Internet Banking Security

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As commerce over the Internet has increased, concern about security has become more wide spread. Internet security is a legitimate concern to all of us. In this statement we hope to answer your questions on our approach to Internet security and the safety of your accounts at First Bank.

There are several levels of protection to your account should you decide to utilize out Internet Banking services. First, we have select Jack Henry and Associates to act as the backbone for our Internet services. They have installed several levels of firewalls and they have hired consultants to conduct ongoing intrusion testing to make sure the firewalls are effective. In addition to the firewalls that have been installed, the system is constantly being monitored for suspicious or unusual activities.

In addition to the firewalls and system monitoring, we require the users of our NetTeller Internet Banking services to use an enhanced web browser. The normal Internet web browser from Microsoft or Netscape utilizes secure-socket encryption at 40 bit. Both companies have 128 bit encryption available free of charges for those wishing to download it. In order to ensure the highest level of safety for our customers' accounts, we have elected to require 128 bit encryption for our NetTeller Internet banking services. We have been told that a 500MHz personal computer would take over 10 years, running continuously, to break 128 bit encryption. To determine if your web browser has 128 bit encryption capabilities press the test browser button in the NetTeller login box. If your web browser is not capable of 128 bit encryption follow the instructions to download the free update from Microsoft or Netscape.

Additional security is provided by the fact that the customer must request Internet banking access. If this authorization has not been initiated from the bank the customer's accounts are not accessible over the Internet. Once the customer has requested that his accounts be accessible over the internet, they are assigned a unique 12 digit personal identifiaction number and a 4 digit password. If this password is entered incorrectly 3 times the account is locked off the Internet to discourage guessing of pin numbers and passwords.

To further ensure the safety of your computer system remember the following:

• Install and update virus protection software on your computer system. The two most commonly used packages are Norton AntiVirus by Symantec and McAfee VirusScan by Network Solutions. These packages will detect and eliminate most known virus. This software should be updated on a regular basis. The list of known viruses changes daily and this program should be updated on a quarterly basis at a minimum.
• Never open attachments to E-mail from someone that you do not known. Many of the most destructive viruses in recent months have been spread by e-mail.
• Do not download programs from any sources via the Internet that you do not trust completely.
• Keep your passwords and pin numbers confidential.
• Use passwords that are not easily discernable or obvious. For example do not use birthdays or children's names.
• Use different passwords and pin numbers for each online service.

If you have any questions,
contact Alvin Fritschle at 618 382-4118 or
fnbcarmi@surffirst.com.