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Safe Computing

Computers, laptops, tablets, phones, and other devices have made electronic banking incredibly easy and accessible. Incredibly easy for us, but also unfortunately for identity thieves–by providing opportunities for scams, phishes, and malware that target your personal information and accounts. The education we provide here is just a small amount compared to all that is available to the public. We encourage you to continually seek education on safe computing and practices to help safeguard your information.

  • Lock in A Brain
    Your account information is private. You should never share your member account number or password with anyone.
  • Question Boxes
    No employee of HVCU will ever ask you for a password you use with us. Call us immediately if any person, whether an HVCU employee or otherwise, attempts to learn your passwords.
  • Do Not Post
    Never write your member account number and/or password near your computer or where others can see.

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Internet Banking

How We Protect Your Information

  • SSL Encryption. Before an account transaction begins, your web browser and our web server establish a Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encrypted session at either the 40-bit or 128-bit levels. Simply stated, the SSL encrypts the data and verifies the identities of the sending and receiving computers during a transaction.
  • Firewalls. Critical HVCU computers are protected by “firewalls” – computer hardware and software that block attempts at intrusion by restricting the types of information that can pass through. They also prohibit dubious types of requests from other computers.
  • Separate Databases. As a further measure of protection we store your account and transaction data on computers not directly connected to the internet.
  • Automatic Timeouts. Your secure Internet Banking or Mobile Banking sessions with HVCU automatically disconnected after a period of inactivity. This prevents potential misuse of your account through your browser.
  • Limited Sign-on Attempts. Because the possibility exists of an intruder randomly choosing your password, your account denies access after three incorrect sign-on attempts. If denied, call HVCU to unlock your account.

How You Can Protect Your Accounts

There are a number of preventive measures you can take to protect your account information.

Additional measures you can take within Internet Banking and Mobile Banking to further reduce risk:

  • Monitor your account for suspicious activity.
  • Set up email and text message account notifications with CUAlerts.
  • Sign up for safe, secure electronic delivery of your statements through email with eStatements.
  • Ensure your contact information with us, e.g., address, phone, and email, is up-to-date. You can update your info through the Contact tab within Internet Banking Settings.
  • Use the My Travel Dates feature to let us know when you are traveling out of the area. Intermittent use of your debit or credit card, a flurry of transactions, or transactions from another country could appear fraudulent, unless we are aware of your travel plans.

Identity Theft

When someone gains access to your personal information, such as your Social Security Number, credit card account information, your mother's maiden name, your driver's license number, and other important information to impersonate you, that person is committing identity theft. Once the thief has this information, he can attempt to open new credit cards, cellphone, and other types of accounts in your name. In legal terms, these activities are considered "true name identity theft." A thief can also use your information to access your existing accounts in a crime that the pros refer to as "account takeover." Report Identity Theft.
 

Phishing Fraud

When internet fraudsters impersonate a business to trick you into giving out your personal information, it’s called phishing. Never reply to email, text, or pop-up messages that ask for your personal or financial information. Don’t click on links within them either – even if the message seems to be from an organization you trust. It isn’t. Legitimate businesses don’t ask you to send sensitive information through insecure channels. In addition to general email and website awareness, find out how to recognize and protect yourself against phishing. Tell Me More

Additional Phishing Information

Malware

Malware includes viruses, spyware, and other unwanted software that gets installed on your computer or mobile device without your consent. These programs can cause your device to crash, and even worse can be used to monitor and control your online activity–including your financial accounts. They also can make your computer vulnerable to viruses and deliver unwanted or inappropriate ads. Criminals use malware to steal personal and financial information, send spam, and commit fraud. There are many methods and types of malware.

Malware may target only one browser or it may target many browsers. It may be beneficial to have multiple browsers installed on your system. If you see something strange like a prompt for your credit card number, close the browser and try another. If it doesn’t appear in the other browser it is likely you have malware on your system. Popular browsers include Microsoft Edge, Firefox, Chrome, and Safari.

Learn more about Malware

If you think your computer is infected:

  • Contact each financial institution that you accessed on the infected computer.
  • Change your passwords and ask if any of your account information has been changed (such as address or phone number.)
  • If you provided credit or debit card information to someone, report the card as compromised to have it blocked and a new card issued.
  • Do not use your computer for financial transactions until it has been cleaned.
  • Follow up with your anti-virus vendor or computer service vendor for the best methods of getting your system cleaned.

Scams

Scams are a constant threat to your finances and identity. There are literally hundreds of scams popping up every day over the internet, through email, mail, and by phone--  fake trips and prizes, fake invoices, arrest warrant threats, you won a lottery, you name it. With scams getting more creative and convincing, it’s a good idea to occasionally check current alerts to ensure you don’t fall victim.
 

Useful Resources

Stay a step ahead with the latest info and practical tips from the nation’s consumer protection agency. Browse FTC scam alerts to learn more.

  Scam Alerts
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