Cyber Security

The American National Bank team works hard to ensure that we handle your financial affairs with the utmost safety and security. We understand that the security of your private information is important to you. The success of our security program relies both on our ability to provide you with banking services in a secure manner as well as your responsibility in keeping your access codes, passwords, and PINs secure.

FDIC Consumer Alerts

Click here to view the latest consumer alerts from the FDIC.

 

How American National Bank Protects Your Security

Online Security

Keeping financial and personal information about you secure and confidential is one of our most important responsibilities. Our systems are protected, so information remains secure.

• Computer virus protection detects and prevents computer viruses from entering our computer network systems.
  
• Firewalls block unauthorized access by individuals or networks. Firewalls are one way American National Bank protects its computer network systems that interact with the Internet.
  
• Secure transmissions ensure information remains confidential. American National Bank uses encryption technology such as Secure Socket Layer (SSL) on its Web site to transmit information between you and the bank. SSL is encryption that creates a secure environment for the information being transferred between your browser and American National Bank.
  
• To send us email, you should use American National Bank's Online Contact Form . Because Internet email will not be secure, do not include confidential account information in any email sent to the bank, and we will not ask for personal information, such as passwords or PINs, through email. Besides email, you can contact us by phone or by visiting our branch.
  
• New advances in security technology are constantly evaluated to ensure that we provide protection for information about you.
  

American National Bank Internet Browser Recommendations

American National Bank recommends using one of the NetTeller supported browsers listed at http://info.netteller.com/go/supported-browsers

Secure Account Features

Secure account features for a secure life.

We offer features for your accounts that give you security and peace of mind. Plus, less paperwork means more time for you.

• Online Banking with Bill Pay - Enjoy secure access to your accounts. Plus, you can pay bills quickly and safely online. Your Online Banking activity is monitored by our security software, which automatically protects your financial information.
• Direct Deposit - Have paychecks, dividends and other recurring credits deposited directly to your account - no more worrying about lost or stolen checks.
• Automatic Payment - With an automatic payment, you can arrange to have recurring payments deducted automatically from your account and paid for you. Contact us to set up automatic payment for your American National Bank loans or lines of credit. For utilities or other recurring payments, contact the companies you want to pay.
• Enhanced Checks - Protect yourself against fraud by using checks printed on paper with special security features. These enhanced security features are automatically provided on all checks purchased through American National Bank.

Security for your Debit Cards 

With your American National Bank debit card you will have the added security of the MasterCard® Secure Code™. The MasterCard® Secure Code is a private code that brings you added protection against unauthorized use of your card when you shop online.

Every time you pay online at a participating merchant with your American National Bank debit card, you’ll be automatically prompted to enter your own private SecureCode™ – just like entering a PIN at the ATM. With MasterCard® Secure Code™, only you and the people you designate can make online purchases using your American National Bank debit card at participating online merchants. And of course, your SecureCode™ is completely private and known only to you and American National Bank.

Choosing your own SecureCode™ is quick and easy. At participating merchants, you’ll be prompted to create your own SecureCode prior to checkout. When this happens, a window from American National Bank will appear and you’ll be guided through the simple enrollment process before your purchase is completed. Once you’ve created your private SecureCode, you can then use it for future purchases at participating online merchants.

How You Can Protect Your Security

What is email fraud?

Phony email messages sent to you for the purpose of stealing personal and financial information are among the most common types of email fraud.

Disguised as legitimate email and claiming to be from sources you trust, these messages attempt to entice you to provide various types of personal and confidential information, including online IDs and passwords, Social Security numbers and account numbers.

Also known as phishing or spoofing, the practice of email fraud is commonly used by criminals to gain access to your existing accounts or to use your personal and financial information to open new accounts.

Recognizing email fraud

Spotting phony email messages is not always easy. And the criminals who use them are becoming more sophisticated about creating them.

Phony email messages may ask you to reply directly or click on a link that takes you to a fraudulent Web site that appears legitimate. In either case, they will generally ask you to provide sensitive personal, financial or account information.

Here are some tips for spotting phony emails: 

• Urgent appeals. Frequently, these emails claim that your account may be closed if you fail to confirm, verify or authenticate your personal information immediately.
  
• Requests for security information. Fraudulent emails often claim that the bank has lost important security information that needs to be updated. They also may request that the user visit and update this information online.
  
• Typos and other errors. Fraudulent emails or Web sites may contain typographical or grammatical errors. The writing may also be awkward, stilted or inappropriate. The visual or design quality may be poor.
  

 

Protecting yourself against email or online fraud 

• Make sure the security features of your computer software, including your Web browser, are up-to-date. Software companies continuously provide security updates to their products. To learn more about keeping your computer security current, get tips and information from the National Cyber Security Alliance.
  
• Don't take anything for granted. Always keep in mind that forging emails and creating fraudulent Web sites is not difficult.
  
• Confirm the validity of all requests for sensitive personal, financial or account information, particularly if they are made with an urgent or threatening tone.
  
• Call the company directly to confirm requests for updating or verifying personal or account information.
  
• Confirm requests for personal or account information by going to the company Web site directly. Open a new browser window, type the Web address and check to see if you must actually perform any activity that an email may be asking you to do, such as change a password.
  
• Do not share your IDs or passwords with anyone. Choose passwords that are difficult for others to guess and use a different password for each of your online accounts. Use both letters and numbers and a combination of lowercase and capital letters if the passwords or personal identification numbers (PINs) are case sensitive. Change your password often.
  
• If you think you may have provided personal or account information in response to a fraudulent email or Web site, report the fraud immediately, change your passwords, and monitor your account activity frequently.
  
• Always sign off Web sites or secure areas of Web sites (for example, Online Banking) for which you use an ID and password to enter.
  
• When your computer is not in use, shut it down or disconnect it from the Internet.
  
• Be careful and selective before providing your email address to a questionable Web site. Sharing your email address makes you more likely to receive fraudulent emails.
  
• Review your monthly credit card and bank account statements thoroughly. Investigate suspicious items immediately to head off any possible fraud before it occurs.
  

How You Can Protect Yourself Against Online Viruses

In addition to protecting yourself against email and online fraud, you should also be aware of the danger of online viruses to damage or compromise the security of your computer.

• Anti-virus protection. If your computer becomes infected with a virus, you could possibly lose information and incur repair expenses. Make sure your computer has an anti-virus protection program installed to reduce the risk of your computer becoming infected.
  
• Automatic upgrades. We recommend that you purchase a program that automatically upgrades your virus protection on a recurring basis. If you do not have this automatic upgrade feature, make sure you update your virus detection program weekly and when you hear of a new virus.
  
• Attachments. We advise you not to open attachments or diskettes unless you are certain that you can trust the source. Learn how to manually screen diskettes and attachments if your anti-virus software does not automatically screen for viruses.
  
• Contact your ISP. Your Internet service provider (ISP) may have additional recommendations and technical support for protecting yourself against online viruses, email fraud and spam. We suggest that you contact your ISP for recommendations specific to your computer and network.
  

Reporting Fraud and Phishing Emails

Email and online fraud

• If you suspect you've received a fraudulent email appearing to be from American National Bank, please forward the email directly to the Anti-phishing Working Group (APWG) at reportphishing@antiphishing.org.
  
• If you suspect you have provided personal information online in response to a fraudulent email and would like to have an alert placed on your account, immediately call the phone number on your account statement or contact the branch.
  
• If you are uncomfortable forwarding the email, you may also call us and report it at (954) 491-7788. Please be sure to write down the title of the email, the sender and names of any attachments.
  

Reporting Cyber Crimes

Reporting a crime makes our community safer.

• With your help, the FBI can respond faster, better defend cyber networks, and more effectively protect our nation.
• Click here to report a cyber crime.

Protecting Yourself from Identity Theft

Identity fraud happens when someone steals personal information such as your bank account number or Social Security number and then uses this information illegally, such as withdrawing money from your account.

If you think you are a victim of fraud, immediately contact American National Bank by calling (954) 491-7788.

Take these precautions to protect your information 

• Be discriminating when providing personal information such as Social Security number and account or credit card information over the telephone, in person or on the Internet. Don't give out this information unless you are sure with whom you are dealing.
  
• Protect your Social Security number and the Social Security numbers of your children and other family members by not carrying them in your wallet.
  
• Report lost or stolen checks, credit or debit cards immediately . American National Bank will block payment on the check numbers or account numbers involved.
  
• Store cancelled checks, new checks and account statements in a safe place.
  
• Notify your banker of suspicious phone inquiries such as those asking for account information to "verify a statement" or "award a prize."
  
• Review your credit report at least once every year. Make sure all information is up-to-date and accurate. Under a new federal law, you may have the right to receive a free copy of your credit report once every 12 months from each of the three nationwide consumer reporting companies. To request your free annual report under that law, you must go to www.annualcreditreport.com.
  
• Memorize your PIN (Personal Identification Number) and refrain from writing it, your Social Security number or credit card number on a check.
  
• Tear up or shred any pre-approved credit offers to which you do not respond. Thieves can use these offers to assume your identity.
  
• Keep mail secure . Don't mail bills or sensitive information from your home or unsecured mailboxes. Retrieve and review your mail promptly. Thieves may use the personal information contained in your mail to steal your identity.
  
• If you do not receive your regular bills when expected, call the company to find out why.
  
• Review your monthly account statements thoroughly. Investigate suspicious items immediately to head off any possible fraud before it occurs.
  
• Do not carry your Social Security card, passport or birth certificate unless needed that day.
  

 

Alerting a Credit Bureau

If you suspect you might be a victim of identity theft, contact any of the three major credit bureaus to place a fraud alert on your credit file. You also can order a credit report to identify any unauthorized activity.

• Equifax 1.800.525.6285
  
• Experian 1.888.397.3742
  
• Trans Union 1.800.680.7289
  

 

Other information sources:

Learn more at Federal Trade Commission for identity theft and the National Consumer League for fraud Web sites.

Secure Card Use

Use your ATM card and your Debit Card safely. Click here to view the latest OCC Consumer Advisory: "Avoiding 'Card Skimming' at ATMs and Other Money Machines".

Here are some other tips to help protect you and your privacy:

Using ATMs Safely

• Surveillance cameras. Some ATMs may be monitored by surveillance cameras, which record the activity in the area of the ATM.
  
• Be aware of strangers. When you enter or exit an ATM in an enclosed area, be sure you close the entry door completely.
  
• Put away your card and cash. After completing your transaction, secure your card and cash immediately, before exiting the ATM area. Count it later in the safety of your locked car or home.
  
• Treat your ATM card like cash. Always protect your card by keeping it in a safe place. If your card is lost or stolen, contact us immediately.
  
• Protect your privacy. Shield the keypad with your hand or body while entering your PIN. Do not leave your transaction record at the ATM. Keep your transaction record in a safe place, so you can compare it to your later statements.
  
• Drive-up ATMs. If you use a drive-up ATM, be sure passenger windows are rolled up and your doors are locked.
  
• Be careful at night. Be aware of your surroundings, especially after dark. If you must use an ATM at night, consider taking someone with you.
  
• Stay alert. If you notice anything suspicious or that you deem unsafe, such as the lighting around the ATM not working, use another ATM or return later.
  
• Report suspicious behavior. Report all crimes immediately to law enforcement officials and your local banking centers.
  
• Emergency assistance and security. If you need emergency assistance, call 911 from the nearest telephone.
  

 

Preventing Debit Card Fraud

• Sign immediately. Sign the signature panel on your debit cards as soon as you receive them and keep duplicates in a safe place.
  
• Memorize your PIN. Don't carry your PIN (Personal Identification Number). Memorize it or keep the number at home.
  
• Verify your card. Be sure your debit card is returned after a purchase, and that it is indeed your card.
  
• Wait for your card receipt. Don't leave your debit card receipts at the checkout counter. Always take your charge slips and tear up any carbons.
  
• Save your receipts. Check them against your monthly account statements to make sure you can identify all of your transactions. Report any unauthorized transactions immediately. After you have reconciled your monthly statements, tear up all receipts and discard them at home.
  
• Check statements and watch your charges. Verify that your monthly statement reflects the amount you authorized. Also, watch for multiple charges.
  
• Keep it private. Keep your statements in a safe place.
  
• Out of sight. Never leave your purse or wallet unattended and always keep your cards out of plain sight.
  
• Never lend your card. Your debit card is your responsibility. Also, periodically check to make sure you have all your cards.
  
• Keep a list. In a separate location, keep a list of account numbers and telephone numbers to call if your cards are lost or stolen.
  
• Check statements and watch your charges. Be cautious when giving your card number over the phone. Verify that your monthly statement reflects the amount you authorized. Also, watch for multiple charges.
  

 

Remember to report a lost or stolen card or unauthorized transactions immediately by following the procedure below. No matter where you are, report lost or stolen cards to minimize loss and liability.

If your card is lost or stolen, you should immediately report this to American National Bank and notify all of the participating merchants with whom you've set up automatic bill payments. Once American National Bank issues you a new card, you'll need to reestablish automatic bill payments with your new card at the participating merchants.

To Report your ATM/Debit Card Lost or Stolen

We offer a couple of ways you can deactivate your ATM/Debit card if the card is lost, stolen, or you suspect unauthorized transactions on your account.

During normal banking hours:

• Call (954) 491-7788 and speak to a Personal Banker
  

 

Outside normal banking hours (both of the following options are available 7 days/24 hours):

• On the Internet using our online banking system (recommended):
  
• Login to your Internet Banking Account at www.americannationalbank.com
  
• Click on the Options tab
  
• Select the Report ATM/Debit Card Lost/Stolen menu
  
• Check the Lost/Stolen box next to the appropriate ATM/Debit card and click Submit
  
• Your card will be deactivated immediately.
  

 

By phone:

• Call (866) 546-8273 or (954) 491-7788 and select option 2 
  

Keeping Your Laptop from Being Stolen

The feature we love most about our laptops – mobility – makes them easy targets for thieves. While replacing a stolen laptop can be expensive, the value of the data it contains may well exceed the cost of the laptop itself.

Here are a few tips to protect your laptop and the information it contains:

• Treat your laptop like cash. Imagine a stack of money equal to what your laptop is worth. Would you leave that amount of money on a coffee shop table while you refresh your latte? Probably not. Picturing your laptop as a stack of cash will help you to be more vigilant.
  
• Keep it locked. No matter where you are using your laptop, attach it to something immovable or to a heavy piece of furniture with a laptop security cable.
  
• Encrypt the data. You can protect your personal data even if your laptop does go missing by encrypting the hard disk. There are a number of commercial products available that will prevent your laptop from even starting up without a password.
  
• Keep your passwords elsewhere. Leaving your passwords in your laptop carrying case is like leaving the keys in your car. Memorize your passwords or store them securely elsewhere – not in the carrying case or on the laptop itself.
  
• Leave your computer bag at home. When you take your laptop on the road, carrying it in a computer case may advertise what's inside. Consider using a suitcase, a padded briefcase or a backpack instead.
  
• Don’t leave it in the car. Not only is the extreme heat and cold in your car bad for your laptop, but parked cars are a favorite target of laptop thieves. If you must leave your laptop in your car, keep it out of sight by placing it in the trunk.
  
• Pay close attention at airport security checkpoints. The chaos and confusion at airport security checkpoints make them perfect for laptop thieves. Additionally, because so many laptops look the same, it is easy to pick up the wrong one on the other side of the screener. Mark your laptop distinctly so that you can easily track it as you go through security. Hold onto it until the person in front of you has gone through the metal detector – and keep an eye out when it emerges on the other side of the screener.
  
• Be vigilant in hotels. Try not to leave your laptop out inside your hotel room while you are out. Instead, take it with you or use the safe in your room if there is one.
  
• Report it promptly. If your laptop is stolen, report it immediately to the local authorities. If it's your business laptop that's missing, also immediately notify your employer.

Six Ways To Secure Your Cash Management Accounts

Learn about the steps you can take to protect your business from corporate account takeover, click here.

SBA's Strengthen Your Cybersecurity