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General Security Tips

Here are some things that you can do to help protect your personal information and safeguard your account.

Keep personal information private.

  • Be cautious when sharing personal information, such as your Social Security Number (SSN).
  • Do not share personal information over the phone or online unless you have initiated the contact. First Commercial Bank, N.A (USA) will never initiate an email, cell phone text message or phone call and ask you to reveal any private information, including your account information.
  • Memorize your Personal Identification Numbers (PIN), including your ATM card PIN and Online Banking User ID and Password.
  • Do not write or keep your PIN in an easily found place, such as on your card, or in your purse or wallet.

Safeguard your account.

  • Shred financial documents you no longer need.
  • Store new and cancelled checks in a secure place.
  • Keep records of your financial transactions.
  • Do not write your account number on items that may be thrown away later.

Properly handle your mail.

  • Send mail from a post office or secured mailbox, rather than from your home mailbox.
  • Collect incoming mail promptly.
  • Shred all unwanted pre-approved offers for financial products and services, like credit cards or loans.

 Protect your computer.

  • Install anti-virus and anti-spybot programs. Keep them updated to defend against computer viruses.
  • Utilize a personal firewall, a piece of software or hardware that can help defend your computer against hackers and viruses.
  • Keep your browser up-to-date. For maximum security, First Commercial Bank, N.A (USA) recommends the use of the latest commercially accepted browser versions offered by Microsoft (Internet Explorer) or Mozilla (Firefox). Upgrading is quick, easy, and free.
  • Keep your operating system up to date. Many software vendors fix problems in their products and distribute free updates (also called “patches”) that you can download.
  • Regularly back up your computer files to media you can store elsewhere, such as CDs or jump drives. Store these back up files in a secure place.

Navigate Online Banking safely.

  • Verify that your Online Banking session is secure:
    • A closed, or locked, padlock, usually located in the lower right corner of your browser window, indicates a secure connection.
    • Look for "http://" at the beginning of the Web site address or URL in your Web browser. The "s" means secure.
  • Create strong passwords for online accounts:
    • Avoid easily identifiable words.
    • Use a combination of numbers, letters, and special characters.
    • Pick a longer password, rather than a shorter one.
    • Change your password every 90 days.
  • Use the “Sign Off” feature when you are done using Online Banking or will be away from your computer for an extended period of time. Close your browser to prevent others from using your session.

Be cautious with email and downloads

  • Be aware of email scams, such as Phishing, and phony websites. Use a critical eye and feel free to contact us if you have a question about something that appears to be from the bank.
  • Learn as much as possible about anything you are downloading to your computer, including email attachments. Programs from unknown sources can compromise the security of your computer.
  • Follow these guidelines to decide whether or not to open and read an email message:
    • Do you know the person who emailed you?
    • Has this person emailed you before?
    • Does the subject line make sense?
    • Did you expect to receive an attachment from this person?
    • Does the message harbor a virus? Use an anti-virus program to verify that it does not.
  • Do not send personal and financial information over the Internet via email, as it is typically not secure and could be intercepted.