Security Policy
Click here to watch our Enhanced Online Security Video
Your transactions are absolutely safe. The Peoples Bank Online Banking works with cutting edge technology partners to ensure that the most secure environment is made possible for our valued customers. We want to make sure we offer you worry free Online banking. You can be completely confident of the following security measures:
Secure Communications
Our system ensures that data exchanged between your PC and our computers is encrypted with 128-bit encryption. Encryption is accomplished through Secure Sockets Layers (SSL) which utilize mathematical formulas to "encrypt" or hide information from prying eyes on the Internet. Additionally, if SSL detects that data was added or deleted after you sent it to the bank, the connection will be severed in order to guard against any tampering. The most popular browsers have the SSL security feature built in.
Secure Environment
The Peoples Bank's computer system does not connect directly to the Internet. It is isolated from the network via a "firewall." A firewall is a combination of software and hardware products that designate parameters, control and limit the access that outside computers have to the bank's internal network and databases. You can feel secure knowing that our bank's firewall protects your personal information from unauthorized access.
Secure Login
User ID's and passwords are isolated from the Internet by being stored on The Peoples Bank's computer system. This way the passwords and ID's can never be accessed or downloaded by anyone on the Internet. The system also checks for invalid logons and automatically disallows a user after three invalid attempts. This prohibits the "hacker" from gaining access to our system thus protecting your accounts. Additionally, user passwords can vary from six to sixteen characters, which means the chance of randomly guessing a pasword is less than one in 1 billion!
Your Password
You will be responsible for maintaining one of the most important security measures, your password. Be sure to keep it a secret. Memorize it, or write it down and keep it in a safe place. It is not recommended you carry your password in your purse or wallet. Make sure no one watches you enter your password and always close your browser when leaving the computer. Make sure you regularly scan your computer for viruses that could be used to capture password keystrokes. You ultimately hold the key to your password security.
Customer Awareness Program
Don’t Be a Victim of Fraud: Outsmart the Scammers
Criminals are becoming even more creative. Many fraudsters quickly change and adapt their tactics as consumers become savvier about common scams. The following government websites provide up-to-date information on Customer Fraud:
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC): consumer.ftc.gov/scams
- Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC): occ.gov/topics/consumers-and-communities/consumer-protection/index-consumer-protection.html
- Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC): FDIC.gov/resources/consumers
A Few Things We Think You Should Know
- Never share your Online Banking Access ID and Password.
- Never share a One-Time Password (OTP) with anyone, and make sure any OTP you use is one you have generated yourself, directly through a company’s website or app.
- Make sure to type in the URL when accessing any digital content.
- Never click on any unverified link.
- Only scan QR codes that you know are legitimate.
- Do not store any passwords on your phone.
- Do not use public computers to access personal accounts.
- Never send personal information over text message or email, especially to unknown or unverified senders.
- Routinely check your accounts for suspicious activity.
- Caller ID is not to be trusted.
As always, if you feel you have been a victim of fraud or suspect that an attempt has been made to steal your personal information, contact us immediately.
Trends in Cyber Fraud
As new technologies evolve, so do the attempts to gain your personal information. And while thieves are undiscriminating in who they gain personal information from, they have distinct ways through which they deceive people. Some common schemes include tech support scams, fake family emergencies, and messages that try to trick you into clicking a link or opening an attachment. Being aware of plots like these could make all the difference.
Cyber thieves target senior adults more than any other demographic. Their efforts have become increasingly more aggressive and convincing. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s latest Elder Fraud Report, elder fraud continues to rise every year, as more and more retirees lose their hard-earned nest egg to scammers. Stay vigilant and don’t let yourself become one of them!
Contact Us
If you have additional questions regarding the security of your online transactions, please contact us.
E-mail is not a secure method of communication. We recommend that you do not send confidential, personal or financial information by e-mail.