What You Can Do To Protect Yourself
At Mechanics Bank, we have the most up-to-date Internet security measures in place to guard your privacy. By taking the precautionary steps listed below, you can further improve the chances that your private information will stay out of the hands of Internet thieves and online con artists.
1) Install anti-virus software. Once you have it installed, keep it up to date so you’ll be protected against the latest viruses.
2) Use a firewall. Firewall software can allow your computer to refuse undesired or suspicious connections and filter potential hackers.
3) Utilize antispyware. This can prevent your activities from being monitored and keep you from being directed to sites without your permission.
4) Be on guard for unsolicited “phishing” e-mails. “Phishing” usually takes the form of authentic-looking e-mails that try to get you to reveal private information such as your Social Security Number or account number. These e-mails will often warn of a problem with your account and then provide a link to a legitimate-looking company website where you’re directed to enter your personal data—which is then used by thieves to steal your identity. Don’t reply to these messages; open any of their attachments or click on their links. If you believe such an e-mail message is legitimate, open a new browser window and contact the company using a URL you know to be valid.
Remember: Mechanics Bank will never ask for personal, account or password information in an e-mail. If you ever receive such a request, forward the e-mail requesting such information to firstname.lastname@example.org.
5) Confirm websites’ security. Be on guard for a practice that results in the redirection of the web page you are visiting to a look-alike website (a process known as “pharming”). Whenever Mechanics Bank’s site displays your account information or allows you to access information or make changes, we use Secured Socket Layer (SSL) technology, which verifies the server. These Web pages addresses always start with “https://” instead of “http://”. If you have been directed to a site that asks for or displays personal information, make sure the URL begins with “https://” and mouse-over the padlock image to ensure SSL is in place.
6) Be savvy when selecting passwords. Avoid predictable passwords such as personal or family information. Include both letters and numbers in your password. Use different passwords for different accounts and change them regularly.
7) Exercise caution when using public computers or those on shared networks. Computers at libraries, schools, Internet cafés and even home networks might harbor software that monitors your activity. Never access your Online Banking account from a public wireless Internet connection.
8) Speaking of wireless technology… If you use wireless at home, make sure it’s secured against intruders and monitoring by following the manufacturer’s security instructions.
9) Take care when answering Online Banking's security questions. When selecting answers to the security questions we use to verify your identity, use caution not to supply answers about you that are readily available or commonly known.
10) Open mail from Mechanics Bank promptly. Account activity and security information we send you by mail should be reviewed in a timely manner to ensure all is correct.
11) Keep software up to date. Older software is more vulnerable to hackers.
12) Close your browser after using MechDirect. Some of your account information may stay in your browser’s memory—and accessible to others--until the browser is closed.
13) Review your credit report regularly. Check your credit reports twice a year to monitor for unauthorized activity. You may obtain one free report from each of the three credit reporting agencies each year by visiting www.annualcreditreport.com or calling 877-322-8228. You may also contact the agencies directly for additional reports:Equifax: 800-685-1111
Learn about the security measures we take to protect your online banking account