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Security Best Practices

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Reading Cooperative Bank safeguards information according to established security standards and procedures in order to keep your financial information secure and confidential. In addition, we have external vendors perform regular audits of our system. The result is a "layered security" platform, one that ensures protection throughout the banking process, on your computer, during the transmission of information, and in the bank's own computer systems. Layered security means that, rather than rely on one security measure, we use many lines of defense to protect your account information. Whether you are viewing your account information, transferring money, or paying your bills, you can depend on your accounts and your account information being safe. Due to the sophisticated nature of cyber crimes, there is not one single solution for online security. Reading Cooperative Bank takes numerous steps to keep your accounts and personal information secure, and you also play a role in maintaining the security of your banking information. Here are some of the things Reading Cooperative Bank does and that you can do to help keep your online banking safe.

What Reading Cooperative Bank Does To Protect You

Encryption

Reading Cooperative Bank uses a minimum 128-bit encryption for Internet Banking transactions, and each session uses a unique master key to encrypt messages. Encryption is a communications process that scrambles private information to prevent unauthorized access as during the exchange of information between your computer and the online banking servers. Once you sign off, the master key used for that session becomes useless, as it is only good for one session.

Secure Login

You authenticate your online banking session by entering your unique User ID and password (sometimes referred to as your PIN), both of which are encrypted as they pass over the Internet and before they are stored on our system. Once you change your password on the first access, we do not have access to your password to further increase security.

Timed Log-Out

If you forget to log out, or if your online banking session is inactive for more than 10 minutes, we take care of you by ending the session. You will need to log back in to access your information.

Please note: If you need assistance, RCB Customer Service or Banking Specialists may ask for your username, but we will never ask you for your password.

Customer Responsibilities

Reading Cooperative Bank takes numerous steps to keep your accounts and personal information secure, but you also play a role in maintaining the security of your banking information. Here are some things you can do to help keep your online banking more safe and secure.

Protect the Confidentiality of Your User ID and Password

Creating a good password and keeping it a secret are essential to keeping your online banking account secure. As you are responsible for what occurs with your online ID, we strongly recommended that you follow these guidelines to prevent someone from obtaining your password and abusing your account.

  • Make your password unique and change it regularly. You should never use a password that would be easy for others who know you to guess, or one that a common password cracking utility could find.

  • Memorize your password. Your online ID and password authenticate you when you begin an online banking session. You should memorize this password and never write it down anywhere or reveal it to anyone.

  • Do not share your password with anyone. Sharing your password (PIN) with someone else is the same as giving that individual authority to use your name in a transaction.

Log Out When You Are Finished Using Online Banking

We recommend our online banking users complete online transactions and log out before visiting other sites or turning off their computers. We also suggest they do not visit other sites when logged in to online banking. In addition, you may not always be at your own computer when you bank online; therefore, it's important to sign off using the "Log Out" tab when you're finished banking.

Use a Current Browser and Anti-Virus Software

Reading Cooperative Bank recommends you use a modern browser and install and use a good-quality anti-virus software. It is also very important that you stay up-to-date with patches and updates on both. There are security patches issued regularly that fix new issues that may be exploited.

Ensure That You Keep Your Information Secure

As explained in Reading Cooperative Bank's Online Banking Agreement and Disclosure Statement, you are responsible for keeping your Password, account numbers, personal identification information, and other account data confidential.

  • Select a strong, unique Online ID and Password.

  • Do not give or disclose any part of your Online ID and Password to anyone. Bank employees may request your ID when accessing your account profile, but should never ask for your password.

  • Do not send your password or account information over any public or general email system.

  • Do not send personal or financial information over unsecure websites.

  • Do not release any personal information on the phone, in the mail, or over the Internet unless you initiate the contact or are certain you know whom you're dealing with.

  • Contact us immediately if there are charges on your account you don't recognize.

  • Do not leave your computer unattended while you are connected to Online Banking.

  • Pay special attention to security on your local computer. Watch for any changes or suspicious activity.

  • If using a public computer, be sure to log out of your internet sessions, close the browser, and clear your browser cache.

  • Backup your important data and files regularly.

RCB customers should evaluate where and how you access online banking for additional risks.

If You Have Suspicions

If you notice suspicious activity within your account or experience security-related events (such as a Phishing email purporting to be from your bank), you may contact anyone at your bank and you will be quickly and courteously guided to the person responsible for such issues.

Contact us at security@readingcoop.com or 781-942-5000