Security

First State Bank requires the use of secure browsers to protect you while you access our Online Banking services. Your personal and financial information that flows between your computer and our online banking system must be encrypted while in transit.

You need to log in with your ID and password each time you start an online banking session. We may also require additional security features if your browser isn’t registered with our system. In order to prevent someone from trying to gain access to your information, we will disable your account after three invalid password attempts. You’ll have to contact us by phone or in person in order to regain access to your account.

What’s Multifactor Authentication (MFA)? Essentially, it’s a way to make your device more secure for Online Banking, using multiple “checkpoints” like your Login ID, password, and one-time registration of your device. MFA provides additional security and meets federal recommendations for stronger authentication.

When we’ve activated MFA for your account, you will be automatically prompted to register your device at the time you log in to Online Banking. In order to register your device, we deliver a Secure Access Code by telephone, text message or email (your choice).

This secure access code is for one-time use only, and is not a password. Your original password will remain unchanged. During the registration process, we place a secure “cookie” on your device to recognize you the next time you log in. IMPORTANT NOTE: If you clear or delete your cookies, you will have to re-register the device the next time you log in.

We’ll prompt you to register each device you use to access Online Banking, for example a work computer and a home computer. If you’re accessing Online Banking via more than one browser on the same computer, for example Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox, we’ll also prompt you to register each browser.

We use an additional protection mechanism called a firewall to protect our computer systems and your information. Firewalls are barriers that only let authorized traffic through to First State Bank’s system.

Never reveal your password to anyone. Never write your password where anyone can find it or figure out what it is. Never store your Login ID or password in your browser.

Treat your First State Bank Login ID and password with the same care that you use for your ATM/debit card PIN or any other system that contains personal or financial information.

Make sure your password is hard to guess. Don’t use names of pets, children or spouses, addresses, phone numbers, birthdays, anniversaries, Social Security Numbers, consecutive numbers or letters, or words that can be found in the dictionary. Change your password periodically.

Be aware of your surroundings when you’re logging into the system. Make sure that no one is in the vicinity watching you enter your password. Also, update your anti-virus program frequently to keep your computer free from viruses. Some of these viruses are specifically designed to capture your keystrokes and log your password.

Keep your computer operating system and applications up to date by periodically installing software updates. We also recommend that you use a personal firewall. Avoid using public computers to log in to websites with personal and financial information. Public computers may contain malicious software that can capture your login information without your knowledge.

Please use our "Log Off" feature if you are going to be away from your device for an extended period of time. Eventually, your session will automatically time out from inactivity, but this does take some time. The Log Off button will immediately end your session, preventing anyone else from accessing your information.

We’ll ask you to resubmit your Login ID and password before entering the secure website again. You can also shut down your browser to prevent anyone else from gaining access. 

Is your identity safe? Identity Theft occurs when someone takes your personal information and uses it to commit fraud and other crimes. The Federal Trade Commission estimates that as many as nine million Americans have their identities stolen annually, costing millions of dollars. We do everything possible to help guard your identity. But there are things you can do to protect yourself, too.

Help reduce your risk of Identity Theft with these seven steps:

• Guard your Social Security number, passwords, personal identification numbers (PINs), checks, bills and mail.
• Shred receipts, credit solicitations, cancelled checks and any financial documents.
• Use unique passwords on all accounts, and memorize them. Don’t write them down.
• Review all financial statements carefully and immediately report any unauthorized use.
• Never give out personal or financial information by phone, mail, or on the Internet unless you've initiated contact and are confident of the source.
• Reduce the number of credit cards you carry and cancel unused cards.
• Review your credit report regularly.

If you are a victim of Identity Theft, you should take the following steps immediately:

• Contact all three major credit bureaus. Place a fraud alert or credit freeze on your credit reports and request a free copy of your report to review. 
• Close any invalid or tainted accounts.
• File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission. 
• File a report with your local police department. 
• Contact your financial institution(s). 
• Report any fraudulent investment activity to the Securities & Exchange Commission. 
• Remember to record all details of your conversations and retain copies of all correspondence.

ID Theft Info from Consumer Federation of America  www.idtheftinfo.org

Recovering from Identity Theft – Federal Trade Commission IdentityTheft.gov

Preventing and Responding to Identity Theft https://www.us-cert.gov/ncas/tips/ST05-019

Phone Scams http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0076-phone-scams

Spam & Malicious Emails http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0038-spam

How to keep your personal information secured http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0272-how-keep-your-personal-information-secure

10 Ways to Avoid Fraud http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0060-10-ways-avoid-fraud

Hang Up on Fraudulent Telemarketing http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/media/video-0036-hang-fraudulent-telemarketing

Hang Up on Phone Fraud http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/media/video-0037-hang-phone-fraud

Avoiding a Social Engineering  and Phishing Attacks     https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/news/avoiding-social-engineering-and-phishing-attacks

Computer Security http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0009-computer-security

Business Email Compromise Scams https://www.ic3.gov/media/2016/160614.aspx

Smartphone Security Checker: 
http://www.fcc.gov/smartphone-security


General Smartphone Security Checklist: 
http://www.fcc.gov/sites/default/files/smartphone_master_document.pdf