Online
Protect your computer against viruses. Here are some basic steps to safeguard your home computer system:
- Purchase and install antivirus software, preferably software that automatically scans for virus updates whenever you go online.
- Do not open email attachments or downloaded files without first saving them to your hard disk (C: drive). Your antivirus software should be configured to scan each file when it is saved and when it is opened.
- Never open email attachments from individuals you do not know. Delete them.
- Use caution with all email attachments, even if you know the sender. If you have suspicions about a message, contact the sender and confirm that they did send the message.
Do not provide confidential information to anyone online without making sure that the site is encrypted for your protection. If a site is secure, you will see the following indicators:
- A locked padlock or unbroken key will appear at the bottom of your screen.
- The website address at the top of your browser screen will change from "http" to "https".
- You will be required to utilize a User ID and password to gain access to the site.
Whenever possible, avoid using public computers to shop or to access banking and credit card sites. As an additional precaution, Surrey Bank asks you a security question any time you log on to Online Banking from a different computer. If you are using a public computer, please make sure that you click the Do Not Register button at the bottom of the screen.
Online Banking
When you enroll in Online Banking, you select a unique Log-in ID and password. To prevent unauthorized access to your account, please make sure that you keep your Log-in ID and password confidential. Here are some basic steps you can take:
- If you must write down your Log-in ID and password, store them in a safe place away from your computer.
- Change your password immediately if you suspect it is known by anyone else.
- Never give your password to anyone over the phone, regardless of the circumstances. Surrey Bank & Trust will never ask you for your password.
Every 30 days, you must select a new password. It is important to select a password that you can remember without writing it down, and that will be difficult for someone else to guess.
Here are some dos and don’ts for selecting a password:
- Use eight or more characters.
- Mix upper-case and lower-case letters with numbers and special characters.
- Don't use personal information. Names, birth dates, telephone numbers, license plate numbers, Social Security numbers, street addresses, or the brand of automobile you drive, etc., are easy to guess.
- Do not use the same or consecutive characters, i.e. 1111 or 1234.
- Don’t use correctly spelled words in any language. Password cracking software contains dictionaries that can crack these in minutes.
- Develop a method of creating passwords that makes it easier for you to remember so you don’t have to write your passwords down.
- You can use a line in a favorite song, poem, or movie and select the first letter of each word to create your password —and include at least one number.
- Use two short words and connect them with a number.
- Use a word that you can easily remember, but remove the vowels and replace them with numbers.
Always log off and exit the system when you have completed your session. As an additional security measure, your Surrey Bank Online Banking session will automatically log off after an extended period of inactivity.
ATM security
- Treat your ATM card like cash. Always keep your card in a safe place and store it in its sleeve.
- Keep your Personal Identification Number (PIN) a secret. Never disclose your code. Remember, Surrey Bank will never ask for your PIN.
- Protect your PIN number. When you are entering the PIN, make sure that your hand or body blocks another person’s view of the keypad.
- Always take your ATM receipt. Don't leave it at or near the ATM.
- Do not give out any information about your ATM card over the telephone. Report a lost or stolen card at once.
- Check your receipts against your monthly statement to guard against ATM fraud.
- Minimize the time spent at the ATM by having your card out and ready.
- If you see anyone or anything suspicious while conducting a transaction, cancel your transaction and leave immediately.
- If anyone follows you after making an ATM transaction, go immediately to a crowded, well-lighted area and call the police.
- Always observe your surroundings before conducting an ATM transaction. If you are driving to an ATM, park as close as possible to the terminal.
- Have your paperwork completed since a long delay is an invitation to robbery.
- Absolutely avoid using an ATM in an unlit area at night.
- When possible, take a companion along when using an ATM, especially at night.
- Keep your engine running, the doors locked and the windows up at all times when waiting in line at a drive-up ATM.
- When possible, leave room between cars to allow for a quick exit should it become necessary.
- Before lowering your window to use the ATM, observe the entire area around the ATM.
Other ways to protect your security
- Never give out information unless you initiated the transaction
- Sign your cards upon receipt
- If your mailbox is not secure, arrange a different mailing address for bank and credit cards and bank statements. Or consider having bills and statements sent electronically.
- Report lost or stolen cards immediately
- Review your statements for unauthorized transactions
- Memorize your pin; don’t carry it in your wallet
- Take advantage of credit monitoring services/free credit report
- Notify issuer when you plan to cancel a card
- Cut through number and magnetic strip
- Wait for your receipts.
- Don’t leave in bags or at checkout.
- Destroy after you get home
- Store checks, bank statements and cancelled checks in a safe place
- Be careful what type of personal information you put in the trash. Shred anything with account numbers, social security numbers or other identifying information
- Don’t leave your checkbook or purse unattended
