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How can I engage in safe mobile banking with First Entertainment Credit Union?

With the predominant use of mobile banking, consumer’s concerns over the safety and security issues rarely wane.

At First Entertainment Credit Union, we constantly monitor the latest online security issues and take every precaution to secure all of our online services help protect you and your finances.

However, the first line of defense is you and the first step is simple: don’t lose your mobile devices! Their small size is greatest vulnerability. Thousands of laptops, smart phones, tablets, and USB sticks are lost at airports every year. And if your device contains personal identification information that is not secured, you are setting yourself up to be compromised. ALWAYS engage your mobile device’s keypad lock when you aren’t using it. And lock your laptop in public places with a security cable. You can also provide your own line of defense by following these guidelines to secure your mobile banking transactions on a tablet, phone, at an ATM, or when using your debit card:

Practice Safe Mobile Device Usage

DO’s:

  • DO secure your mobile devices with a strong pass code to power on or to wake it from the sleep mode.
  • DO keep track of your mobile devices when you are traveling; never leave them unattended anywhere, in your car, or stored on the floor, such as in a coffee shop.

DON’Ts:

  • DON’T store any usernames, passwords, or PINs on your mobile device.
  • DON’T modify your mobile device in any way that disables important security features.
  • DON’T enable Android’s “install from unknown sources” feature on mobile devices using the Android operating system.
  • DON’T conduct any online financial transaction on an App that you are not completely certain is legitimate.
  • DON’T open links in emails that ask you to supply personal or financial information. First Entertainment WILL NEVER ask you to supply this kind of information with an email link.
  • DON’T bank online in a public setting. However, if you have no other choice, use a privacy screen protector, such as those made by 3M, and make sure to erase any personal information once finished.
  • DON’T share your password with anyone.

Practice Safe Mobile Computing

DO’s:

  • DO use common sense when you connect: Be cautious about the sites you visit and the information you provide if you’re online through an unsecured or unprotected website.
  • DO check to be sure the site is security-enabled when banking and shopping on a mobile browser. Look for web addresses with “https:// or shttp://”, which means the site takes extra precautions to secure your information. “http://” is not secure for online transactions!
  • DO clear the browser’s cache and history before and after using a mobile browser for an online banking session.
  • DO remain aware of your surroundings when banking on a mobile device. Avoid typing in any sensitive information if others are around and can see your screen.

DON’Ts:

  • DON’T provide any of your banking information to any other party or website if you have reason to believe that it has an insecure connection – this includes using a connection through a public Wi-Fi service or a “hot spot,” sometimes provided through another person’s smartphone or personal computer.
  • DON’T conduct your mobile banking transactions on someone else’s Smartphone!

Install Real-Time Antivirus, Anti-Spyware Software and Updates

DO’s:

  • DO update the antivirus software and spyware installed on your mobile device; and, allow for automatic scanning and updates of all anti-virus and security software.
  • DO install software patches, mobile operating system updates, legitimate third-party application updates and hot fixes.
  • DO install the latest updates and/or patches for your mobile web browser.
  • DO run anti-virus software after using any public Internet or unsecured connections.

Create and Maintain Strong Passwords and PINs

DO’s:

  • DO create passwords using a combination of letters and numbers, and combine upper and lower-case letters that are at least 8 and typically not more than 20 characters long.
  • DO create passwords that are unique to you and difficult to guess.
  • DO change your passwords every 30 to 60 days.
  • If you suspect your accounts or personal identification numbers have been compromised, report the incident to First Entertainment Credit Union at 888-800-3328 immediately and change your passwords.

DON’Ts:

  • DON’T write down your passwords or PINs.
  • DON’T share your passwords with anyone.
  • DON’T create passwords that contain obvious information, such as your zip code, year of birth, phone numbers, address, relative’s name, pet’s name or nicknames – NEVER use personal information like your Social Security number.
  • DON’T use password managers and DON’T store passwords in your device when offered the “Remember Me” option.
  • DON’T use the same password for multiple devices; create unique passwords for each device.

Safeguard Your Personal Information

  • Personal Identification information includes your name, Social Security number, driver’s license number or identification card number, account number, credit card number, debit card number, mother’s maiden name, security code, access code, password, Personal Identification Number (PIN) or any information that would permit access to your account(s).
  • First Entertainment Credit Union will never ask you for personal information in an email or text message.
  • Stay current at all times on the status of your accounts:
  • Examine your financial statements on a regular basis.
  • Information about electronic transactions is provided within your statements. To protect your account, notify us immediately if you see any errors or unauthorized transactions.
  • Stay on top of your transactions in between statements by signing up for Alerts that will inform you when changes have been made to your accounts.
  • If you believe your online banking PIN has been lost or stolen, if someone has used your account without your permission, or if you have provided personal information to an unknown source, immediately notify First Entertainment Credit Union at 888-800-3328.
  • Shred any documents containing any personal information prior to disposing.

Practice Safe Wi-Fi Usage

  • Be savvy about Wi-Fi hotspots: limit the type of business you conduct on your mobile devices and adjust the security settings to limit who can access your phone.
  • Don’t use public Wi-Fi networks for credit union transactions.
  • Turn off your Bluetooth connection when not in use to limit the vulnerability of your device to remote access.

Practice Safe App Usage

DO’s:

  • DO download Apps only from trusted sources like Google Play and the Apple iTunes App Store.
  • DO review the privacy policy and understand what data the App can access on your device before you download.
  • DO download the official First Entertainment Mobile Banking App from the Google Play and the Apple iTunes App Store links on our Mobile Banking page.
  • DO always sign out of any App after you have completed your transactions.

DON’Ts:

  • DON’T set the App, web, or client-text service to automatically log you in to your Credit Union account. If your phone is lost or stolen, someone will have access to your accounts.
  • DON’T set your banking App to auto-populate your username and password.

Adopt Safe Email Practices

  • Whenever possible, avoid using a smartphone or tablet browser to make transactions at firstent.org. Instead, utilize the official First Entertainment Mobile Banking App found on Google Play and the Apple iTunes App Store.
  • To use a mobile device web browser to make a transaction, open a new browser window and enter the URL of the exact, trusted site.

DO’s:

  • DO be aware of questionable emails. Some may even contain legitimate looking bank/credit union logos and the information is structured to look like the official communications you receive from First Entertainment Credit Union. These questionable emails often contain grammatical or spelling errors. Delete without responding to their request for your personal identification information.
  • DO delete account sensitive emails that contain any information regarding your account activity.

DON’Ts:

  • DON’T follow a link in your email to a web site and then enter personal information, especially personal identification information.
  • DON’T open attachments or click on links contained in emails from unfamiliar sources.

Adopt Safe Texting Practices

DO’s:

  • DO frequently delete text messages received from First Entertainment.
  • DO verify the phone numbers that appear in a text message before you place a call or reply.
  • DO understand the criminal activity of SMShing that occurs via a SMS text message. SMShing occurs when a criminal sends out a text message encouraging you to reply with financial or personal information or to click on links that will sneak viruses onto your mobile device.

DON’Ts:

  • DON’T respond to a text message that requests personal or financial information. Assume any unsolicited text request is fraudulent.