Security
Online Banking Security Tips
Bank of Clarendon safeguards information according to established security standards and procedures in order to keep your financial information secure and confidential. In addition, we have external vendors perform regular audits of our system. The result is a "layered security" platform, one that ensures protection throughout the banking process, on your computer, during the transmission of information, and in the bank's own computer systems.
Layered security means that, rather than relying on one security measure, we use many lines of defense to protect your account information. Whether you are enrolling online for Internet Banking, viewing your account information, transferring money or paying your bills, you can depend on your accounts and your account information being safe.
Bank of Clarendon takes numerous steps to keep your accounts and personal information secure, and you also play a role in maintaining the security of your banking information. Here are some of the things Bank of Clarendon does and that you can do to keep your online banking safe.
What Bank of Clarendon Does to Protect You
Encryption
Bank of Clarendon uses a minimum 128-bit encryption for BOC Online Banking transactions, and each session uses a unique master key to encrypt messages. Encryption is a communications process that scrambles private information to prevent unauthorized access as during the exchange of information between your computer and the BOC Online servers. Once you sign off, the master key used for that session becomes useless, as it is only good for one session.
Timed Log Off
If you forget to log off or if your BOC Online banking session is inactive for more than 10 minutes, we take care of you by ending the session. You will need to log back in to access your information.
Secure Login
You authenticate your BOC Online Banking session by entering your unique User ID and password (also referred to as your PIN), both of which are encrypted as they pass over the Internet and before they are stored on our system. Once you change your password on the first access, we do not have access to your password.
Multi-Factor Authentication
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) detects uncharacteristic or unusual behavior involving your account. If anything out of the ordinary is detected we will verify your identity.
So how does it work?
If we detect any unusual or uncharacteristic activity, we will ask you to answer your security questions to make sure that it's really you. This will most likely be a very rare occurrence. Once you answer your questions, you can continue banking, with an even higher level of security.
Transaction Monitoring
After a brief monitoring period, you will be prompted to select some personal verification questions. During a future log in or transaction, we may ask you to answer these questions if we don't recognize your computer or location, or if you are attempting to complete a transaction for which we need a second level of authorization.
Customer Responsibilities
These are tips for you to help keep your online banking safe and secure.
Protect the Confidentiality of Your User ID and Password
Creating a good password and keeping it a secret are essential to keeping your Internet banking account secure. It is strongly recommended that you follow these guidelines to prevent someone from obtaining your password and abusing your account.
- Make your password unique and change it regularly. We will require you to change it at least once per year.
- Memorize your password. Your user ID and password authenticate you when you begin an online banking session. You should memorize this password and never write it down anywhere or reveal it to anyone.
- Do not share your password with anyone. Sharing your password (PIN) is the same as giving that individual authority to use your name in a transaction.
If you forget your User ID or password, you can contact Customer Service at (803) 433-4451. After positively identifying you, they will be able to find your User ID and reset your password so you may choose a new one. Do not release any personal information on the phone, in the mail, or over the Internet unless you initiate the contact or are certain you know with whom you are dealing.
Log Off When You Are Finished Using Internet Banking
We recommend our Internet banking users complete online transactions and log off before visiting other sites or turning off their PCs. We also suggest you do not visit other sites while logged on to the Internet Banking Service. In addition, you may not always be at your own computer when you bank online. Therefore, it's important to sign off when you're finished banking.
Use A Current Browser and Anti-Virus Software
We recommend you use a modern browser and install and use a good quality anti-virus software. It is also very important that you stay up-to-date with patches and updates on these also. There are security patches issued regularly that fix new issues that may be exploited.
Help Keep Your Information Secure
As explained in Bank of Clarendon's Internet Banking Service Agreement, you are responsible for keeping your online password, account numbers, personal identification information, and other account data confidential.
- Do not give or disclose any part of your User ID and Password to anyone. Bank employees may request your User ID when accessing your account profile, but should never ask for your password.
- Do not send your User ID, password, or account information over any public or general e-mail system.
- Do not release any personal information on the phone, in the mail, or over the Internet unless you initiate the contact or are certain you know whom you're dealing with.
- Contact us immediately if there are charges on your account you don't recognize.
- Do not leave your computer unattended while you are connected to the Internet Banking Service.
You can also learn more about online safety and security at these websites:
EXTERNAL WEBSITE DISCLAIMER
At certain places on this site, there are links to other websites. Bank of Clarendon does not control those external sites and does not guarantee the content of these sites and subsequent links.
If You Have Suspicions
If you notice suspicious activity within your account or experience security-related events (such as a Phishing email), you can contact anyone at the bank and you will be quickly and courteously guided to the person responsible for such issues.