Protecting Yourself Online

Almost 10 million Americans have discovered that they were the victim of some form of identity theft over the past year, according to a recent report by the Federal Trade Commission. Below are tips to help you keep your personal information safe.

Access more information about:

• How You Can Protect Your Private Information
  • Choosing Your Browser
  • Identifying Secure Web Sites
  • Protecting Your Personal Information
  • Virus Protection
  • E-mail Security

How You Can Protect Your Private Information

Our commitment to providing a secure information environment is only part of the complete security framework equation. We feel it is important to share with you helpful hints you can use to enhance security when you use the Internet.

Choosing Your Browser

We strongly recommend that you choose a browser version that includes 128-bit encryption, which supports secure transactions over the Internet using Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) protocol, a technology that encrypts your personal information.

To determine whether you are using a browser version that includes 128-bit encryption, in both Netscape Navigator and Microsoft Internet Explorer, there should be a "Help" option located along the top tool bar of the browser. Click on Help, select either "About Netscape..." or "About Internet Explorer..." The resulting dialog box will indicate which version of the software is being utilized and the Cipher Strength.

Microsoft Internet Explorer

Netscape Navigator

Mozilla Firefox

If your browser does not include 128-bit encryption, you can download the latest version by clicking on one of the links below:

• Microsoft Internet Explorer: Windows & Macintosh
• Netscape Communicator: Windows & Macintosh
• Mozilla Firefox: Windows & Macintosh

Identifying Secure Web Sites

It's important to know when a Web site is secure. See the guidelines below for when to make sure that you are on a secure site. A closed or locked padlock in the lower portion of your browser indicates that the page you are on is secure.

Microsoft Internet Explorer displays the icon in the lower right corner
of the browser.

Netscape Navigator displays the icon in the lower left corner of the browser. In addition, Netscape Communicator displays the icon in the navigation toolbar.

To determine what level of encryption is being used on a given Web page:

• On Internet Explorer 5 or later, place the cursor over the secure icon in the lower right corner of the browser. A pop-up box displays with the encryption level
• On Netscape Communicator 4.5 or later, click the secure icon to determine the level of encryption for a particular Web page

Protecting Your Personal Information

You play a major role in keeping your personal information secure. Here are some helpful hints that may assist you in safeguarding your nonpublic personal information:

• Do not share your Identification Number (ID), Personal Identification Number (PIN), passwords or other access codes with anyone.
• Make your password unique to you and change it regularly.
• Remember to log off the Web site once you have completed your transaction.
• Do not leave your computer unattended while using Online Banking or other transactional services.
• When shopping online and placing orders look for the closed or locked padlock that indicates the Web site uses encryption technology.
• Never enter your credit/debit card number into a Web site that is not secure. Sending nonpublic information such as Social Security number, credit card information or personal data over the Internet is not recommended unless you can authenticate the business and conduct transactions in a secure Web site.

Virus Protection

Use virus protection software to reduce the risk of your computer becoming infected. We recommend that you purchase a program that automatically upgrades your virus protection on a recurring basis.

Follow these guidelines for additional virus protection:

• Act with caution when downloading programs, which can compromise your computer’s security safeguards.
• Do not open file attachments received by e-mail unless the source of the attachment is known and trusted.

E-Mail Security

Please be advised that electronic mail in general is not considered a secured method of communication.

• We encourage our clients to sign on to Online Banking and send us a secure message or contact our Customer Service Center at (800) 773-7100 for assistance with your banking needs.
• E-mail can be used to send unsolicited advertisements, false offers from companies, or alerts to a false computer virus. If you should receive an e-mail that you believe could be a scam:
  • Do not reply to the sender; this will only validate your e-mail address.
  • Do not forward the message.
  • Immediately delete the message.
• Do not give out financial information such as checking and credit card numbers, or your Social Security number, unless you know the person or organization you’re dealing with and have initiated the transaction.
  • CNB will not ask you questions through e-mail that pertain to your account numbers, Social Security number, Personal Identification Number (PIN), password or other confidential information.
  • Notify your banker of suspicious e-mail communication received from your bank asking for your account information to “verify a statement” or “award a prize” or “update billing information.”