Identify Verification
Frequently Asked Questions

All financial institutions offering online banking services are required by the Federal Financial Institution Examination Council (FFIEC) to incorporate this identity verification security feature as an extra layer of security working behind-the-scenes to protect member accounts. This security feature may – very infrequently – prompt you to verify your identify before continuing. This means you can conduct transactions online with confidence.

What is this security system?

As our member, we know how you typically behave: what types of transactions you conduct, when and from where. If we detect any activity that does not seem like your typical behavior, we will prompt you to further verify your identity—so that we can ensure it is you and not someone else attempting to compromise your account. This additional verification will only happen on rare occasions.  Normally you will not be asked for any additional information. For example, if someone tries to sign in with your user name and password from a computer in a foreign country shortly after you have logged off from your normal computer at home, we may decide to verify that it is really you trying to access your account.

How do I sign up for this added security?

Expect to be prompted at some point while banking online to enter this security information. This may include choosing several security questions that only you know the answers to. Once this occurs you have added a layer of protection to your account!

How much will it cost?

There is absolutely no cost associated with this security system.

When will I be asked for more information?

You will only be prompted to enter additional information when a particular activity or transaction appears to be unusual or uncharacteristic of your typical behavior. You will also be prompted to enter your information when you are first required to set up your security information.

What additional information will I be asked?

If any unusual or uncharacteristic behavior is detected, you will be asked to answer several of the security questions you chose.

What is unusual or uncharacteristic behavior?

Unusual or uncharacteristic behavior is anything that appears out-of-the-ordinary compared to how you normally would bank online and where you normally bank online. If the action being requested does not appear to be something you would normally do, we will ask you for more information to make sure it is really you and not an unauthorized user.

How are you able to detect unusual or uncharacteristic behavior?

The security system takes into account factors such as the type of transactions you ordinarily perform, the computers you typically use to access your account, or the typical security settings for your computer. Hundreds of factors, such as these, create a profile that is unique to you that allows us to make decisions about whether the person conducting a given activity and transaction within your account appears to be really you.

Will I be asked for more information every time I use the system?

No.  You will only be asked for more information when unusual or uncharacteristic behavior is detected. This will most likely be a very rare occurrence.

How do I know it is working?

You only need to complete the set-up process once; afterwards the new security system will work automatically. That means you are being protected every moment — when you are online and more importantly when you are not. Occasionally you will see this symbol to remind you that you are being protected:

Is my personal information still safe?

Yes. In fact, your personal information is safer than ever before because we are making sure it is really you and not an unauthorized user trying to access your information.

Can the Credit Union change my information?

If you are locked out of your account, or if you want to change your information (username, challenge questions), the Credit Union can reset your account.  The Credit Union can reset users, NOT change their information.  Allowing the information to be changed makes users vulnerable to fraud.

How will this help prevent online fraud?

If your username and password are stolen, the fraudster would have to be able to answer your security questions correctly before being able to access your account or complete a fraudulent transaction. If the user is unable to provide this information, the activity would be blocked. This added layer of security helps us protect your online account at all times.

I check my account often.  Wouldn’t I know if something unusual showed up on my account?

It is great you check your account! It is always a good idea to regularly monitor your account for any unusual activity (like payments you didn’t make). This security service helps prevent those incidences from ever occurring, so when you check your account everything is exactly how it should be.

I already have anti-virus and a personal firewall. Why do I need this?

We are glad to hear you use antivirus and a personal firewall. Be sure that you keep both software programs up-to-date for the best possible protection against viruses, Trojans, and hackers. This new security feature protects against other kinds of threats such as a stolen user name and password. It works with your other personal security programs, but it does not replace them.

For any other questions or concerns, please e-mail us at email@westerracu.com or call 303-321-4209.