Security Center

SECURITY CENTER

At StateTrust, we know the importance of protecting the privacy and security of our customers and those who visit our website. The information found in the StateTrust Security Center  provides you with the knowledge you need to help protect your  accounts and personal information from fraudulent activity.

If you receive a suspicious email, or phone call:

Online Security

We work hard to protect your confidential information and privacy online. A secure login process and strong encryption are only the first steps in helping to prevent unauthorized account access. It is also important that you protect the privacy of your information by never revealing your Password to anyone else and not using public computers to access your accounts. In addition, be sure to use the “log out” button when you are done with your online session.
Additionally, StateTrust offers:

  • Strong encryption technology to help ensure that data passing between your PC and our web server is secure
  • Session time-outs after 15 minutes of inactivity
  • Secured firewalls

We do what we can to provide you with a safe and secure online environment, but we also need you to take the appropriate measures to secure your personal computing environment. It’s important to consider that many public access computers may have malware.

Malicious software (malware) is designed to break into or damage a computer system and can be installed on your computer without your consent. Malware is very common on the Internet and typically spreads through links on infected websites, Instant Messaging programs, and email. Beware of offers for "free email virus protection" or a "no cost Internet accelerator" or other such enticements or you may end up inadvertently revealing personal or financial information.

In many cases, malware will monitor your Internet activity including everything you type on your computer -- your card numbers, account numbers and Passwords as well as the personal and confidential information.

In some cases, you may be able to detect malware on your computer because of unusual computer behaviors like slow response time, programs opening or closing on their own, or numerous pop-ups while using the Internet.  Most of the time, however, malware will be virtually undetectable.  Your best defense against malware is to install anti-virus, anti-spyware, and firewall software on your computer and keep these programs up-to-date.

Help Stay Safe Online

We do our best to ensure the security of your information while you are at our website, there are a number of things you can do to add to your level of protection:

  • Keep your debit cards and Passwords/PINs (Personal Identification Numbers) safe; do not divulge them to anyone.
  • Change your Passwords regularly.
  • Always log-off when you are done, and never leave your Online session “unattended”. Use anti-virus, anti-spyware, and personal firewall software, and update it regularly (most new software will update automatically).
  • Routinely update your operating software and other programs to get the latest security fixes.
  • Review a website's privacy policy. Information regarding maintaining access, security, and control of personal information is available there.

In addition to the safeguards listed above, remember to:

  • Never send any information online unless you are certain that you know the requestor.
  • Never accept files or attachments when accessing websites, newsgroups or chat rooms, unless you are very sure of their authenticity.
  • Don’t use “Remember Me” functions (which automatically input your User ID and Password) when you visit a website. If you do, your computer will input this information even if someone else is using your computer.

Anti-Fraud Tips

You may have experienced or read about incidents of unsolicited email or SMS text messages masquerading as legitimate companies that trick recipients into divulging personal and financial information. These fraudulent “phishing” and “SMShing” messages prompt to you to visit website or call phone numbers pretending to be legitimate companies or government agencies that ask for your personal and financial information.

(At no time will members of StateTrust staff request personal or financial information by sending out unsolicited emails, text messages or via the phone).

How The Scams Work

Common email scams use unsolicited emails and text messages (usually marked URGENT!) to deceive consumers into disclosing confidential personal information. The deceptive texts and emails tell you to call a phone number or click a link or attachment for any one of the following reasons:

  • Ensure continued account access
  • Change / update personal information
  • Contests
  • Possible suspension of client cards or accounts
  • Application for products

After calling a non-StateTrust phone number or clicking on an attachment or link from the unsolicited email, the user is taken to a bogus site that requests confidential personal information, which could include:

  • Account Numbers
  • Personal Identification Numbers (PINs)
  • Credit Card Numbers
  • Social Security Numbers
  • Other Personal or Private Information
  • Passwords

How to Identify the Scam
There are some commonalities that can help you identify the scams:

  • They are designed to mimic the look and feel of a genuine site
  • They are most commonly sent out through unsolicited emails, containing links or attachments
  • The web address will often have the @ symbol or a numeric IP address (eg.123.456.1.2).
  • The address may also include the word, phrase or text 'statetrust' to make it appear authentic.

How To Help Protect Yourself
It is important to understand that there are ways you can help protect yourself:

  • If you receive an email that looks like it is from a member of StateTrust that asks for personal or financial information, do not call the number in the text message nor click on any links.
  • Forward the phishing email to internet@statetrust.com
  • Review your financial statements regularly for unauthorized or suspicious transactions.
  • Never send personal and/or financial information via unsecured email.
  • Do not trust email headers. They can be easily forged.

Safeguarding Your Personal Information

  • Carry only necessary identification. Do not carry your Social Security Card.
  • Shred papers with any of your personal information, especially credit card applications and financial statements.
  • Online User ID's and Password combinations are confidential and should never be shared.
  • Be suspicious of telephone, text message or email requests for personal information.

Monitoring Your Personal Information

  • Sign any debit cards and credit cards as soon as you receive them.
  • Report stolen/lost checks, debit cards, and credit cards immediately. To report lost/stolen checks for your StateTrust accounts, please click on Call Center. You can call us from wherever you are.