There are several levels of security within our security framework:
- User Level deals with cryptography and Secure Socket Layer (SSL) protocol, and is the first line of defense used by all customers accessing our Banking Server from the public Internet.
- Server Level focuses on firewalls, filtering routers, and our operating system.
- Host Level deals specifically with our Internet Banking services, and the processing of secure financial transactions.
User Level
User level security ensures the confidentiality of information sent across the public Internet. You are required to use a fully SSL-compliant 128 bit encrypted browser such as Google Chrome or Microsoft Internet Explorer. SSL allows a user’s browser to establish a secure channel for communicating with our Internet server. SSL utilizes highly effective cryptography techniques between your browser and our server to ensure that the information being passed is authentic, cannot be deciphered, and has not been altered en route. SSL also utilizes a digitally signed certificate which ensures that you are truly communicating with the Internet Banking server and not a third party trying to intercept the transaction.
After a secure connection has been established between your browser and our server, you then provide a valid access ID and password to gain access to the services. This information is also encrypted. Although SSL utilizes proven cryptography techniques, it is important to protect your access ID and password from others. You must follow the access ID and password parameters we specify at the time you sign up for Internet Banking services. We also recommend changing your password periodically. Session time-outs and a limit on the number of logon attempts are examples of other security measures in place to ensure that inappropriate activity is prohibited at the user level.
Server Level
All transactions sent to our banking server must first pass through a filtering router system. These filtering routers automatically direct the request to the appropriate server after ensuring the access type is through a secured browser. The routers verify the source and destination of each network packet, and manage the authorization process of letting packets through. The filtering routers also prohibit all other types of Internet access methods at this point. This process blocks all non-secured activity and defends against inappropriate access to the server.
The banking server is protected using the latest firewall platform. This platform defends against system intrusions and effectively isolates all but approved customer financial requests. The platform secures the hardware running the Internet Banking services and prevents associated attacks against all systems connected to the banking server. The system is monitored 24 hours a day, seven days a week for a wide range of anomalies to determine if attempts are being made to breach our security framework.
Host Level
Once authenticated, the customer is allowed to process authorized Internet Banking services transactions using host data. In addition, communication time-outs ensure that the request is received, processed, and delivered within a given time frame. Any outside attempt to delay or alter the process will fail. Further password encryption techniques are implemented at the host level, as well as additional security logging and another complete physical security layer to protect the host information itself.
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