Using the Internet for online transactions can be risky. The tips below will help keep your information and money safe from theft:

• Don't click pop-ups.
• Don't download files from websites you don't trust
• When making online transactions make sure the web site address begins with https. This indicates that your transactio is encrypted. Verify that the key or padlock icon appears on your browser window (usually in the bottom status bar)
• Don't visit other sites while conducting financial transactions online
• Always close your browser after conducting financial transactions online
• Don't open attachments or click links in suscpicious email
• Never send personal or sensitive information in an email
• Choose strong passwords and change them on a regular basis
• Don't use the same passwords for other websites that you use for financial sites
• Back up your important files at least once a month

Passwords

What is a "strong password"? Strong passwords should meet all of the following criteria:

• At least 8 characters in length
• Mixture of upper and lower case, digits, and special characters
• Not based on a word or phrase
• Change them regularly (every 30-90 days)

Example:

#Lo7b%sT - strong password, not based on a word, uses all of the recommended characters

You can write down your passwords safely, but store them separately from your computer and do not put any other information with the password that could be used to determine what the password is for (user ID, web site address, account number, or business name).The key to two-factor authentication is something you know (user ID) and something you have (password). Storing the two items together is extremely dangerous. Storing them separately puts another obstacle between a hacker and your account.