Internet Security

Always keep in mind that The First National Bank of Bryan will never send email containing attachments, or require customers to send personal information to us via email or pop-up windows. Any unsolicited request for a First National Bank of Bryan account information you receive through emails or Web sites should be considered fraudulent and reported to us immediately.

About Security

Security is one of the most important issues we faced in making this service available to our customers. We have taken strong measures to ensure that your information remains confidential. The first step is the use of a secure browser. Certain browsers and computers have the ability to communicate securely by scrambling information as it passes across the Internet. The method of communication is called SSL, or Secure Socket Layer. We require the use of a 128-bit encryption secure browser before a connection can be made to the transaction system. After you reach us using the secure browser, we take steps to make sure your information remains secure and confidential. Your information passes through a "firewall," which is a computer specifically designed to keep out unauthorized users.

Before gaining access to any account information, each individual is authenticated by a personal access ID, authentication image and phrase, and a complex password. This means your access codes should contain numbers, letters, and special characters/symbols. No one else will be able to access your accounts because your image, phrase, and password are know only to you. Every time you log in to Internet Banking the bank identifies you, and it lets you identify the bank using a private image and phrase along with your access ID and password.

We currently use some of the most sophisticated commercially-available technologies to provide you with a powerful and multi-functional online experience that leads the way through attractive design, relevant information, ease of use and a high standard of online security. First National Bank continually strives to remain on the leading edge of Internet technology. But, Internet security is a cooperative effort, and we need your assistance.

What is Encryption and what does it mean to me?

Encryption is the scrambling of information for transmission back and forth between two points. This technology allows for secure transmittal on the Internet by encoding the data using a mathematical formula that scrambles the data. A key is then required to decode the transmitted data. The effectiveness, or level of security, of encryption is measured in bits or how long the "decoder" key is. The 128-bit encryption technology uses a key that is many times longer than 40-bit technology. Comparing 128-bit security with 40-bit security is like comparing a combination lock that requires a hundred numbers to open to a combination lock that requires only three numbers to open.

What can I do to make myself more secure?

First National Bank requires that you download the most recent version of a recommended Web browser, which supports 128-bit encryption technology. Currently, the most recent versions of Netscape Navigator and Microsoft Internet Explorer are available for free download via the Internet and both support this technology.

OK, I've done all of that. Is there anything else?

First National Bank recommends a second method for practicing good Internet safety. Get into the habit of visiting fnb-bcs.com and performing all financial transactions before venturing out onto the Web for general surfing.

First National offers Online Banking and Bill Pay to our customers. These services allow you to access your deposit and loan accounts through an authentication process which uses personal access IDs and passwords and image and phrase. We employ a number of measures, as described in our Consumer Privacy Notice, to provide these services in a secure manner. These measures allow us to properly authenticate your identity when you access our services and protect your information as it traverses the Internet between your computer and First National Bank.

Our security measures must rely on these access codes remaining confidential. We strongly recommend that you do not share these access codes and passwords with others. Certain third party providers such as bill pay and bill presentment sites, financial aggregator sites, brokerage sites or other e-commerce sites may offer to provide services to you by accessing your accounts using your access codes and passwords. While it is your decision whether or not to use these services, please be advised that we cannot be responsible for the security and accuracy of the information displayed to you anywhere but at the First National Bank of Bryan Web site.

In addition, you should be aware of certain risks and should act responsibly when dealing with programs or files from unknown sources -- this applies both to software available on the Internet and sent via email. Installing files from unknown sources raises the risk of unknowingly downloading infected or malicious software or computer viruses. Once installed on your computer, these programs could potentially tamper with your files without your knowledge. We urge you to never run any untrusted or unfamiliar software or programs received from email or the Internet. As you chat, browse the Web or accept email from unknown persons, always be careful and a bit suspicious.

We also recommend the use of virus detection software that can ensure your computer is free from known viruses. Norton, Data Fellows, McAfee, and others offer anti-virus software that detects some of the most recently discovered viruses and malicious applications. We encourage you to check frequently for updates to these virus-detecting programs and install updates as necessary. Concerned consumers can keep abreast of security issues by visiting Microsoft's Security Advisor Web site or the Privacy Partnership Web site.

With all of this talk about security, should I be worried?

Not worried, but perhaps a little more cautious. We at First National Bank feel that the suggestions contained in this Security Statement, when followed, will allow our customers to perform their online banking activities in a safe and secure manner. Please refer to the Internet Banking and Bill Payment Agreement for further details about First National Bank's Online Banking Services.