Passwords are a thing of the past…
We know you all dread the emails reminding you to change your password before it expires. Well we have good news – we are eliminating the mandatory requirement to change them on a regular basis. They will only need to be changed on an individual as-needed basis.
And while we are doing away with regulated password changes, we are doing away with passwords too! Well, sort of... instead of passwords, we are recommending our customers adopt passphrases. Starting on September 28, 2020, customers will need to update their password to meet the new, stronger requirements. Passphrases are a simpler, more secure way to access your account.
What is a passphrase?
A passphrase is a sentence-like string of words used for account access that is typically longer than a traditional password.
What do I need to do?
The first time you log onto online banking after September 28, 2020, you will need to update your password to meet the new security parameters.
Why a passphrase?
Simple passwords are not secure and can easily be hacked, while complex passwords are frequently forgotten. Passphrases may use some common words, but the words are used in a combination that increases its complexity and length, making them easier to remember, but harder to hack.
Some passphrase examples:
Tips for creating a strong passphrase:
- Avoid single words or popular phrases for your password. Instead, create an uncommon phrase that you can easily remember.
- Don’t use familiar information such as dates, names, favorite sports team. Additionally, your passphrase shouldn’t include your name or username.
- Use a combination of upper and lowercase letters, non-sequential numbers, and special characters.
- Consider using unusual or abbreviated spellings of words.
- Longer is better.
Password reminders:
- Banks NEVER ask! We will NEVER ask you for your online banking password.
- Please remember to promptly change a password that you believe may have been compromised.
- Enroll in the password self-reset option within online banking. You just need to answer a few security questions so you can reset your password without having to call us.
- Do not recycle your passwords across different accounts or services.
- Keep it safe! Avoid keeping passwords or account information on paper or a place where others can locate them.
Thanks for following these best practices. Strong passwords can help ensure the safety of your information.