PremierOnline Security Update Required on January 31, 2007

 

On January 31, 2007, we released enhancements to PremierOnline. One of the many enhancements is a security upgrade that incorporates Multi-Factor Authentication. Multi-Factor Authentication takes security beyond the current single-factor authentication of your user ID and a password.

 

What does the security upgrade mean to you?
T he first time you log into PremierOnline you will be required to perform a "Security Update" prior to gaining online access to your accounts.

Why do I need to update? 
The update to PremierOnline's security technology will provide you with the best security possible when accessing your accounts online. Multi-Factor Authentication consists of validation and authentication of an individual using more than one method of verification. Generally, this is accomplished by verifying three things:

1. Something you are, in the form of identifying information like your dog's name or where you went to high school.
2. Something you have, for example a driver's license, or a security token.
3. Something you know, such as a password.

Item #1 - You will need to create three (3) question and answer pairs. This allows us to verify that you are in fact, you, by presenting you with a question that only YOU know the answer to. If you don't answer the question correctly, you will not gain access to your accounts.

Item #2 - You will also need to create a "Security Key". This allows you to verify that you have reached our "legitimate" online account access site, and not some other site. Every time you attempt to log in, you will see the Security Key that you created. If you do not see that Security Key or it is not the one you created then you know that you are NOT at OUR site. If this happens, please contact us immediately.

Item #3 - This is one that you already know. This is your password.
 
Frequently Asked Questions

• Why has the login page changed?
• Why all this attention to security?
• What is the Random Code?
• What is my Security Key? 
• What does "Remember this computer" mean? 
• What does "Do not remember this computer" mean?
• What is a secure cookie?
• Can I remember my account on another computer?
• Can I, my spouse and my children remember our accounts on the same computer?
• Do I have to re-remember my computer when I delete my cookies?
• Why do I have to remember again when I use a separate browser on the same computer to access PremierOnline?
• Will my password change?
• What if I forget my password or the answers to my questions?
• Can I change my questions and/or my Security Key?

 

Why has the login page changed?

It is our commitment to you that access to your financial information is appropriately secure. The change you will see on the login page after the upgrade in early January is due to enhanced measures to secure our online account access site.  As always, if you have any questions or concerns regarding these changes please contact us.  The following details a summary of the first time you log in after the mandatory Security Update:

The login process is changing in three ways:

1. Login will become a multiple step process instead of one screen where you enter your Account Number and password.  You must now enter your Account Number and a Random Code.
2. You will be asked to answer one of your challenge questions. If you choose to remember your computer  you will bypass this step. Remembering your computer is on the last step of the login process.
3. The last screen will prompt you to verify the Security Key that you selected during the security update and to enter your password. You may select to remember your computer  here.

Why all this attention to security?

While the chances of identity theft or monetary loss are slim, there do exist active malicious entities on the Internet that look to fraudulently gain from unsuspecting individuals. One of the most popular methods of fraud is through impersonating individuals during the login process. It is our intention to make this process as difficult as possible for these fraudsters while keeping your experience as hassle-free as possible.

What is the Random Code?

The Random Code is an extra security measure used to eliminate fraudsters from randomly selecting account numbers.  It is randomly generated each time you try to log in.

What is my Security Key?

The Security Key is used to help you identify our Internet Banking as a legitimate site. When you log into PremierOnline you will see the Security Key on every page.

Some things to keep in mind:

• Use a unique set of characters or word(s) that you can use to identify our online account access site has your Security Key
• Please do not enter any PIN's or Passwords as your Security Key

What does "Remember this computer" mean?

If you choose to remember your computer, you will not be prompted to answer one of the challenge questions you set up during enrollment. You will still have to enter in your account number, password and the Random Code. You can remember your computer after you have completed the initial enrollment and login. The system uses a secure cookie, which is information about your hardware and software to recognize a remembered computer. If you delete your browser cookies on your computer, you will have to re-remember the computer. The secure cookie will periodically expire on your computer and will require you to remember your computer again.

What does "Do not remember this computer" mean?

If you are using a computer that is accessed by numerous users (Ex. library or at airport kiosks) we recommend that you do not remember your account on this computer. We only recommend you remember your personal computer at home or at work.

What is a secure cookie?

A secure cookie is a small text file with hashed content that is placed on a computer to help identify the user.  In this case, the cookie that is stored on your computer during login lets you bypass your personalized challenge questions whenever you access PremierOnline in the future. The secure cookie will periodically expire on your computer and will require you to remember your computer again.

Can I remember my account on another computer?

Yes. You can remember your account on more than one computer.

Can I, my spouse and children remember our accounts on the same computer?

Yes. You can remember numerous accounts on the same computer. This will bypass the challenge questions when you log in.

Do I have to re-remember my computer when I delete my cookies?

Yes. The system uses your computer hardware and software information to recognize you are a legitimate user. If you delete your cookies, the information is no longer available to authenticate your login. You will be prompted to answer one of your challenge questions.

Why do I have to remember again when I use a separate browser on the same computer to access PremierOnline?

When you remember your account on a certain computer it stores software and hardware information used to access PremierOnline. The system stores information like your browser (Internet Explorer, Netscape, Firefox) and operating system (Windows XP, 2000, Macintosh). If you access PremierOnline with anything different for future logins, you are required to remember the new system information.

Will my password change?

No. If you currently use PremierOnline. The password you currently use to log in will remain the same. If you currently do not use PremierOnline, the password used to access your account the first time is the primary account owner's Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), which for a personal account or Sole Proprietor business account is a Social Security Number (SSN) or Employer Identification Number (EIN) for other types of business accounts. 

What if I forget my password or the answers to my questions?

Please feel free to contact us by phone and we can reset your online access after we verify your identity over the phone. For your security, we only reset online access without verifying your identity over the phone or in person.

Can I change my challenge questions and/or my Security Key?

Yes. Once you log into PremierOnline you will have access to change your challenge questions and/or your Security Key.