Security

Strong Passwords/Passphrases

• Do not reveal your passwords to anyone.
• Strengthen your password with a passphrase – a series of random words or a sentence which includes a combination of letters, numbers and special characters.  The more characters your passphrase has, the stronger it is.
• Change passwords regularly (every 90 days is recommended).
• Avoid selecting passwords based on personal information (i.e. username, first and last name, SSN).
• Avoid common dictionary words.
• Avoid keeping written records of your passwords. Create easy to remember passphrases that are hard to guess.
• Avoid sharing usernames and passwords.
• Do not use the same user ID and password for your financial accounts as you do for other sites, services and applications.

Email Security

• Beware of phishing. 
  Avoid opening links and attachments in emails and texts, especially from senders you don’t know.  Links that appear friendly can be harmful and attempt to gain control of your computer or mobile device and steal your personal information.
• Question the authenticity of every email.  
  If you are suspicious – don’t click a link or open an attachment.  Contact the sender of the suspicious email directly to verify the validity of the message (do not verify by replying to the sender of the suspicious email).
• Never respond to email claiming to be from a bank or any company that requests your account information or personal details.  American State Bank & Trust will never ask for your personal information or account credentials (user id and password) via an email message.
• Report any suspected fraud or suspicious emails to American State Bank & Trust immediately

Online Banking

Your mobile device provides convenient access to your email, bank and social media accounts. Unfortunately, it can potentially provide the same convenient access for unauthorized individuals. Keep in mind these tips:

• Log out completely and exit all web browser windows when you finish a mobile/online banking session.
• Public Internet connections aren’t secure.
  Don’t perform banking transactions on a public network.  Watch out for public Wi-Fi.  Never access bank information at public locations such as Internet cafes, public libraries, kiosks, etc.
• Never leave a logged on banking session unattended.
• Avoid using automatic login features which save usernames and passwords for online banking accounts.
• Use the passcode lock on your smartphone and other devices to make it more difficult for someone else to access your information if your device is lost or stolen.
• Protect your device from viruses and malicious software (or malware) by installing security software.
• Use caution when downloading apps and other software.  3rd-party apps and software can contain malicious software, worms, and viruses. Beware of applications that ask for unnecessary “permissions.”
• Verify use of a secure browsing session (https not http) in the web browser when submitting or dealing with sensitive information online.
• Download available updates for your device and apps.
• Avoid storing sensitive information like passwords or a social security number on your device.
• Notify your financial institution immediately if you change your phone number or lose your mobile device.
• Be aware of shoulder surfers. The most common form of information theft is observation. Be aware of your surrounding especially when you’re entering in sensitive information.
• Do not use your mobile device to store sensitive personal information or bank account numbers.
• Wipe your mobile device before you donate, sell or trade it using specialized software or using the manufacturer’s recommended technique. Some software allows you to wipe your device remotely if it is lost or stolen.

Desktop, PC or Laptop

• Install, update and run reliable commercial anti-virus and anti-spyware software.
• Install an actively managed firewall on your computer and/or network.
• Ensure that your computers are patched (updated) regularly – particularly the operating system and key applications.
• Turn on any automatic updates for the operating system, anti-virus and anti-spyware applications.
• Limit administrative rights on your computer and network to prevent the inadvertent downloading and installation of malware or viruses.
• Completely close and exit all web browsers before and after an online banking session to lessen the risk of certain types of sophisticated malware attacks.

Two-Factor Authentication

Two-Factor Authentication is a security measure that requests a one-time access code to log into your Digital Banking. The code enhances security by creating an identity verification layer in addition to your unique username and password. This layer will better protect your financial information. You will normally be prompted for Two-Factor Authentication when you use a new device or after you clear your browser history.

Protect Your Identity

Identity theft continues to be one of the fastest growing crimes in the United States.  American State Bank & Trust recommends following these tips to keep your information and money safe.

• Federal Trade Commission – Identity Theft Recovery Steps (What to Do)
• Don’t share your personal and account information.  
  Don’t provide your SSN, account information, passwords and PINs with anyone who contacts you online or over the phone.  Protect your personally identifiable information and do not share with anyone.
• Shred sensitive papers (i.e. receipts and bank statements).
• Keep an eye out for missing mail.
  Fraudsters look for monthly bank or credit card statements and other mail containing your financial information.  Consider enrolling in ASB&T Mobile Banking and  E Statements to reduce the likelihood of paper statements being stolen.
• Use ASB&T Mobile Banking to protect yourself.
  Monitor your financial accounts regularly for fraudulent transactions.
• Monitor your credit report.
  Order a free copy of your credit report once every 12 months from one of the three credit reporting agencies at AnnualCreditReport.com.
• Subscribe to FDIC Consumer News (search ‘FDIC Consumer News’ at FDIC.gov).
  This news provides practical guidance on how to become a smarter, safer user of financial services.
• Protect your computer.
  Make sure the virus protection software on your computer and/or mobile device is active and up-to-date.  Verify use of a secure browsing session (https not http) in the web browser when submitting or dealing with sensitive information online.
• Protect your mobile device.
• Report any suspected fraud to American State Bank & Trust immediately.

Our website links to other websites are for your convenience. The content and security of those websites are not the responsibility nor are they guaranteed by American State Bank & Trust Company. If you have any questions about confidentiality, please call us at 701-774-4100 or send us your questions by e-mail to support@asbt.com.