For years just about any password beyond "1234" was all you needed to safeguard your online accounts from unauthorized access. But times have changed and computer hackers and identity thieves have become more aggressive.
That's one reason why STCU will soon provide computer registration for every member who uses STCU's NetTeller®, our online banking service. The other reason? Federal regulators are mandating that all financial institutions provide a second layer of security to access online accounts.
Computer registration is an easy and safe way to protect your accounts on STCU's NetTeller. By registering your primary computer with STCU -- and any other computers that you feel are safe to use -- you can narrow the points of access to your account from millions of Internet-connected computers to just a few.
When you register your computer, it will install an encrypted digital certificate to identify your machine each time you visit NetTeller. Once you're registered, STCU will confirm the presence of your computer certificate - as well as your member number and password -- before giving you access to your account.
To access your account on computers that you don't want to register, such as a library computer, you simply choose to answer a security question that only you know.
STCU plans to open computer registration in December. Look for more information soon!
When will these security enhancements take effect?
The security enhancements are scheduled to be available in late December. To continue uninterrupted access to STCU's NetTeller, you should register your computer, with your private security questions, before Dec. 31, 2006.
I use NetTeller at home and office. Will I be able to register multiple computers?
Yes. You're welcome to register any home computers, office computers, and laptops that you normally use to log in and would like to mark as safe for accessing your accounts.
Will computer registration be optional?
Yes and no. You will still be able to access NetTeller by answering one of the security questions you set up. But only by registering your primary computer(s) with a digital certificate can you avoid the constant hassle of answering a security question each time you log onto NetTeller from your primary computer(s).
What if I want to log in from the library?
Don't register any publicly-accessible computers you may use -- instead, you can access your accounts from unregistered computers by answering one of the security questions you selected when you first registered your computer.
Is there any cost for this additional protection?
No. STCU will issue digital certificates to safeguard access to your accounts absolutely free of charge.
Is my password secure?
Maybe, but to ensure the highest level of security, periodically change your NetTeller password with up to 10 alpha-numeric and special characters (we recommend at least 8 characters). Visit the Security Center at www.stcu.org/passwords to learn how.
Whom should I contact if I have other questions about computer registration?
STCU welcomes your online chat at www.stcu.org/livechat or calls to (509) 326-1954 or (800) 858-3750 during regular business hours.
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