FIRST with us at First National Bank is the security of your personal information. The privacy of communications between you (your browser) and our servers is ensured via encryption. Encryption scrambles messages exchanged between your browser and our online banking server. We also have a strong firewall on our computers that protects you from unauthorized entry. We provide a timeout feature that will automatically log you out after an extended period of time of inactivity.

How Encryption Works

  • When visiting online banking’s sign-on page, your browser establishes a secure session with our server.
  • The secure session is established using a protocol called Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) Encryption. This protocol requires the exchange of what are called public and private keys.
  • Keys are random numbers chosen for that session and are only known between your browser and our server. Once keys are exchanged, your browser will use the numbers to scramble (encrypt) the messages sent between your browser and our server.
  • Both sides require the keys because they need to descramble (decrypt) messages received. The SSL protocol assures privacy, but also ensures no other website can “impersonate” your financial institution’s website, nor alter information sent.
  • To learn whether your browser is in secure mode, look for the secured lock symbol at the bottom of your browser window.

Encryption Level

The numbers used as encryption keys are similar to combination locks. The strength of encryption is based on the number of possible combinations a lock can have. The more possible combinations, the less likely someone could guess the combination to decrypt the message. 

For your protection, our servers require the browser to connect at 128-bit encryption (versus the less-secure 40-bit encryption). Users will be unable to access online banking functions at lesser encryption levels. This may require some end users to upgrade their browser to the stronger encryption level. 

Here are several security techniques we encourage you to implement when you use the Internet banking service:

  • Never reveal your password to anyone or leave your password anywhere that someone else can obtain and use it. (NO employee from the bank will ever ask for your password!)
  • Install virus protection software on your computer and delete emails with attachments from unknown sources.
  • Use the EXIT button to end each Internet banking session. Do not use the back button to exit the site.
  • Change your session timeout in User Options to a time that meets your needs.
  • Balance your account on a regular basis. Internet Banking makes it easy.
  • REMEMBER – We will never send you an e-mail asking for personal information about you.