SUMA takes security very seriously.
User ID and Password Guidelines
- Create a "strong" password with at least 10 characters that includes a combination of mixed case letters, numbers and special symbols.
- Change your password frequently.
- Never share username and password information with third-party providers.
- Avoid using an automatic login feature that saves usernames and passwords.
General Guidelines
- Do not use public or other unsecured computers for logging into Online Banking.
- Check your last login date/time every time you log in.
- Review account balances and detail transactions regularly (preferably daily) to confirm payment and other transaction data and immediately report any suspicious transactions to your financial institution.
- View transfer history available through viewing account activity information.
- Whenever possible, use Bill Pay instead of checks to limit account number dissemination exposure and to obtain better electronic record keeping.
- Take advantage of and regularly view system alerts; examples include:
- Balance alerts
- Transfer alerts
- Password change alerts
- ACH Alerts
- Do not use account numbers, your social security number, or other account or personal information when creating account nicknames or other titles.
- Whenever possible, register your computer to avoid having to re-enter challenge questions and other authentication information with each login.
- Review historical reporting features of your online banking application on a regular basis to confirm payment and other transaction data.
- Never leave a computer unattended while using Online Banking.
- Never conduct banking transactions while multiple browsers are open on your computer.
Tips to Protect Online Payments & Account Data
- Take advantage of transaction limits.
- When you have completed a transaction, ensure you log off to close the connection with the financial organization's computer.
- Use separate accounts for electronic and paper transactions to simplify monitoring and tracking any discrepancies.
- Reconcile by carefully monitoring account activity and reviewing all transactions on a daily basis.
Account Transfers
- Use limits provided for monetary transactions.
- Review historical and audit reports regularly to confirm transaction activity.
- Utilize available alerts for funds transfer activity.
As the use of mobile devices increases for banking, SUMA FCU wants our members to know that we take security very seriously.
The widespread use of mobile phones and mobile and text banking means much more convenience for members and better ways to monitor account activity. Unfortunately, it also means there are more opportunities for fraud. SUMA FCU provides a secure environment for Mobile Banking by keeping our remote banking services up-to-date to protect our members from fraudulent activity. As our member, there are several things that you can do to significantly reduce the risk of fraud and identity theft while using our Mobile Banking services.
- Password protect your mobile device, change the password frequently and lock the device when you aren’t using it. Never use passwords that include birthdays, names, pet names, Social Security numbers or that repeat numbers or letters. Do not configure your mobile applications for auto-login capability. Keep your device in a safe location and don’t leave your mobile device unattended in public places. Consider using Pattern, Fingerprint, or other authentication methods offered by your mobile device.
- Frequently delete text messages received from us on your mobile device, even though they don’t contain sensitive information. Never disclose personal information about your accounts via a text or Email message. For example: account numbers, passwords or any combination of personal information.
- When you log into Mobile Banking, be aware of the people around you. Even if you are speaking on your phone, be careful not to give account numbers or other personal information within earshot of others.
- If you change your mobile number or lose your mobile device, immediately log into online banking to change your Sign On information to Online Banking.
- Do not modify your device. This could leave it susceptible to infection from a virus. This includes modifying your mobile device to give yourself more control, enable features that void warranties, change the root file systems or allow modifications to install third-party software or hardware components.
- Install reputable mobile security software on your device such as an anti-virus, anti-malware, and VPN protection. Consider using tools that allow you to remotely wipe your mobile device if it is lost or stolen.
- Only download applications from reputable sites/stores after reviewing feedback from other users and closely review application permission requests. Always start by contacting SUMA FCU to verify what the apps or Mobile products are called and where to sign up.
- Monitor your accounts. Check balances and items that are presented on a regular basis. This will help to spot any suspicious activity.
- Set up transaction Email alerts so that you can be notified if your balance drops below a certain level and other transaction information so you will be better aware of your transactions and balances.
- Don’t access banking or shopping applications using your private Sign On credentials while connected through public Wi-Fi connections. Ensure your home wireless network is configured to use Wi-Fi Protected Access II (WPA2) Wireless Security Technology. Disable discoverable mode after enabling Bluetooth® devices, if your Smartphone does not automatically default to “off” after adding a device.
- Ensure your Sign On and Password are hidden when interacting with SUMA FCU’s Online Banking and Mobile Banking App.
- Delete any confidential information from the device prior to any third-party servicing.
- Don’t store financial information in your mobile device.
- Keep your mobile device operating system and applications up to date with the latest patches.
- Be cautious of opening unsolicited files, text messages, or applications, especially if they are received from unknown sources.
- Never respond to a “phishing” text or email that requests your PIN, account number, or any debit or credit card number. Remember that SUMA FCU will never request your information in this manner.
SUMA FCU has provided these Best Practices to assist you in protecting your confidential and financial information. Please implement these practices to help reduce your risk. SUMA FCU is not responsible for losses related to security weaknesses within your personal Online Banking access devices such as your home computer, tablets and mobile devices.
DISCLAIMER: SUMA FCU does not provide any express or implied warranty, guarantee or promise concerning the content, completeness, accuracy or value of the above information. All persons or entities should confirm the accuracy as it applies to them specifically or their business or system. These “mobile banking best practices” are provided as information only and SUMA FCU will have no liability to a member or any other person or entity, for any direct, indirect, incidental, special or consequential damages arising out of the information above.