The rapid growth of Online and Mobile Banking combined with the ever-expanding presence of cyber criminals has required banks to develop stronger safety measures. In an effort to strengthen your security posture, Blue Foundry Bank® utilizes a multi-layered approach to authenticate our customers before allowing access to our Digital Banking platforms.
Safeguard Your Computer:
Maintain an updated operating system and browser. Install antivirus software to reduce the risk of virus attacks, a firewall to prevent unauthorized access to and from your PC and anti-spyware to detect and remove unwanted spyware programs.
Safeguard Your Mobile Device:
Maintain an updated operating system as well as updated apps. Install a security app to assist with the detection of viruses, unauthorized access and malware. Employ a screen lock with a password, pin or other customizable security settings and set your device to automatically lock after a self-determined period of inactivity.
Additional Tips and Information:
Log on to sites by typing the URL in the address bar and ensure the opened page is from the genuine service provider. The URL associated with the page will begin with https: the “s” reflecting it is secure. To access Blue Foundry Bank®’s eBanking, type bluefoundrybank.com in the address bar.
Never leave your device idle while your banking session is active.
Log out of eBanking and eMobile Banking after business is transacted by using the logout button and closing all browser windows.
Never lower your security settings for convenience as it makes it easier for cyber thieves to access your device.
Avoid bank/financial transactions while using free public Wi-Fi.
Download mobile banking apps from your mobile device manufacturer’s app store. Search Blue Foundry Bank® to find and download our app.
Activate features that allow you to find a lost or stolen mobile device, as well as delete all of its memory if necessary.
Safeguard Your Passwords:
Protect your security by using strong passwords, managing your passwords carefully and monitoring your account activity closely.
Additional Tips and Information:
Your Blue Foundry Bank® password needs to be between 8 and 25 characters and will require uppercase, lowercase and at least one number or special character. With this enhanced complexity, we will no longer require that you change your password every 90 days.
Do not store your user id, password or personal data on your mobile device or on your personal computer without encryption.
Do not share your user id or password with others.
Do not allow your devices to “remember” your passwords.
Monitor your accounts regularly and sign up for account alerts offered with Blue Foundry Bank®’s eBanking to ensure that all account activity is authentic.
Safeguard Your Identity and Personal Information:
Increasingly sophisticated technology has provided cyber frauds with cutting edge tools to obtain your personal data putting your identity, finances and more at risk. Protecting your personal information can help reduce your risk of identity theft.
Additional Tips and Information:
Always wipe data from your devices before donating, reselling or recycling.
Do not click on suspicious links and attachments, even those thought to be from “trusted entities”.
Do not give out personal information on the phone, through the mail or over the Internet unless you have initiated the contact or know who you are communicating with. Blue Foundry Bank will never send an email with embedded links or initiate a communication requesting your SS#, account number, debit card number, PIN, username or password.
Do not be caught off guard - remain informed about the most current Phishing, Smishing, Vishing, Malware, Card Skimming, Check Fraud, Elder-Scams and all other fraudulent attempts to separate you from your money and/or identity.
If you suspect you are a victim of Identity Theft: immediately call your bank and companies where you know fraud occurred so they can take necessary steps to protect your account, place a fraud alert by contacting one of the three credit bureaus and get your credit reports, report identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and consider filing a report with your local police department. For more information and to create a recovery plan, visit the FTC’s website by clicking here.