Strong Passwords
One of the most fundamental ways of protecting your accounts is to use passwords. They provide a first line of defense against unauthorized access to your personal accounts, as well as computers and mobile devices.
When creating a password, make sure to set up a strong password of at least 8 characters consisting of capital letters, numbers, and special characters. Change your password every 90 days for further protection.
Also, when setting up security questions: Make your answers unique using a response that only you know. Some questionnaires ask you for a numeric response, for instance "How many pets do you have?" Instead of entering a numeric character, you may spell out the answer instead; "Two".
Avoid Spoofed Websites
When it comes to identity theft and account hijacking, the right information means money to hackers. One sophisticated method criminals use to trick people into giving their personal information is through website spoofing (creating a fake website that looks like the website of a legitimate business).
Often when hackers want to obtain personal financial information they create (spoof) a website that looks like the website of a financial institution. Then they direct people to the spoofed site and try to get them to enter their personal financial information. To lure people to a spoofed website, hackers may send hundreds of thousands of emails urging the recipient to click on the link (which will take them to the spoofed website).
Anytime when visiting eldoradosavingsbank.com, remember to look for the padlock symbol and "https://" on your browser status bar. If you do not see them then you are not on our website. Do not provide any information to prompts at this site. Report this site to our Internet Banking Department by calling (800) 874-9779.
Also, while El Dorado Savings Bank does use email for Online Banking alerts, we will never ask for any personal information, nor will we use it as a form of advertisement. If you are concerned with an unscheduled email from El Dorado Savings Bank, you may call our Internet Banking Department to verify its authenticity.
Internet Security Software
Good Internet security software is essential to protect your computer and your personal information against hackers, spammers, viruses and adware. We recommend that you purchase, use, and keep up-to-date a computer security software package that provides a broad range of malware protection. Many computers come with reliable Internet security software already installed. Most software companies that offer anti-virus software also have full Internet security packages.
If you do not have an Internet security package then, at the very least, make sure you invest in anti-virus software that will protect your computer from harmful programs. Anti-virus software such as Norton and McAfee can detect, block, and delete unwanted viruses on your computer. Make sure your anti-virus software is configured to automatically update and to periodically scan your computer for possible viruses.
Be Security Conscious
A sure method of protecting yourself from fraud is to be security conscious. Be wary and suspicious of any unacquainted activity online especially activities that are unscheduled, unsolicited, or random.
Monitor your emails at all times. Do not share sensitive information through email. If you receive a random email from an unknown person or company, delete it without opening the email. If it's an unscheduled email from El Dorado Saving Bank call the Internet Banking Department to verify its authenticity.
Monitor your bank account. Check your balances online to spot fraudulent activities. Checking your accounts periodically can help you identify fraud at an early stage.
Make sure to completely log off after every online banking session, or whenever you step away from your computer. Some web browsers keep the session going after you close the browser. Logging off completely will keep you safe. Also, do not allow your web browser to maintain passwords. Doing so can lead to unauthorized access to your online account.
Use Online Alerts to Help Monitor Your Accounts
Did you know that you can set up email alerts for our online banking application? These alerts can notify you:
- When your account balance drops below a certain dollar amount,
- When a particular check clears,
- When a deposit is made,
- When a Transfer has been completed,
- When your Certificate of Deposit matures.
To begin using Alerts just select our "Customer Service" tab the next time you sign on to online banking. Then (under the "Contact Options" area) select the "Add an alert" link.
If you use our Online Bill Payment service the following alerts are automatically sent:
- When a new Payee is added to your account.
- When the information on an existing Payee changes.
- When someone is paid through online bill pay.
These notifications will come from "webcustomerservice." Be sure to review all bill payment alerts to help ensure that the only transactions coming through your service are those authorized by you.
More Security Information
For more information on how to protect yourself and your family from internet threats, please visit OnGuard Online at www.onguardonline.gov. OnGuard Online is an educational website managed by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). It is designed to give you information you can use to help keep you safe while using the internet.
OnGuard Online is filled with practical advice and tools to avoid internet scams, secure your computer, and protect your kids online. Tutorials include turning on your router's encryption and restricting access to your wireless network.
To learn more, please visit OnGuard Online today.