Online banking security

Identity Theft Home What is Identity theft? Protect yourself from identity theft   Online Banking Security   Email Security   Computer Security What to do if you're a victim Frequently Asked Questions They're Phishing

More and more people today are choosing the time-saving convenience of online banking. By following some simple online security precautions, you can ensure the safety of your identity when using Hancock Bank's online banking services: Look for secure Hancock Bank URLs. Only enter your user name and password on pages that begin with https://secure.handynetob.hancockbank.com/. (Make sure there is an "s" in https:// and a "/" after .com.)

Double check the URL. If you are unsure about whether you are truly on the Hancock Bank Web site, do not enter your login information. Open a new browser and go to http://www.hancockbank.com/ and use the links from this site to access HandyNet Online Banking or Internet bill pay at https://secure.handynetob.hancockbank.com/.

Don't share your HandyNet or bill pay user name or password with anyone. Any individual who has your user name and password can access your accounts online - and steal all of your money. If you think someone has learned your password, change it and contact Hancock Bank immediately.

Choose your user name and password wisely, preferably using alpha-numeric (letters and numbers) combinations, and change your password periodically. Don't choose obvious words or dates like a nickname or your birth date. And choose a unique password for online banking - not the same one you use for other online services.

If you suspect that your user name and/or password may have been compromised, report it to the bank immediately.

Monitor your bank accounts frequently for any unauthorized transactions and report any suspicious activity to the bank immediately.

Don't use public computers (such as in a library or cyber cafe) for online banking activities. They may contain spyware specifically designed to capture keystrokes, such as your user ID and password. It is virtually impossible to guarantee your transmission will be secure on such a computer.

If you must access your account on a computer that is accessible to others (such as a roommate, coworker or family member) take these precautions:

1. If using Internet Explorer, before you access the bank's Web site, go first to the menu bar at the top of the browser. Choose Tools/Internet Options. In the dialog box that appears, click on the Content tab, then click on the Auto Complete button. Uncheck all auto complete buttons.

2. At the end of your session, click on Tools/Internet Options, click on the button to Delete Temporary Files and then click OK.

3. Close the browser.

Never use your Hancock Bank accounts to collect or transfer money for someone else. These types of activity are often conducted as forms of money laundering or mail fraud and may result not only in identity theft, but in significant criminal penalties as well. If someone contacts you and asks you to transfer money on their behalf, you should deny the request and contact us immediately.