Internet and browser security

Remember, you can limit this security risk by disconnecting from the internet when your session is complete or by turning off the cable or DSL modem.

However, if you want to continue to take advantage of the always-on feature of cable and DSL connections or if you run extended dial-up sessions on the internet, we recommend taking the following security measures:

• Disable file sharing on your personal computer. File sharing is a Windows feature that allows other computers to access your personal computer through the internet. Microsoft has provided instructions on how to disable file sharing in Windows Help. For instructions on how to disable file sharing on a Mac, visit Mac Help. Our recommendation is to disable file sharing. However, if you choose to retain this option for your particular environment, exercise care and apply appropriate security measures.
• Install and frequently update a proven personal firewall product, such as Personal Firewall Plus or Zone Alarm
• Ensure that you’re using a legally licensed operating system. You may be able to improve the security of your system by downloading updates. These updates can help correct issues that may make your computer vulnerable to virus or worm attacks. As such, you should diligently apply security patches as they become available. Find out more:

○  Windows users: Microsoft Security
○  Macintosh users: Apple Product Security

Use encryption

Do you see a padlock icon next to the name of your wireless network? If so, your router is using encryption. Encryption is the process of converting data into an unreadable (encrypted) form. It is commonly used to protect sensitive data from being viewed by unauthorized parties. You should always enable the highest level of encryption available when setting up your router:

• Newer wireless routers typically use WiFi Protected Access (WPA2)
• Select WPA2 for your encryption option as it will encrypt all data transferred between your personal computer and wireless router
• Older versions, such as Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP), are no longer considered secure
• Once enabled, devices without your encryption key cannot connect to your wireless router

Enable Media Access Control (MAC) address filtering

• MAC address filtering allows you to block or allow traffic coming from certain computers or devices
• The router uses the MAC address of a computer or device to identify it and block or permit the access
• Enable MAC filtering if the pool of wireless devices you own is relatively small (usually less than 20); this will ensure that external devices won’t be able to connect to the network as their MAC address would not be whitelisted

Change your default password

• All wireless routers are given a default administrator password by their manufacturers
• Make sure to change this password to prevent unauthorized access to your wireless router

Change the Service Set Identifier (SSID)

• The SSID is the name of your wireless network; this is the name that appears when you search for a WiFi network to connect to
• In order for a device to connect to your wireless network, it must have access to the SSID
• You should change the manufacturer's default SSID name to a unique name that will not be easily guessed and has no direct connection to you or where you’re located (for example, don't use your last name or street address)

Switch off SSID broadcasting

• You can further secure your network by disabling SSID broadcasting, which will hide your network from outsiders who are looking for an available network to connect to
• It would be very difficult for an outsider to access your network once you’ve changed your SSID and turned off broadcasting, as they’d have to guess the name of your network to access it

• Keep your home router’s device software (firmware) up to date; check the manufacturer's website or the router’s owner manual for instructions
• Set up a guest network for anyone outside of your family to connect to
• Connect IoT (Internet of Things) devices to a separate WiFi network (for example, guest network) that’s different from the one you’re using for your primary devices, such as laptops, desktops, or smartphones
• Keep your anti-virus and other security applications up to date; check the manufacturer's website or the owner’s manual on how to update your software
• Make sure that remote Administration Access is turned off on your router (also known as Remote Management or web access from WAN) to deny access to the router’s control panel from outside your home network; check the manufacturers website or the router’s owner manual for instructions

Encryption is the process of converting plain text information that everybody can access and read into an unreadable (encrypted) form. It is commonly used to protect sensitive data from being viewed by unauthorized parties.

The stronger the level of encryption used by your web browser, the more difficult it is for unauthorized parties to break the encryption and decode the message. If your browser does not have minimum 128-bit encryption level, your access online banking will be denied, and you'll need to download one of the supported browsers listed below.

Make sure that you’ve updated your desktop browser to the latest version. If your browser version is not listed below, you may choose to switch to one of our supported browsers. Our online banking platform has been tested and currently functions optimally with the supported browsers.

• Microsoft Edge : Download the latest version of Edge
• Firefox : Download the latest version of Firefox
• Safari : Download the latest version of Safari
• Google Chrome : Download the latest version of Chrome

If you’re not currently using one of these desktop browsers, make sure to select and download one before you proceed.