Online Security Upgrade - November 2012

Why are you changing the security standards?

We care deeply about keeping your money safe while providing you with easy access to your accounts. With the continued growth of online banking there are increased needs for greater security standards to keep you and your money well protected. In addition, the federal government issued new guidelines in 2011, calling for enhanced security measures for online banking. Thus, we are upgrading our security procedures to provide you with the best protection available. All financial institutions are required to make this upgrade within the next year. We believe that ATFCU is one of the first in Abilene to offer this increased safeguard against unauthorized access to your accounts.

What Are the Changes?

There are two key changes that will be necessary for all ATFCU online banking users:

1. In order to ensure that your login is as strong as possible, your member number will no longer serve as your Username. Effective November 7, 2012, your Username must be at least six characters long and cannot consist of only numbers.  It can be all letters or a combination of numbers, letters and (if desired) the following symbols: @ $ _ - = . ! ~  Usernames can be as long as 20 characters.  

2. Similarly, your password will need to be at least six characters long and may be as long as 32. It too must contain both letters and numbers and/or the symbols shown above.  Passwords created on or after November 28, 2012 are case sensitive.  Those created before that date are not.

Due to our long term practice of using member numbers as part of the login process, it will be necessary for all users to make the first change. System prompts will be available to walk you through the process. Additionally, if your current password does not meet the upgraded minimum requirements, you will be prompted to create a new password as well.

What else will I need to do?

 


The first time that you successfully login on or after November 7, you will be asked to verify the telephone numbers associated with your online banking account. Depending upon your particular configuration, you may be asked to enter a one time passcode that will be sent to you via voice, text or email.

 Will the online banking screens look different?




Yes and no. The graphic design of the pages will be slightly different. But not to worry - the information that you are looking for will be available.

 What if I don't want to upgrade my security?




We understand why you're asking!  However, it is not possible to opt out. Please refer to the sentence about federal regulations in Question 1.

 Please contact us with your questions. In addition to our phone lines, 677-2274 or 800-677-6770 you can reach us via email at atfcu@abileneteachersfcu.org