Achieva Financial makes information security a top priority. We use advanced technologies to protect your information against unauthorized access, alteration or misuse. To help us protect you we invite you to learn more about Achieva Online security, safe computing, and how to protect your identity.
Achieva Online Security Features
Whether you are paying your bills with Achieva Online or just checking your account balance, Achieva has gone to great lengths to ensure your confidentiality and security.
Encryption
Encryption is used for all online transactions or whenever personal or financial information is requested of you. Encryption encodes the information that flows between your computer and our computer systems scrambling the data into an unreadable format, making it very difficult for unauthorized individuals to intercept, read or alter your online communications.
We require that your browser support 128-bit encryption when you access Achieva Online. If your browser does not support 128-bit encryption, you will likely receive an error message when you attempt to login to our secure website.
Use of Cookies
Our Internet Banking Service uses "cookies" to maintain a connection with you. A cookie is a small amount of information, stored on your computer in an encrypted form that is intermittently sent to and from our Internet Banking Server. As you move from page to page within our online banking system our server checks its cookie to ensure requests for information are coming from the person who originally signed in.
These cookies ensure that each session is unique and authorized between the user and Achieva Online. When you sign out these cookies expire.
Email and Security
Generally speaking, email is not secure. You should never include account numbers, credit card numbers or passwords in an email. Only general inquiries should be sent from your home or office email address, however, you may send us a personal and confidential message by using the Achieva Online secure messaging feature. Notes sent to us through secure messaging are communicated directly to Achieva and are not sent across the Internet like regular email. This secure messaging feature can be found on the left side navigation bar of Achieva Online by clicking on "secure messaging."
For your protection, we require that you "Login" when using our online banking website and recommend that you "Logout" when you are done. You should never leave your computer unattended while logged in. As added protection, we will automatically log you out if there has been no online activity for a period of time.
We recommend that you close your browser after using Achieva Online to view your account history or to complete financial transactions. This will ensure that any information temporarily stored in your browser is erased, preventing others from viewing this information later. This is particularly important when using common or public computers such as at a library, Internet café, or school.
Safe Computing Tips
Just as you play a vital role in ensuring the security of your home and your possessions, you too share in the responsibility for ensuring that your personal information is adequately protected. Once personal information has reached your computer, it is up to you to protect it.
Use Strong Passwords
Your password along with your account number grants you access to your personal information and Achieva Online services. You don't want someone else to easily guess this login information.
- Choose unique passwords. Longer passwords between 8 and 16 characters, using a mix of letters and numbers, are stronger.
- Try to avoid passwords that are real words or obvious choices, such as family names, birthdays or telephone numbers.
- Avoid using the same password for multiple applications or Internet services.
- Disable automatic password save features in the browsers and software you use to access the Internet. The password save feature is not an option on Achieva's website, regardless of your browser options.
- Install and use a personal firewall on your computer to ensure others cannot access your computer through the Internet.
Protect Your Password
We store your login information and passwords in a protected and secure environment, which is isolated from the Internet so they cannot be accessed or downloaded by unauthorized individuals. You too should ensure that this information is kept secret and safe:
- Memorize it
- Do not write it down
- Change it frequently
- Do not reveal it to anyone
Keep Your Software Up-to-date
The software you use can affect the security of your online activities. You should watch for warnings about security "holes" or "bugs" that may affect the software and Web browser you are using. It is good practice to regularly check for software updates on the website of your browser manufacturer.
Protecting Yourself Against Identity Theft
Identity thieves steal your personal information and use it to obtain funds or credit in your name. Identity theft can take months to detect and it can take even longer to correct the damage caused.
Basic rules to prevent identity theft:
- Keep important information in a safe place
- Only share personal information with trusted third parties
- Monitor bills and statements
- Ensure sensitive information is shredded when discarded
Unsolicited emails OR "Phishing" emails
Be cautious of “brand spoofing” emails and websites that request personal or financial information. Members are led to believe the request is from a valid company when in fact it is a malicious attempt to collect information for the purpose of committing fraud including identity theft.
Achieva will NEVER attempt to collect personal information from you such as passwords or account numbers via email.
How does phishing work?
- Customers receive an unsolicited email appearing to be from a legitimate company.
- The email claims that a billing error or account problem has occurred or that the customer can enter a contest to win a prize. Other enticements may be used.
- Customers are asked to follow instructions that will take them to a website that appears legitimate, complete with a company’s brand name and corporate colors.
- Customers are asked to provide updated personal and financial information by completing an online form. The form requests a variety of information such as credit card numbers, account numbers, passwords, date of birth, driver's license number, and social insurance numbers.
- There may be a risk associated with the request. For example, customers are asked to submit the information or risk having their account suspended or terminated.
Tips to help you identify and respond to potential “brand spoofing” emails or websites:
1. Never provide sensitive personal or financial information such as a credit card number, account number, driver’s license number, or social insurance number in response to an email.
2. Look for misspelled words either in the message or in the hyperlink if one is provided. “Brand spoofing” scams often contain misspelled words.
3. If the email requests that you click a link provided in the message, check the address to help determine if it is legitimate. Sometimes, the link does not resemble the company’s actual name at all. At other times, it is similar but may still appear suspicious.
4. If a link is provided in the message, do not click it because it may take you to a fraudulent website. Instead, type the company’s web address in the address bar of your browser. If you don’t know the address, use a search engine and search for the company’s name to help you locate it. Once on the site, search for any information, bulletins or notices that convey the same message provided in the email you received.
If you suspect you are a victim of identity theft, file a report with the police immediately. Ask for a copy so that you can provide the evidence to the various companies you have to contact. Then contact all of your financial institutions to ensure credit cards and accounts are secured.
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