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Security Statement
Earlham Savings Bank
is pleased to offer internet banking services. Delivering these services
requires a solid security framework that protects you and our institution's
data from outside intrusion. We are committed to working with our internet
service and communications providers to produce the safest operating environment
possible for our customers
The information below
summarizes our security framework, which incorporates the latest proven
technology. A section at the end also summarizes your responsibilities
as a user of the internet banking system with regard to security.
There are several
levels of security within our security framework. User level deals with
cryptography and Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) protocol, and is the first
line of defense used by all customers accessing our Banking Server from
the public Internet. Server Level focuses on firewalls, filtering routers
and our trusted operating system. Host level deals specifically with our
internet banking services and the processing of secure financial transactions.
User
Level
There are several
components of User Level Security that insure the confidentiality of information
sent across the public Internet. The first requires your use of a fully
SSL-compliant 128 bit-encrypted browser such as Netscape Navigator or
Microsoft Internet Explorer. SSL is an open protocol that allows a user's
browser to establish a secure channel for communicating with our internet
server. SSL utilizes highly effective cryptography techniques between
your browser and our server to ensure that the information being passed
is authentic, cannot be deciphered and has not been altered enroute. SSL
also utilizes a digitally signed certificate, which ensures that you are
truly communicating with the Online Banking Server and not a Third party
trying to intercept the transaction.
After a secure connection
has been established between your browser and our server, you then provide
a valid Access ID and Security Password to gain access to the services.
This information is encrypted, logged by the server forming another complete
physical security layer to protect the server's information, and a request
to log on the system is processed. Although SSL utilizes proven cryptography
techniques, it is important to protect your Access ID and Security Password
from others. You must follow the Security Password parameters we specify
at the time you sign-up for an internet banking account. We also recommend
changing your Security Password often. Session time-outs and a limit on
the number of logon attempts are examples of other security measures in
place to ensure that inappropriate activity is prohibited at the user
level.
Server
Level
All transactions sent
to our Banking Server must first pass through a filtering router system.
These filtering routers automatically direct the request to the appropriate
server after ensuring the access type is through a secured browser and
nothing else. The routers verify the source and destination of each network
packet and manage the authorization process of letting packets through.
The filtering routers also prohibit all other types of Internet access
methods at this point. This process blocks all non-secured activity and
defends against inappropriate access to the server.
The Banking Server
is protected using the latest firewall platform. This platform defends
against system intrusions and effectively isolates all but approved customer
financial requests. The platform secures the hardware running the on-line
applications and prevents associated attacks against all systems connected
to the Banking Server. The system is monitored 24 hours a day, seven days
a week for a wide range of anomalies to determine if attempts are being
made to breach our security framework.
Host
Level
Once authorized, the
customer is allowed to process authorized internet banking transactions
using host data. In addition, communication time-outs ensure that the
request is received, processed and delivered within a given timeframe.
Any outside attempt to delay or alter the process will fail. Further password
encryption techniques are implemented at the host level, as well as additional
security logging and another complete physical security layer to protect
the host information itself.
User
Responsibilities
While our service
provider continues to evaluate and implement the latest improvements in
Internet security technology, users of the online banking system also
have responsibility for the security of their information and should always
follow the recommendations listed below:
· Utilize the
latest 128 bit encryption versions of either Netscape Navigator or Microsoft
Internet Explorer. The online banking system is best viewed and is most
secure when you use one of these two browsers, as they are both certified
for use at our site.
· Your security
password must be kept confidential. You must follow our specific parameters
for a password and change it often to ensure that the information cannot
be guessed or used by others. Be sure others are not watching you enter
information on the keyboard when using the system.
· Never leave
your computer unattended while logged onto the online banking system.
Someone may approach your computer and gain access to your account information
if you are away.
· Click Log
Off when you are finished using the system to properly log off . Once
a session has ended no further transactions can be processed until you
log on to the system again.
· Close your
browser when you are finished so that others cannot view any account information
displayed on your computer.
· Maintain
a virus-free computer. Use virus protection software to routinely check
for a virus on your computer. Never allow a virus to remain on your computer
while accessing the online banking system.
· Report all
crimes or attempts of criminal activity to law enforcement officials immediately.
In addition, please contact our bank as soon as possible at 515-223-4753.
The precautions you take as an online banking customer, together with our internet service and communications providers, will provide the safest operating environment possible.
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