Paradise Bank is committed to protecting your financial information.
It is equally important that you safeguard your information and your computer system as well. Criminals will always gravitate toward the easiest money. The more barriers that you can put into place, the more likely the criminal will go elsewhere. We strongly recommend that you read and use the following recommendations to stay as safe as possible online.
- Security Passcode Feature: Paradise Bank requires a "passcode" to complete specific, high-risk online banking transactions. This feature serves as an additional layer of identity verification to ensure that you are the user authorizing the activity. The passcode is a four-digit code sent via text message to a predefined mobile phone number. If you do not have texting capabilities, passcodes will also be available by calling Paradise Bank's at 561-392-5444, during regular business hours.
- Manage Your PIN/Password Effectively: Make your Password as long and complex as possible. Do not use the same Password for every website that you visit; keep your online banking Password unique and do not share it with others. Use a different ID and Password for every online banking access you have. Do not email your Password or respond to an emailed request for your Password or other confidential information. We will never ask you to submit confidential information in an email. Never allow your computer or web browser to store your login names or PINs/passwords. Do not include your User ID in your Password and avoid predictable sequences of characters such as “1234” or “abcd” in your Password. Avoid dictionary words or names as they are vulnerable to automated password crackers containing multilingual dictionaries. We require that you change your Password every 90 days.
- Verify Your Personal Image: If you do not see your personal image on the screen, log out of online banking immediately and contact the bank.
- Use and Maintain a Reputable Antivirus Software Program: Some programs may be better than others in regard to a particular feature, but any one of them is better than no antivirus protection at all. Do not use any antivirus software that advertises itself via unsolicited email or pop-up windows. Configure the software to update its virus definitions daily.
- Use a Software Firewall: If you are using Windows Vista, Windows 7, or Windows 8, enable the Windows Firewall. If you have a Mac and are running OS X 10.2 or above, enable the built-in firewall.
- Turn on Automatic Software Updates: This is a feature of some software which allows it to patch itself with very little effort from you. Make sure it’s turned on for your operating system, security software, and any applications that have the option.
- Use Email Notifications and Alerts: Using our Alerts menu in the Options tab, configure alerts to notify you of items such as Incoming ACH Debits, Insufficient Funds, etc.
- Be Aware of Your Internet Surroundings: Learn to tell scams from real email, and when not to follow links or open a document. Simply clicking the wrong link or visiting the wrong website can allow a criminal to download malware (software that is meant to cause harm) such as viruses, spyware, adware and Trojan horses. Malware can be something annoying such as popping up a window to show you unwanted advertising, or as dangerous as snooping on the keystrokes as you type your online banking User ID and Password. Sharing files on jump drives can also spread computer viruses and malware. Download and install software only from websites you know and trust. Scan any downloaded files for viruses before you open them. Immediately delete email from unknown sources, before opening the email.
- Ensure a Secure Connection When Using a Wireless Network: Accessing sensitive information over a non- secure network simply leaves the door open for criminals. Even if you aren’t visiting a site where you enter an ID and Password, you are still leaving your computer exposed to possible threats.
- Log Out Properly: Always click on “Logout” at the top of the screen to ensure that no one with access to your computer can see your information or gain access to your accounts.
How do you know if your computer is infected?
No antivirus software can detect every variation of malware or virus. Even after following all of the tips above, your computer can still be compromised.
- Programs Running Slowly or Crashing: Many types of malware like to piggy-back on other applications, like web browsers, to monitor what they are doing. This can use a lot of your computer’s resources, causing it to slow down considerably. Or the malware may be poorly written and can slow down your computer or even crash other applications.
- Suspicious Network Traffic and Slow Internet Connection: In your Task Manager window (in Windows), if your internet network connection shows more than a few percent usage then this could be evidence of something using your internet connection without your knowledge.
- Antivirus Warnings: Antivirus software cannot detect all malware. Some malware will attempt to download other malware to do more damage. Antivirus software may detect one of these applications but not both. An antivirus warning, combined with other signs, is a good indication of an infection, especially if you’re not currently browsing the web or copying files.
What should you do if your computer is infected?
First, stop banking, shopping, or other online activities that involve sensitive information. Confirm that your antivirus software is enabled and up-to-date. Scan your computer for viruses. Allow the antivirus software to do its job, cleaning up and deleting viruses. Some malware is very sophisticated and can be difficult to remove even with the tools mentioned here. If you suspect that your computer is still infected, you should contact a professional. Many of the stores that sell computers also have services to repair them.
Security Recommendations for Multiple Users and Businesses:
- Monitor Your Account Daily: Review your transactions for errors and suspicious activity.
- Maintain Dual Control: Several functions within our system allow for two levels of authorization when performing a transaction. Consider the use of dual control to maintain the security of your transactions, the protection of your users, and the integrity of your transactions against simple mistakes.
- Use Email Notifications and Alerts: Using our Alerts menu in the Options tab, configure alerts to notify you of items such as Wires Transmitted, ACH Batches Initiated, Incoming ACH Debits, Insufficient Funds, etc.
- Set Dollar Limits: Enter reasonable dollar limits for each user for ACH origination, wire transfers and internal transfers. Give access to services (and accounts) only to those users that absolutely need them.
- Utilize Time Restrict: With the Administrator function of online banking, Time Restrict can be found in the User Settings option of the Cash Manager tab. This allows the administrator to identify the days and times that a user may access online banking, therefore thwarting any attempt by a criminal to log in at an unusual hour.
- Use Positive Pay: This is a fraud protection service that matches your issued checks to your paid checks every day and over the teller counter.
- Use ACH Block: Return all unauthorized ACH debits automatically.
- Train Users: Make sure your users understand the services they have been provided and the importance of the systems security outlined in this document.
- Regularly Consult Your IT Resources: Ensure that your systems keep up with the latest software versions and are protected against invasion by viruses, malware, Trojan horses, key logging software, etc.
- Consider Using a Stand-Alone Computer to Perform Cash Management Activities: Using a stand-alone, hardened computer that is not used for web-surfing or email will limit the exposure to malware and viruses. Make sure that the computer’s antivirus software and security patches are installed and kept current.
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Your security is very important to us! Please notify us immediately if you feel that your accounts have been compromised in any way, or if you have a change in system users. We can be reached at (561) 392-5444, or at operations@Paradisebank.com. When sending an email to us at this address, please do not include personal and confidential information as this is an unsecured form of communication. You may also use the “Contact/Contact Information” link on the top of our Online Banking screens and click on “Secure Mail” to send us a secure message outside of email.
