HBCECU Website Security
The HBCECU web presence currently utilizes four methods of
online communication for the use of our members. These
methods include Online Banking, email, and online
submission form, and an online loan application. The level
of security of each of these should be understood by all members
prior to usage in order to ensure that no sensitive information
is intercepted by third-parties.
Online Loan Application and Online Banking
These are the most secure of the four. Both utilize the
highest level of encryption available to ensure that sensitive
member information is never seen by anyone but you or the loan
officer who reviews your application. When you visit the Loan
Application page or the Online Banking page you will notice a
padlock ( )
appear at the bottom of your browser window. The padlock
indicates that the connection between your computer and our
server is secured by a 128-bit encryption algorithm. Any
information you sent to us or request from us is protected
from prying eyes.
Online Submission Forms and Email
When you visit the suggestion box using the "Easy
Link" from the home page, or using the hyperlink from the
Contact page, you will notice there is no padlock at the
bottom of your browser window. This is because the
submission form uses an email service to send the message, and
since email is NOT a secure way to send us a message, you
should never send any personal account information via this
method. Also, since we cannot verify your identity via
an email message, we will never release any account
information back to a sender. This is for your
protection. Currently, the most secure way to make
account inquiries is via telephone or by logging into the
Online Banking System. Use email and the submission form
for general inquiries about the products and services that the
HBCECU provides or for other non-personal inquiries that do
not reveal sensitive information.
Refer any other questions about the HBCECU's online security
measures to David Laughlin via webmaster@hbcecu.com.
If you would like to learn more about security read below for a
brief tutorial on the latest in Internet security.
Online Security
Before you engage in transactions involving personal
information over the web you need to ask yourself one
question How secure are online transactions? The answer
may surprise you.
With today's encryption technology, buying and communicating
online is safer in many ways than buying a meal at a restaurant
and handing your credit card to the waiter to pay—provided
the proper security measures are taken. It is also more
secure than ordering items over the phone or by mail.
HOW CAN INFORMATION SUBMITTED OVER THE INTERNET BE SO
SECURE?
The answer lies in the technology used to encrypt—or
protect—it. Encrypted information appears as a jumbled mix of
characters if it is intercepted by hackers on its way from your
computer to its destination. These characters are nearly
impossible to decipher. When the information arrives at its
destination, the system uses a "key" to unlock and
decipher it, so the transaction can be completed.
Most sites that offer online ordering provide a detailed
description of their security features. We recommend reading
these before placing an order, to put your mind at ease.
How to Tell If an Online Transactions Is Secure
LOCK AND KEY ICONS
Look in the lower left-hand corner of your browser screen.
- With Internet Explorer, a closed lock ()
will appear if the document is secure. The information you
provide will be encrypted when you submit it. If no lock is
present, the document is not secure and can be more easily
intercepted by hackers.
- With Netscape, a closed lock (
 )
(version 4) or a whole key ( )
(earlier versions) indicates that the document is secure,
while an open lock ( )
or broken key ( )
means it is not.
SECURITY ALERT BOX MESSAGES
The first time you access a secure document, an alert box will
pop up in your browser to let you know the information you enter
will be encrypted when you submit it over the Internet.
You have the option to turn this alert off or to let it
continue to appear in the future. We recommend you let it appear
each time you enter a secure document. It's a great way to know
the information you're sending is secure, without having to keep
your eye on your browser's lock or key.
NEVER enter your credit card information
into a document that is not secure. Such documents offer no
protection against hackers and others who might want to
get their hands on your personal information. Simple forms that
do not require sensitive (i.e. credit card or personal)
information do not need to be safeguarded in this manner, and
you should feel safe submitting them without fear.
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