We understand how important the security and confidentiality of your information is to you. Our aim is to protect your information on the Internet in the same way as we would through our other channels such as over the phone, in the Credit Union or at an ATM. To ensure the highest level of security of information passing between our members and the Credit Union, we use what is known as 128 bit SSL. This is an encryption method that scrambles information while it is moving from one source to another to prevent the information being viewed or tampered with.
Please read the following information to familiarize yourself with our procedures and how to keep yourself safe online:
Definitions
Secure Socket Layer (SSL)
Is a form of encryption that protects information being transmitted over the Internet to prevent it being tampered with during transit.
Encryption
Is a method of scrambling information while it moves from one source to another, that protects the contents.
Firewall
Is a method of keeping a network secure. Firewalls are commonly used to give users secure access to the Internet as well as to separate a company’s public web server from its internal network.
Personal Details
When logging into the site, you will need to enter your Username and Pin (User Id). The Pin (User Id) characters, will not be visible. All this is to help against fraud but remember, never write down or reveal your security details to anyone.
Login
If you make 3 incorrect log-in attempts we will disable your access to the site. You will then need to contact your Credit Union in order to reactivate your account. You will only be asked for your Account number, no other details will be asked for by your Credit Union at any time and you should not reveal other details at any time.
Encryption
Once you have logged into the site your session will be hosted on a secure 128-bit encrypted server. Encryption converts your information into an encoded format before it is sent over the Internet. You know you are in a secure session when you see the padlock icon in the bottom right hand corner of your browser.
Time out
When you haven’t used your banking session for over 3 minutes we will log you out of the site. This provides an extra safety-net in case you forget to log out.
Minimum Requirements
Due to the security procedures we employ, members are required to meet a minimum site specification in order to use the online accounts facility. The major requirement is that your browser is up to date as only new versions of browsers like Internet Explorer 6 fully support 128 bit SSL. We recommend you use Internet Explorer 7 with the site, however Netscape and Mozilla can also be used but you may notice differences in the look of the site. You should ensure you have the most up to date version of your Browser in order use the site effectively.
You can update your browser by:
- Visit your web browser manufacturer’s home page
- Follow the instructions for downloading the latest browser version
- Save the browser installer in an easily remembered location on your computer
- After the download is complete, return to where you saved the browser installer
- Double-click the installer’s icon to begin installation
- Follow the step-by-step instructions to complete installation
- Restart your system to begin using the new browser
Staying Safe Online
‘Phishing’ / Fraudulent Emails
Recently there have been quite a few fraudulent emails assuming the identity of banks, encouraging people to share user names and passwords. These authentic-looking messages sometimes include the organisations’ logos and are designed to fool people into divulging their personal information.
We would like to confirm that Ballincollig Credit Union does not send any emails to customers requesting their security details or any other confidential information. If you receive an email reporting to be from Ballincollig Credit Union asking you to input your details then please let us know. At anytime, if you feel at all suspicious about it, then delete it without opening.
If you are concerned that you may have disclosed any confidential information, please click on ‘new message’ once you have logged in.
‘Pharming’
‘Phishing’ uses links that appear to be legitimate but actually take you somewhere else. ‘Pharming’ hijacks the domain name so that even if you are a ‘phishing’-aware user who specifically types in the web site you want (e.g. http://www.bbc.co.uk); you will still end up at a different web site anyway.
To help defeat ‘pharming’, you need to check the SSL (secure sockets layer), which provides you with a secure and private connection. When you log-in to Ballincollig Credit Union, double-click the padlock symbol at the bottom of your browser to ensure the site certificate is valid and belongs to Ballincollig Credit Union. As long as the padlock symbol is there and is issued to Ballincollig Credit Union you are not at any risk.
Trojans
A trojan is a malicious file, usually disguised as something useful, but when activated, can cause loss, damage or even theft of data.
The critical difference between a trojan and a virus is that a trojan cannot replicate itself. The only way that it can spread is if you help it, typically by opening.
Once you open this file, the trojan goes to work destroying your computer’s functionality – possibly recording your logging-in details. A good line of defence is not to accept files from someone you don’t know, and if you have any doubts, then do not open the file.
Browsers / Operating System
Always try and keep your operating system (e.g. Windows XP) and web browser (e.g. Internet Explorer) up-to-date. They are not infallible products, which is why the makers often provide patches to correct problems. To stay informed, have a look at the following website: www.microsoft.com
Firewall / Anti-virus Software
If you can, use a personal firewall and anti-virus software to prevent unauthorised access and viruses being downloaded onto your PC when you’re on the Internet. Do try and remember to keep them updated with the latest versions.
Personal Details
This is a very important area and one you can ensure is kept hidden. You should never write your personal details down or share them with anyone.
Examine all Transactions
Regularly check your transactions by looking at your account balances and view transactions. Also look at the ‘last logged in’ time on the left hand side under the menu and compare this to the last time you logged in. If you find anything suspicious then report it, by clicking on ‘new message’ from your personal homepage.
Public Places
Whenever you are using a PC in a public place such as a cyber café, be extra careful. Ensure there is nobody behind you when you are entering your passwords.
Log Out
Never leave your PC logged on to your Ballincollig Credit Union account. Once you have finished, always remember to log out and shut down your browser. This is especially important if you have been using a public PC.
