What is Community First Bank doing to provide Online Banking security?

Firewalls & Routers
Community First Bank has implemented a system of firewalls forming a barrier between Community First Bank's internal systems and the Internet. All incoming customer information and requests are routed to the firewall, which verifies the source and destination of each piece of information. The firewall modifies the information before delivering it to Community First Bank's internal systems. All internal information is protected, keeping the structure of our network secure. We are able to monitor all activity within Online Banking, including logins, logoffs and access violations. This allows for quick identification of any suspicious activity.

Secure Data Storage and Encryption
Confidential information or highly sensitive data is stored securely and protected with stringent access controls. The following are two common ways to secure sensitive data. Both methods are incorporated into our Community First Bank system:

1.) When your information is traveling over the Internet, it is encrypted. Encryption technology disguises information to hide its meaning and enhances confidentiality by restricting information access to only intended users. Encryption-based methods can also be used to verify message authenticity and accuracy. Information is encrypted and decrypted with a cipher and key using special computer hardware or software. Secrecy of the key and complexity of the cipher are crucial for the success of encryption controls. When you initiate an Online Banking session with Community First Bank, our web server and your browser will communicate using the Secured Socket Layer (SSL) protocol and 128-bit encryption keys. (Community First Bank customers must use a version 4.0 or higher browser that supports Secured Socket Layer for maximum protection.) This means it would be virtually impossible for even a "super computer" to obtain messages and information coded with this technology.

2.) Firewalls are physical devices, software programs, or both enhancing security by monitoring and limiting access to computer facilities. They create a security barrier between two or more networks to protect Community First Bank's computer system from unauthorized entry. Filtering routers are incorporated into the firewall system to screen data traffic and direct messages to certain locations.

What can I do to increase security?
You can easily provide additional security for your Online Banking transactions. Here are some important suggestions:

1.) Access Online Banking from a version 4.0 or higher browser for maximum security of your transactions.

2.) Keep your Online Banking password secret. Make sure no one is watching you as you enter your password.

3.) Change your Online Banking password frequently.

4.) If you leave your computer unattended while signed-on, your account is at risk. Remember to exit Community First Bank Online Banking before leaving your computer. For your protection, Community First Bank Online Banking has an auto-logoff set for 5 minutes. After the designated auto-logoff time has passed without activity on your Online Banking, you will be signed off.

5.) Take all possible precautions to keep your computer clean and free from viruses that could be used to capture password keystrokes or affect your hard drive.

Customer Responsibility
There are items outside of our control that are your responsibility:

1.) Customer input errors

2.) Customer negligent handling or sharing of Online Banking Account numbers, Passwords / Personal Identification Numbers (PIN) leading to unauthorized access to accounts, and/or unreported theft to Passwords / PIN

3.) Customer's failure to complete the Online Banking session before properly exiting the system and/or leaving the computer unattended

4.) Failure to report known incidents of Password / PIN theft and/or unauthorized Online account access within 2 business days of discovery

How can I detect possible unauthorized transactions?
The best way to stay informed about your account and ensure your records match Community First Bank's is to view and reconcile transactions on a timely basis. Be aware of the activity in your account and contact us immediately to report any discrepancies.

The statement displayed through Community First Bank Online Banking is for information purposes only, and is not equivalent at all times to the official statement information on records. The Community First Bank official statement record shall prevail if there is any conflict with information reflected on your Community First Bank Online statement.

For your protection, you need to report any discrepancy as soon as it is discovered.

How do I update my browser?
If you are not using a version 4.0 or higher, please contact your browser vendor for upgrade information and technical assistance.

E-Mail is not secure
Online Banking transactions are encrypted, but e-mail is not. Customers are encouraged not to send sensitive information over an e-mail system. If you have any questions about our Community First Bank Online Banking, please contact us at 765-236-0600.