Online Banking Fraud Prevention

User ID and Password Guidelines

• Create a “strong” password with at least 8 characters that includes a combination of mixed-case letters, numbers, and special characters.
• Change your password frequently.
• Never share username and password information.
• Avoid using an automatic login feature that saves usernames and passwords.

General Guidelines

• Do not use public or other unsecured computers for logging into Consumer eBanking.
• Check the last login date/time, displayed in the upper left hand corner of the Financial Center page, every time you log in.
• If the system does not recognize your computer or location, you will be asked to provide additional information to log into Consumer eBanking. This may include Out-of-Band Authentication via phone or SMS.
• Review account balances and detail transactions regularly (preferably daily) to confirm payment and other transaction data and report any suspicious transactions immediately. Contact your local branch office or call our Customer Service Center at 800-773-5601.
• Whenever possible, use Bill Pay instead of checks to limit account number exposure and to obtain better electronic record keeping.
• Take advantage of and regularly view system alerts; examples include:
  • Balance alerts
  • Transfer alerts
  • Password change alerts
  • ATM/Debit Card alerts
  • Bill Payment alerts
• Do not use account numbers, your Social Security number, or other account or personal information when creating account nicknames or other titles.
• Never leave a computer unattended while using Consumer eBanking.
• Never conduct banking transactions while multiple browsers are open on your computer.

Tips to Avoid Phishing, Spyware and Malware

• Do not open e-mail from unknown sources. Be suspicious of e-mails purporting to be from a financial institution, government department, or other agency requesting account information, account verification,or banking access credentials such as usernames, passwords, PIN codes, and similar information. Opening file attachments or clicking on web links in suspicious e-mails could expose your system to malicious code that could hijack your computer.
• Never respond to a suspicious e-mail or click on any hyperlink embedded in a suspicious e-mail. Call the purported source if you are unsure who sent an e-mail. If an e-mail claiming to be from the Bank seems suspicious, contact the Bank before opening.
• Install IBM Trusteer Rapport as an additional layer of security to any anti-virus or security software you already use. It works by protecting your internet connection and creating a tunnel for safe communication with Berkshire Bank's online banking. Trusteer Rapport is available through Berkshire Bank’s website and is highly recommended.
• Update all of your computers regularly with the latest versions and patches of both anti-virus and anti-spyware software.
• Ensure computers are patched regularly, particularly operating systems, browsers, and key applications.
• Check your settings and select, at least, a medium level of security for your browser.
• Be advised that you will never be presented with a maintenance page after entering login credentials. Legitimate maintenance pages are displayed when first reaching the URL and before entering login credentials.
• Consumer eBanking never displays pop-up messages indicating that you cannot use your current browser.
• Consumer eBanking error messages never include an amount of time to wait before trying to login again.
• Be advised that repeatedly being asked to enter your user ID or password are signs of potentially harmful activity.