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Why Security Is Important
Security protects the confidentiality of your financial information and prevents theft of your assets.
There is nothing more important to us than knowing that our client's Internet Banking transactions are
private and secure. Our system's sophisticated security architecture keeps unauthorized users from
accessing any of your financial information through the Internet.
Internet Security Overview
One of the basic tools used to ensure Internet security is encryption. Encryption happens as follows:
When you go to the sign-on page for online banking, your browser establishes a secure session with our
server. The secure session is established using a protocol called Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) Encryption.
This protocol requires the exchange of what are called public and private keys. Keys are random numbers
chosen for that session and are only known between your browser and our server. After the keys are
exchanged, your browser will use the numbers to scramble (encrypt) the messages sent between your browser
and our server. Both sides require the keys because they need to de-scramble (decrypt) the messages when
they are received. The SSL protocol not only ensures privacy, but also ensures that no other browser can
"impersonate" your browser, nor alter any of the information sent. You can tell whether your browser is
in secure mode by looking for the secured lock symbol at the bottom of your browser window. The numbers
used as encryption keys are analogous to combination locks. The strength of encryption is based on the
number of possible combinations that a lock can have. As the number of possible combinations grows, it
becomes less likely that anyone would be able to guess the combination in order to decrypt the message.
Current versions of today's browsers offer 128-bit encryption, which results in 2 128 possible
combinations. Older browser versions may only offer 40-bit encryption, which we feel is not sufficient
in today's world of sophisticated technology. Our servers require the use of 128-bit capable browsers.
It is also important to verify that only authorized users log into the online banking system. We use
password verification to ensure user authorization. When you submit your password, it is compared with
the password we have encrypted and stored in our secure data center. We limit the number of times you
can enter your password incorrectly. We monitor and record "bad-login" attempts to detect any suspicious
activity (i.e., someone trying to guess your password). You play a crucial role in preventing others
from logging on to your account. Never use passwords that are easy to guess. Examples of bad passwords
are: birth dates, first names, pet names, addresses, phone numbers, social security numbers, etc. Never
reveal your password to another person. You should periodically change your password while logged in to
our online banking system.
We also "time out" an Internet banking session after a specified period of inactivity. This keeps
others from viewing or continuing Internet banking activity if you leave your PC unattended. However,
we recommend that you always sign off (log out) when you have finished your online banking.
All systems are secured with multiple layers of encryption, firewalls, screening, and filtering
routers.
All sensitive data is protected from direct access from the Internet.
The following measures are employed:
- Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) Encryption provides a secure channel for data transmission across
computer networks using public key cryptography.
- For added security, we maintain Strong Password Requirements, meaning we require one letter,
one numeric character, and a longer password.
- Firewalls and Redundant Screening/Filtering Routers are gateways that verify the source,
destination, and protocol of each data packet before it is sent.
- Security procedures are audited by an outside firm on an annual basis. Federal Bank examiners
review the results of this audit. In addition, an independent security firm routinely performs
penetration and security testing on Internet Banking systems.
Electronic Mail
Messages sent by e-mail may not be secured, may be intercepted by third parties and may not be
immediately received by the appropriate department at Pinnacle Bank. Please do not use e-mail to send
us communications that contain confidential information, which we require in writing or which need our
immediate attention. Please call us instead at (480) 609-0055. Be aware that a "receipt" acknowledgment
on an e-mail message means only that the message has routed into the Internet, not that the message has
been received by Pinnacle Bank. Urgent or confidential matters should be addressed via phone or in
person. Written authorizations should be provided via U.S. mail or in person.
About "cookies"
Cookies are commonly used on web sites and do not harm your system. By configuring your preferences
or options in your browser, you determine if and how a cookie will be accepted. We use cookies on our
Internet Banking system to display information more effectively to you.
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