America Online, enter the keyword UPGRADE.

What is Encryption and Secure Socket Layer (SSL)?

Encryption is a method of scrambling information when it is sent from one place to another so that only the intended receiver can read it. If anyone else other than the intended receiver were to see the information, it appears as completely jumbled and unreadable.

Secure Socket Layer is the method used for communicating encrypted information over the Internet. This method makes sure that the Internet server that you are connected to is authentic, and not some other party trying to intercept the information. It also automatically checks to make sure that the information that you sent is exactly what is received by the server and was not tampered with in any way during the communication.

Digital ID's, certified by VeriSign, are also used to further assure the authenticity, identification, and validity of the information communicated through the Internet Banking system. VeriSign is an industry leader in Internet transaction security.

How can I tell when my connection is secure?

Most browsers display a small "padlock" icon that appears to be closed when they are communicating on a secure connection. The padlock should be closed whenever you are viewing your account information or sending or receiving transactions from the bank.

It may appear opened at other times, when you are viewing screens that do not contain private information.

What about email?

Email that is sent in the normal way from your computer over the Internet is not secure! If you use your normal email program to send us email, be careful to not include any confidential information (such as account numbers or other account information).

Protecting Yourself
To access your account information and conduct transactions with us, you will need to provide a username and password. This is the one aspect of the security that you control yourself, which is why we say you are protecting yourself with this security tool. Here are some things you can do to make sure your username and passwords continue to protect you:

Protecting Your Password
Here are some very important ways that you can make your password more secure:

• Never tell your password to anyone else. Also, never write it down where someone else could find it.
• Don't use a short password. The longer your password is, the more difficult it is for someone to guess or crack by trial and error.
• Be sure to change your password often, and don't use common words that can easily be guessed.
• Don't use consecutive numbers in your password. We recommend using a combination of letters and numbers in your password, which makes them much more difficult to guess.
• You might want to try using a combination of two things that you already know for your password, for example, the name of your pet and your car license plate number, or the model of your favorite car plus someone's birthday. 

If you forget your password or think that someone else may know your password, contact the bank immediately.  

Log Off When Not In Use
If you are using 1^st Online and you need to leave your computer for any reason, click on Log Off. This will log you out of 1^st Online so that no one else can access your information while you are away from the computer. When you return, all you need to do is enter your username and password and you will be right back into the system.

In addition, if you don't perform any functions in 1^st Online for a period of time while you are logged on, the session will automatically time-out and log you off for your own protection.