Safeguarding Your Information


Protect Your Identity

The more you know, the safer you'll be.

 
At First Heritage Federal Credit Union, the security of member information is a priority.
We are strongly committed to the safety and confidentiality of your records.


In today’s high tech world, we are able to do things more quickly and conveniently electronically whether it is to send a letter via email, pay bills or even go shopping online. With this increase in speed and convenience also comes increased risk. Every day, unscrupulous individuals are busy developing new scams targeting the unsuspecting public. One of the best ways to avoid fraud is to become an educated consumer, and we would like to help you in this endeavor. Please take a moment to read this important information on how to keep yourself safe when conducting business online.

 

How To Keep Yourself Safe In Cyberspace

An important part of online safety is knowledge. The more you know, the safer you’ll be. Here are some great tips on how to stay safe in cyberspace:

  1. Set good passwords. A good password is a combination of upper and lower case letters and numbers and one that is not easily guessed. Change your password frequently. Don’t write it down or share it with others.
  2. Don’t reveal personal information via email. Emails and text messages can be masked to look like they are coming from a trusted sender when they are actually from someone else. Play it safe, do not send your personal information such as account numbers, social security numbers, passwords, etc. via email or texting.
  3. Don’t download that file! Opening files attached to emails can be dangerous especially when they are from someone you don’t know as they can allow harmful malware or viruses to be downloaded onto your computer. Make sure you have a good antivirus program on your computer that is up-to-date.
  4. Links aren’t always what they seem. Never log in from a link that is embedded in an email message. Criminals can use fake email addresses and make fake Web pages that mimic the page you would expect. To avoid falling into their trap, type in the URL address directly and then log in.
  5. Web sites aren’t always what they seem. Be aware that if you navigate to a Web site from a link you don’t type, you may end up at a site that looks like the correct one, when in fact it’s not. Take time to verify that the Web page you’re visiting matches exactly with the URL that you’d expect.
  6. Log off from sites when you are done. When you are ready to leave a site you have logged into, log off rather than just closing the page.
  7. Monitor account activity. Monitor your account activity regularly either online or by reviewing your monthly statements and report any unauthorized transactions right away.
  8. Assess your risk. We recommend periodically assessing your online banking risk and put into place increased security controls where weaknesses are found; particularly for members with business accounts. Some items to consider when assessing your online banking risk are:
    • Who has access to your online business accounts?
    • How and where are user names and passwords stored?
    • How strong are your passwords and how often are they changed? Are they changed before or immediately after terminating an employee who had access to them?
    • Do you have dual controls or other checks and balances with respect to access to online banking transactions?
Rights and Responsibilities
 
With respect to online banking and electronic fund transfers, the Federal government has put in place rights and responsibilities for both you and the credit union. These rights and responsibilities are described in the Account Information Disclosures you received when you opened your account with First Heritage. You can also find them online under disclosures. Ultimately, if you notice suspicious account activity or experience security-related events, please contact the credit union immediately at 1-800-833-3338.

Mobile Banking Safety

 

Today, we have lots of options when it comes to completing financial transactions. Mobile banking is an increasingly popular way to monitor and manage your money. Just be sure to practice good, safe behaviors and keep track of your gadgets. With a little common sense and attention, mobile banking can be both convenient and secure.

  • Avoid banking while on public networks as these connections aren’t very secure. Most places offering public Wi-Fi hotspots warn users not to share sensitive information.
  • Keep track of your mobile device. We take them everywhere, which makes it easy to misplace them. If your device has a digital locking mechanism you should use it. That layer of security might be enough to keep a thief from accessing your bank account before you can report your phone as missing.
  • Use an official mobile banking app from your financial institution. Most institutions include information on their websites about their official app and how to download it.
  • Install anti-virus software on your mobile device to protect your equipment and private information. Most anti-virus software is equipment specific, matched to the operating system built into the phone.

When Would First Heritage Ask For Your Online Banking Credentials?

Please remember that First Heritage does not ask for personal information via phone, text message or email. However, if you are having difficulty with one of our online services, and you contact us, it may be necessary for you to provide that information. The information would only be used to further explore the problem and find a solution.