Online Security Tips

We want you to feel confident when banking online that your personal information is safe and secure. Listed below are several effective security tips you can use to help mitigate your risk and to better protect yourself and your financial information.

• When signing in to Ireland Bank’s online banking, avoid registering your computer for later use. We recommend you always choose the option for “Do Not Register Device”. This means requesting a Secure Access Code each time you sign in to Online Banking. This practice is safer and more secure.
• Do not use the same password for your online banking login and other websites. Using the same password means that the security of your password is only as good as the website with the weakest online security.
• Avoid using obvious passwords such as your name, business name, family member names, birth dates, etc.
• Never share your password with anyone or leave it anywhere someone else can obtain and use it.
• Change your password on a regular basis.
• Use the Log Off button to end each online banking session before you go to another website or close your browser.
• Check your account history and balance regularly.
• Use automatic alerts to notify you when key functions have been performed, such as a change of password or an invalid password attempt, etc.
• Use alerts to notify you of changes or thresholds associated with your accounts.
• Use anti-virus software and keep it up-to-date.
• For commercial users, we encourage you to periodically perform risk assessments and system control evaluations. Click here for risk evaluation.
• Use firewalls on your local computer and/or network to add another layer of protection.
• To learn more about information security, visit www.onguardonline.gov.
• Establish passwords. A strong password is at least eight characters in length and includes a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
• Watch out for phishing scams. Phishing scams use fraudulent emails and websites to trick users into disclosing private account or login information. Do not click on links or open any attachments or pop-up screens from sources you are not familiar with.
  • Immediately file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
• Recognize and avoid bogus website links. Cybercriminals embed malicious links to download malware onto devices and/or/ route users to bogus websites. Hover over suspicious links to view the actual URL that you are being routed to. Fraudulent links are often disguised by simple changes in the URL. For example: www.ABC-Bank.com vs ABC_Bank.com
• Keep personal information personal. Hackers can use social media profiles to figure out your passwords and answer those security questions in the password reset tools. Lock down your privacy settings and avoid posting things like birthdays, addresses, mother’s maiden name, etc.  Be wary of requests to connect from people you do not know.
• Secure your internet connection. Always protect your home wireless network with a password. When connecting to public Wi-Fi networks, be cautious about what information you are sending over it. Consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) app to secure and encrypt your communications when connecting to a public Wi-Fi network. (See the Federal Trade Commission’s tips for selecting a VPN app.)
• Shop safely. Before shopping online, make sure the website uses secure technology. When you are at the checkout screen, verify that the web address begins with https. Also, check to see if a tiny locked padlock symbol appears on the page.
• Read the site’s privacy policies. Though long and complex, privacy policies tell you how the site protects the personal information it collects. If you don’t see or understand a site’s privacy policy, consider doing business elsewhere.

Setting Up Security Alerts

Some of the security alerts associated with Online Banking are mandatory such as password changes, invalid password attempts, and browser registration.  All of our alerts can be sent by email, SMS text, and voice.

Ireland Bank strongly encourages you to review the optional alerts and select any additional alerts that you feel would keep you better informed of the activities associated with your Online Banking.

Security and Account Alerts are located in your Online Banking and can be modified at any time by clicking:

Settings > Alerts

Choose the type of alert you would like to receive, add the necessary information, how often you want to receive the alert, and the method of delivery.