Digital Transaction Guide
Thank you for using Sterling Bank’s internet banking services through either www.sterlingbank.ws or our digital banking app (sterling bank wi mobile). To help ensure your transactions are conducted safely and securely you should be aware of the following:
- Sterling Bank will never ask you to provide your username and password.
- The FDIC does not contact bank customers directly; messages from the IRS, NACHA, etc. should be suspected as being fraudulent and verified prior to opening documents or installing software.
- Our Digital Banking utilizes multiple layers of authentication, such as username, password, and random text to help ensure only authorized access occurs.
- Our Digital Banking monitors your account for suspicious activity and patterns. If we become aware of suspicious activity on your account, we may contact you.
- Sterling Bank continues to assess the risks and threats associated with online banking and periodically update the software to mitigate those risks and provide safe and secure online banking environment.
You Can Help Protect Your Accounts By:
- Installing a firewall on your computer to help protect it from hackers.
- Creating more complex passwords (adding numbers and symbols) and changing them periodically.
- Protecting and not sharing your username and password. Logging-out of internet banking provides greater protection than simply closing the page.
- Monitoring your account activity on a regular basis for unauthorized activity.
Business Account Customers:
Conducting business account transactions online can present additional risks and threats to the safety and security of the account. A growing cyber-threat is Corporate Account Takeover, which occurs when a cyber-thief gains control of a business account. By utilizing the following controls you can help ensure safe and secure online business transactions.
- Provide ongoing communication and education to employees using online banking systems to help ensure employees understand the security risks related to their duties.
- Conduct an annual risk assessment that includes risks related to online transactions. Establish internal control procedures such as: password protection, segregation of duties, dual control, employee background checks, use of firewalls, etc.
- Update anti-virus and anti-malware programs frequently.
- Update, on a regular basis, all computer software to protect against new security vulnerabilities.
- Communicate to employees that passwords should be strong and should not be stored on the device used to access online banking.
- Adhere to dual control procedures; conduct periodic audits of policies and procedures.
- Originate and transmit wire/ACH instructions and/or files via a dedicated and isolated device.
- Practice ongoing account monitoring and reconciliation, especially near the end of the day.
- Utilize system controls to limit account access, control ACH originations, establish “Positive Pay”, set transfer limits, and establish dual control requirements to help mitigate transaction risk.
- Adopt advanced security measures by working with consultants or dedicated IT staff and utilize resources provided by trade organizations and agencies that specialize in helping small businesses.
- Sterling Bank utilizes automated account monitoring, “call-back” verification on ACH originations, preset origination and account transfer limits.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your account, please contact us at 715-924-4817.