BEST PRACTICES FOR SAFE INTERNET USE

Prior to using Internet Banking, Adams County National Bank recommends the following precautions to help in reasonably securing your computer environment:

1. Regularly update your operating system with patches. Your computers operating system needs continual maintenance for your protection. Without the latest patches, you are vulnerable to attacks on the Internet. Keep it up to date and frequently check it.

For Microsoft^® operating systems, go to:
http://www.update.microsoft.com/windowsupdate/v6/default.aspx?ln=en-us

For Apple^® operating systems, go to:
http://www.apple.com/support/downloads/

2. Install a firewall. A firewall helps “hide” your computer from Internet attacks. Microsoft XP and Vista both come with one already installed. Make sure it is on and configured. Consult your computer vendor for assistance. There are also firewall software packages you can purchase along with anti-virus software. Free firewall software packages are available as well.

3. Use Anti-Virus (AV) software and keep it up to date. This is often a case of you get what you pay for. There are good free AV products, but our advice is to purchase a commercial AV product and maintain a current subscription to keep the anti-virus signatures up to date. Many times people initially purchase anti-virus software and never update it, thinking they are safe when in fact, their subscription ran out and their software is now out of date.

4. Use Anti-Spyware software and keep it up to date. Again, you get what you pay for. Often, commercially available anti-virus software also includes anti-spyware, anti-phishing and a firewall.

5. Physically secure your computer. A best practice is to secure the computer you intend to use for accessing Internet Banking from use by others. If others are going to use the same computer, be vigilant of their activities.

6. Additional precautions:

    a. Hardware Router. Many times, people simply plug their computer into their High Speed Internet Connection. This is a big mistake. If you are connected to the Internet through high-speed media such as DSL or Cable TV, it is advisable to install a Router between your DSL or Cable modem and your computer. A Router is a piece of hardware that acts as a firewall, screening your computer from the Internet. It is important to note that a firewall is still recommended on your computer as well. The Router is not a substitute for a software firewall.

    b. Wireless Router Precautions. Wireless connections to the Internet need to be properly configured to prevent unauthorized access to your computer. Follow the installation instructions very carefully or consult a professional installer.

    c. User ID and Password Precautions. Safeguard these! Do not store them on a file located on your computer. If your computer becomes compromised by a hacker, they will then have your User ID and Passwords. Don't share them with anyone or write and post them near your computer.

    d. Using public computers to access your accounts. Avoid doing this, because you can't trust the public computer. If you absolutely must use a publicly accessible computer, be certain to check “no” when the following question displays on the screen “Do you want to enhance your computer”. As an added precaution, contact the customer contact center immediately after you are done and change your Internet Banking password.

    e. Be cautious in opening emails from unknown senders. Don't open email attachments or click hyperlinks on an email unless you are sure the sender is someone you know and trust. Please be aware that Adams County National Bank will never send you an email asking you to verify your user names, account numbers or passwords.