| The Internet has opened up a new world of convenience to everyone. By design, it is an open and unrestricted mechanism to search for information, products and services. Merchants & Southern Bank has taken steps to secure and protect the information you submit or that we exchange with you over the Internet.
Merchants & Southern Bank uses secure transaction processors in any communications with Internet account holders. Account balance and personal information about you are distributed using secure methods.
SSL & Encryption
Secure Socket Layer (SSL) is a security device that uses mathematical formulas to "encrypt" or hide information from an unauthorized person on the Internet. Developed by Netscape Communications Corporation, SSL comes in two strengths, 40-bit and 128-bit, which refer to the length of the "session key" generated by every encrypted transaction. The longer the key, the more difficult it is to break the encryption code. Most browsers support 40-bit SSL sessions, and the latest browsers, including Netscape Communicator 4.0, enable users to encrypt transactions in 128-bit sessions - trillions of times stronger than 40-bit sessions. The most popular browsers have this SSL security feature built in.
When conducting banking functions on our web site, in most cases you will notice the appearance of an "s" after the "http" in the web address. The "s" in "https" indicates your session is secured. In certain cases, due to the way in which information is presented through the Internet, the little page lock may not indicate a secure link nor does the address contain the "https". Be assured the security is there and that we have taken the necessary steps to ensure your privacy and security.
Viewing Security Information
Both Microsoft's Internet Explorer and Netscape's Navigator contain inquiry screens to show you exactly which pages are secure and which are not. The following describes how to check a page.
Using a browser from Netscape, perform a right-click on your mouse. Select "View Info" or View From Info" or select "View" from the browser menu bar. Then select "Page Frame Info." The last line in the window describes the security of the page.
With Internet Explorer browser, right-click, select "Properties." Check the web address that you have accessed. If you are in a secure area, the address will appear as "https://www...." Notice the "s" in the address. This means that you have accessed a secure server. You may click on the "Certificate" button to find out more information about the certificate.
Enhancing Security
While visiting our site, you can explore the full range of banking and other services that we offer. Every page on our site that requests information about you , is secured using SSL technology. When you actually enter the home banking session of our web site by clicking on Online Banking, you will be asked to enter your user code and password. Your password is another level of security and one you control the most.
Never share your access password with anyone. If you need to record it somewhere, make sure no one else has access to it. Try to use a password that is at least 6 characters long and change it often. If you think someone may have found your password, change it immediately. For improved security of you password, don't use a simple series of numbers like 121212 or 987654, or use family member or pet names. Hackers can easily guess these passwords.
Remember, when you are logged on, you have access to bill payment, funds transfers, account histories and other personal financial information; never leave your computer unattended when you are logged in.
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