Online Account Access (CommuNETe Access)
SECURITY UPDATE INFORMATION
We will shortly update CommuNETe Access online CU branch to include Multi-Factor Authentication. This is intended to provide you with the best security possible when accessing your account online. Multi-Factor Authentication consists of validation and authentication of an individual using more than one method of verification. Generally, this is accomplished by verifying three things:
1. Something you are, in the form of identifying information like your dog's name or where you went to high school.
2. Something you have, for example a driver's license, or a security token.
3. Something you know, such as a password or PIN number.
Item #1 - You need to create three (3) question and answer pairs. This allows us to verify that you are in fact, you, by presenting you with a question that only YOU know the answer to. If you don't answer the question correctly, you will not gain access to your accounts.
Item #2 - You will also need to create a "Security Key". This allows you to verify that you have reached our CommuNETe Access site, and not some other site. Every time you attempt to log in to your accounts, we will send you a graphical representation of the Security Key that you created. If you do not see that Security Key or it is not the one you created then you know that you are NOT at OUR site. If this happens, please contact us immediately.
Item #3 - This is one that you already know. This is your PIN.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) Why will the login page change?
It is our commitment to you that access to your financial information is appropriately secure. The change you will see on the login page is due to enhanced measures to secure our CommuNETe Access site. As always, if you have any questions or concerns regarding these changes please contact us. The following details what you should expect.
Summary of the first time you login after the mandatory Security Update:
The login process will change in three ways:
- Login will become a multiple step process instead of one screen where you enter your Account Number and PIN. You will also enter your Account Number and Random Code.
- You will be asked to answer one of the challenge questions. If you choose to remember your computer you will bypass this step. Remembering your computer is on the last step of the login process.
- The last screen will prompt you to verify the Security Key Image that you selected during the security update and to enter your PIN. You may select to remember your computer here.
2) Why all this attention to security?
While the chances of identity theft or monetary loss are slim, there do exist active malicious entities on the Internet that look to fraudulently gain from unsuspecting individuals. One of the most popular methods of fraud is through impersonating individuals during the login process. It is our intention to make this process as difficult as possible for these fraudsters while keeping your experience as hassle-free as possible.
3) What is Random Code?
The Random Code is an extra security measure used to eliminate fraudsters from randomly selecting account numbers. It is randomly generated each time you try to log in.
4) What is my Security Key Image?
The Security Key Image is used to help you identify CommuNETe Access as a legitimate site. The text word or phrase you select will be converted to an image. When you log into CommuNETe Access you will see the Security Key Image on every page.
Some things to keep in mind:
- Use a unique set of characters or word(s) that you can use to identify our CommuNETe Access site has your Security Key Image;
- Please do not enter any PIN's or Passwords.
5) What does "Remember this computer" mean?
If you choose to remember your computer, you will not be prompted to answer one of the questions you set up during enrollment. You will still have to enter in your Account Number, PIN and Random Code. You can remember your computer after you have completed the initial enrollment and login. The system uses information about your hardware and software to recognize a remembered computer. If you delete your browser cookies on your PC, you will have to remember the computer. The secure cookie will periodically expire on your computer and will require you to remember your computer again.
6) What does "Do not remember this computer" mean?
If you are using a computer that is accessed by numerous users (Ex. library, internet cafe, or at airport kiosks) we recommend that you DO NOT remember your account on this PC. We only recommend you remember your personal computer at home or at work.
7) What is a secure cookie?
A secure cookie is a small text file with hashed content that is placed on a computer to help identify the user. In this case, the cookie that is stored on your PC during login lets you bypass your personalized security questions whenever you access CommuNETe Access in the future. The secure cookie will periodically expire on your computer and will require you to remember your computer again.
8) Can I remember my account on another computer?
Yes. You can remember your account on more than one PC.
9) Can I, my spouse and children remember our accounts on the same PC?
Yes. You can remember numerous accounts on the same PC. This will bypass the security questions when you log in.
10) Do I have to re-remember my PC when I delete my cookies?
Yes. The system uses your PC hardware and software information to recognize you are a legitimate user. If you delete your cookies, the information is no longer available to authenticate your login. You will be promted to answer one of your security questions.
11) Why do I have to remember again when I use a seperate browser on the same PC to access CommuNETe Access?
When you remember your account on a certain PC it stores software and hardware information used to used to access CommuNETe Access. The system stores information like your browser (Internet Explorer, Netscape, Firefox) and operating system (Windows XP, 2000, Macintosh). If you access CommuNETe Access with anything different for future logins, you are required to remember the new system information.
12) Will my PIN number change?
No. The PIN you use to log into CommuNETe Access will remain the same.
13) Will I still have online access to all of my accounts?
Yes. This process will only affect how you login to CommuNETe Access; it will not affect any of your existing account information.
14) What will happen to my bill pay settings, account alerts, or any other saved settings within CommuNETe Access that I had to set up before this change?
All established settings within your online access session will remain the same after this change.
15) What if I forget my PIN or the answers to my questions?
Please feel free to contact us by phone and we can reset your session.
16) Can I change my questions and/or my Security Key Image?
Yes. Once you log into your account you will have access to change your questions and/or your Security Key Image.
