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SECURITY

Having your information stolen in any capacity can have a dramatic impact on your life. That's why Honda FCU provides security tips to keep you safe online. Knowing these can teach you about computer security, how to avoid identity theft, about fraud alert resources and more.

General Policy Statement

Honda Federal Credit Union recognizes its responsibility to protect the privacy of personal, nonpublic member information. The purpose of this policy is to set forth the guidelines under which such information may be shared with third parties. It is the intent of HFCU to abide by all applicable laws and regulations governing the privacy of member information.

Guidelines

COLLECTION OF INFORMATION

In the course of delivering products and services, the credit union obtains member information, either directly from the member or from outside sources. This information is used to comply with federal and state laws and regulations, to provide effective member service and to inform members of product and services, which may be of interest.

MAINTENANCE OF ACCURATE INFORMATION

HFCU will exercise reasonable caution in the gathering and maintenance of information to ensure its accuracy. When inaccurate information is discovered, it will be corrected as promptly as possible.

DISCLOSING INFORMATION TO THIRD PARTIES

HFCU will not sell member information to third parties. Information will be shared with third parties under the following conditions:

  1. When disclosure is required to complete member-authorized transactions (such as check or credit card processing).
  2. To verify the existence or condition of member accounts to a third party (such as a credit bureau), as permitted by law.
  3. To comply with a court order or applicable laws or regulations.
  4. When authorized by written permission from the member.
  5. As part of a member service agreement with an approved service partner, provided the third party is contractually bound to perform services and to maintain the confidentiality of the information.

RESPONSIBILITY OF SERVICE PARTNERS

HFCU will only approve service partners with established policies of privacy similar to those of the Credit Union.

PRIVACY OF ELECTRONIC TRANSACTIONS

  1. Encryption. Electronic interfaces with members (such as Internet transactions) will be encrypted using Secure Socket Layer (SSL) 128-bit encryption.
  2. Account Access. Member account information and transactions will be protected by a password that must be used in conjunction with a username or account number. Members must apply for this capability and be registered with the credit union for authentication purposes.
  3. "Cookies". The credit union may use "cookies" as part of its web site interface. A "cookie" is a small file that is placed on the user's computer. While it contains no member information, it identifies the member's computer and allows the credit union to measure usage of the web site and customize the web site experience.
  4. Links. HFCU will frequently link to other sites as a convenience to our members. HFCU will seek to link with other sites that adhere to similar privacy standards. However, the Credit Union is not responsible for the content of linked sites, or for their policies on the collection of member information.

DISCLOSURE OF PRIVACY POLICY

HFCU will disclose its privacy policy as required by law. This will include a disclosure at the time a new member account is opened, a disclosure at least annually thereafter and such other disclosures as specifically required.

EMPLOYEE TRAINING

Employees will be trained with regard to their responsibilities under this policy. In addition, employees should be trained to recognize, respond to, and where appropriate, report any unauthorized or fraudulent attempts to obtain member information.

Computer Security

Computer security is very important as the use of computers and other mobile devices becomes an everyday activity. There are several things to consider when you look at security for your computer.

  • Anti-Virus Software. Anti-virus software checks for viruses that have attempted to enter your computer. Computer viruses are computer code loaded on someone’s computer without their knowledge and runs against their wishes. Computer viruses have a variety of effects including harming a computer's performance, disrupting the function of software and the deletion or theft of data. Update this software often, daily if possible, and run daily scans.
  • Anti-Spyware Software. Anti-spyware software checks for spyware someone may have attempted to place on your computer. The basic objective behind spyware is to manipulate your computer for unsolicited purposes by covertly tracing your moves or controlling your system. This is accomplished by tracking the sites you visit, recording keystrokes or scanning the documents located on your computer's hard drive. Update anti-spyware software often, daily if possible, and run daily scans.
  • Anti-Malware Software. Anti-malware software checks for malware someone may have attempted to place on your computer. Malware is any software that infects and damages a computer system without the owner's knowledge or permission. Malware includes computer viruses, computer worms, Trojan horses, spyware, crimeware, rootkits, backdoors and keystroke loggers. Update anti-malware software often, daily if possible, and run daily scans.

Identity Theft

Identity theft occurs when someone uses personally identifying information such as your name, Social Security Number or credit card number, without your permission, to commit fraud or other crimes. The FTC estimates that as many as 9 million Americans have their identities stolen each year.

Identity theft takes many forms. You may not find out about the theft until you review your credit report or a credit card statement and notice charges you didn’t make - or until a debt collector contacts you. It’s important to review account balances, credit card statements and other financial reports on a regular basis.

Identity theft is serious. Some victims spend significant time and money repairing damage to their name and credit, and others may be passed over for job opportunities or be denied loans because of negative information on their credit report.

Although there is no guaranteed method for preventing identity theft, there are steps you can take to limit your risk. Honda FCU has partnered with Fortra to provide our members with tips on how to better protect themselves against identity theft. Fortra also has information on preventing viruses, ATM safety, child online safety, online shopping, computer disposal and general security information.

Here are just a few quick tips to limit your risk of identity theft:

  1. Keep personal data private. Do not provide sensitive financial information over the Internet or phone, including SSNs, passwords, PINs or account numbers unless you initiated the contact to a verified and trusted institution.
  2. Be vigilant. Monitor online financial accounts frequently and promptly review account statements, credit cards and other bills.
  3. Watch for shoulder-surfers. When entering personal data in an ATM, phone booth, merchant checkout or even on a public computer, be aware of your surroundings to ensure others are not watching your keystrokes.
  4. Shred everything. Shred personal records, bills, credit card statements, old credit cards, ATM receipts, medical statements and even junk mail solicitations before disposing of them in order to prevent "dumpster-diving."
  5. Destroy digital data. When you sell, trade or otherwise dispose of a computer system, a hard drive or even a recordable CD, DVD or backup tape, extra steps are needed to ensure the data is destroyed. For CD, DVD or tape media, physically destroy media by breaking or shredding before disposal. For computer disposal, contact a local shredding or e-cycling company for certified data destruction information.

Links:

https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-know-about-identity-theft

BROWSER SECURITY

It is important to install regular updates to your browser to ensure you are protected from the latest security vulnerabilities.

What is Encryption?

Encryption is the process of transforming meaningful information (plaintext) into coded language (encoded text). Before any of your personal information is transmitted to Honda FCU’s online banking service, it is transformed into an encrypted string of characters – ensuring that the privacy of your information is maintained as it is transmitted over the Internet. Your information is then decoded into meaningful information upon receipt by Honda FCU.

BROWSER SAFETY

  • Your browser has a popup blocker that prevents popup windows from appearing on your screen. Some programs require you to disable this function temporarily. If you disable the popup blocker, remember to enable it when you’re finished.
  • When using a computer or accessing a website, never check the “remember my password” option. This will store your password in a standard location on the computer and may be located by other users.
  • Browsers have an option to save encrypted web pages to your hard drive. Because encrypted web pages generally require a password, you may be saving a copy of your password to the hard drive. Additionally, your web browser may auto fill usernames and passwords upon typing a few letters. Consider turning these features off to protect your personal information.

Please Note: If you are an online banking user, adding additional security measures such as “always delete cookies” will require use of your secondary password when using online banking.

CLEAR DATA FROM WEB BROWSERS

The ability to access the Internet from several locations is convenient, but it can pose a security risk to personal information. It is important to clear data such as browser history, cookies, saved passwords and web forms. Never check the "remember my password" option when using a public computer.

Please consult the help menu within your preferred web browser for instructions on how to clear data safely and securely.

Securing Your Mobile Device

Follow these simple guidelines to help you maximize your device security and make the most of mobile payment security features.

  • Lock It Up. Be sure to use a password, PIN, fingerprint scanning or facial ID. For extra security, use a different password to access apps.
  • Use Two-Factor Authentication.  Utilize two-factor authentication (two-step ID verification process) should your mobile device offer it.
  • Be Smart. Sign up for Apple’s Find My Phone or Google’s Find My Device to help you locate a lost or stolen smart phones.
  • Don’t Delay. Check for an install software updates on your phone.

Stay Informed with These Essential Alerts

Enjoy the security of setting up alerts on your smartphone. There are two kinds of alerts to let you know about activity and your accounts:

  • Visa Purchase Alerts. These let you know where your money is going whenever your Visa card is used for a purchase. Simply visit the HondaFCU.org and scroll down to QUICK LINKS, then click on VISA ALERTS. Follow three simple steps to set up alerts that will bring you peace of mind.
  • Account Alerts. Set up alerts to track your account balance and important transactions, including those that happen online. Choose between email, phone call, text message or secure website message. From the HondaFCU.org homepage, log into Digital Banking to sign up. Simply click Services and then Alerts.