Encryption helps protect your private information by scrambling it so that it cannot be intercepted and read by anyone else. When you visit a site that requires encryption, your browser will display a key or a lock. If you are not in a secure area, the key or lock will be broken.

For Microsoft browsers: To check your level of encryption, go to the "File" menu, select "Properties," and then select "Security." Another way is to select "Help" then "About Internet Explorer."

Our firewall protects Bank of Texas's systems by allowing entry only to those who are authorized.

For digital identity verification, the Online Access system has a digital server certificate by VeriSign that your browser uses each time you sign on to verify that indeed you are connected to Bank of Texas's Online Access.

SECURITY TIPS

Your user ID and password are the keys to your accounts, and both identification codes are required to unlock access to your accounts. Use the following guidelines for selecting strong usernames and passwords in online and mobile access.

Tips For Creating a Strong Username

• Avoid using personal information like your first or last name, birthday or anniversary date, social security number, email address, mailing address, phone number or account number.
• Don’t use the same username on more than one website.
• Use more than just the minimum number of characters.
• Never share your username with anyone

Tips For Creating a Strong Password

• Don't use easy to guess passwords like "abc123", or obvious clues like a pet's name or your birthday.
• Don't use the same username and password combination on more than one website.
• Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols.
• Use more than just the minimum number of characters.
• Never share your password with anyone.
• Do not write or leave your password where it can be seen.
• No Bank of Texas representative will ever ask you for your online password, ever.

While Bank of Texas works to protect your accounts, you also have a role. There are a number of steps you can take to ensure that your online experience on the Internet is safe and secure.

Most importantly, don't reveal your online user ID and password to anyone. Your user ID and password help protect the privacy of your online information. It's a good idea to change your password periodically.

Don't leave your computer unattended if you are in the middle of a session.

Once you have finished your session, always sign off before visiting other sites on the Internet.

If anyone else is likely to use your computer, clear your browser cache or turn off your browser and re-start it in order to eliminate copies of Web pages that have been stored on your hard drive. How you clear your cache will depend on the browser and version you have. This function is generally found in the browser's preferences menu.

Bank of Texas recommends that you use a browser with 128-bit encryption.