Internet Banking Security Information

How We Protect You

• We provide a user ID and initial password that you will be prompted to change when you sign-in for the first time.
  
• As an extra level of security and protection, you will be prompted to use two-factor authentication when signing in to a new device for the first time. First, you will enter your email address and phone number (mobile or landline).Once this information is entered, you’ll choose one of three options to receive a one-time verification code: 1. Text message to the mobile phone entered, 2. Automated phone call to phone number entered, or 3. Use the Authenticator or Authy App. After entering the verification code, if you are logging in from a secure computer, you have the option to select “Don’t ask for code again on this computer.” This allows you to avoid having to enter a verification code during each login. This option should never be selected on a shared or public computer
  
• Passwords are simple to remember but must be changed every 12 months. Also, you cannot use the same password that has been used the previous 4 times. Even though this may seem inconvenient at times, fraudsters are less likely to be able to use your password if you change it often.
  
• Our Online Banking system will send a message to verify you are still using the system after 8 minutes of inactivity. If you do not give an affirmative response, you will be automatically logged off. This is to keep someone else from accessing your accounts if you are away from your computer or fail to log off.
  
• During any transaction, we require 128-bit encryption to make your information nearly impossible to decipher should someone intercept the transmission. When signed on to NetTeller you should see several items that assure you are on our secure site: https:// (the “s” means secure) and a “closed lock” symbol followed by Jack Henry & Associates, who is our partner in providing a secure webpage.
  
• Citizens Bank of Americus will never call or send emails asking you to verify any of your personal information. This includes account numbers, passwords, social security numbers, PINs, or any other confidential information.
  

Your Responsibilities - to ensure a secure online banking experience:

• Review your account statement on a regular basis and promptly report any suspicious or fraudulent activity. Consumers and small business customers (who operate under a consumer type of account) have 60 days from the date of the 1st statement where the problem or error occurred to report any unauthorized activity in order to receive a refund. We will credit you for funds transferred from your accounts up to the amount of your loss when you notify us within the 60 day period. If you do not notify us within the 60 days, you will not receive a refund. Additionally, we will credit you for any bank fees resulting from the error. PLEASE NOTE: Business customers have only 24 hrs. to report any unauthorized activity in order to be guaranteed a refund.
  
• Protect your account information and password by:
  
  • Never sharing them with others. If you share this information with someone, all transactions they initiate with the information are considered to be authorized by you, even for transactions you did not intend for them to make.
    
  • Signing off when your transactions are complete. Do not close down your browser without properly signing off.
    
  • Not using public computers for banking activities. If you must, be sure to delete your personal information from the cache memory of the computer.
    
  • Being aware of suspicious emails or unfamiliar websites
    
  • Limiting your online shopping to companies you know and trust
    
  • Registering for SecureCode by Mastercard, a free service that protects your debit card from unauthorized use when you shop online
    
• Make sure your web-browser, anti-virus and anti-spyware software are up to date.
  • Mobile device operating system requirements
    • iOS Version 11 or greater is required
    • Android Version 5.0 or greater is required as of July 1, 2019
  • Browser requirements
    • Microsoft Internet Explorer - Only version 11 will be supported. Our 60 day grace period means that after March 12, 2016, any older version of Internet Explorer may be denied access.
    • Microsoft Edge - will be supported at the latest version only. Access may be denied to older versions 60 days after a new version is released.
    • Google Chrome - should automatically update and major updates are released approximately every 12 weeks. If Chrome is two versions older than the current stable channel version, access may be denied.
    • Apple Safari - currently only sees major upgrades during the Fall. Access may be denied to older versions 60 days after a new version is released. However, this change requires that the new Safari version is available on both MacOS and iOS devices.
    • Mozilla FireFox - should automatically update. If FireFox is two versions older than the current stable channel version, access may be denied.
• We recommend our Business Customers perform a risk assessment and implement more controls based on your particular needs. Typically businesses have multiple people who have the ability to access their online banking services, which potentially exposes them to a greater risk of fraud. Limiting access and implementing dual control of log-in information might help to lower the risk.

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