Customer Awareness & Education


For Internet Banking
In the virtual on-line world in which we live today, you can never be too careful in the protection of your personal information. This includes the confidential information necessary to access Bridge City Bank’s Internet website. To help ensure the safety of your Internet Banking credentials, please be mindful of the following helpful hints concerning Internet  Banking.

Online security begins with the authentication process, which is used to confirm that it is you, and not someone who has stolen your identity. Authentication generally involves one or more basic factors: » Something the user KNOWS (password/pin) » Something the user HAS (ATM/DEBIT card) Single factor authentication uses one of these methods. Multi-factor authentication uses more than one, and thus is considered a stronger fraud deterrent. When you use your ATM, for example, you are utilizing multifactor authentication; Factor number one is something you HAVE (your ATM card) and factor number two is something you KNOW (your PIN). To assure your continued security online, Bridge City Bank uses both single and multi-factor authentication, as well as additional “layered security” measures when appropriate. Layered security is characterized by the use of different controls at different points in a transaction process so that a weakness is one control is generally compensated for by the strength of a different control. An example of layered security might be that you follow one process to log in (user/password) and then give additional information to authorize funds transfers. Layered security can substantially strengthen the overall security of online transactions. Protecting sensitive customer information, preventing identity theft and reducing account takeovers that can result in financial losses.
The purpose of these layers is to allow Bridge City Bank to authenticate its customers and detect and respond to suspicious activity related to initial login.


Mobile Banking Safety Tips
Managing your finances using a smartphone or tablet can be very convenient. However, you should consider these safety tips to protect your account information:

  • Be proactive in protecting your smartphone and/or tablet by installing anti-malware software on the device.
  • Research any application (app) before you download it. Fraudulent apps are often designed with names that look like real apps. It’s best if you access an app using a link from the provider’s website.
  • Create a strong password or PIN for your mobile app and your device.
  • Use an auto-lock or time-out feature so your device will lock when it is left unused for a certain period of time.
  • Upgrade your device to the latest operating system version.
  • Take precautions in case your device is lost or stolen.
  • Avoid leaving your device unattended in public places.
  • Consult your wireless provider to see if they provide a service to remotely erase your device or turn off access to your device if it lost or stolen.

Your protections under “REG E”
Bridge City Bank follows specific rules known as Regulation E, issued by the Federal Reserve Board for electronic transfers. These rules cover all kinds of situations regarding transfers made electronically. Under the consumer protections provided under Reg E, you can recover internet banking losses according to how soon you detect and report them. Reg E requires the following:

  • If you report the losses within two days of receiving your statement, you can be liable for the first $50.
  • After two days, the amount increases to $500
  • After 60 days, you could be legally liable for the full amount.
  • These protections can be modified by state law or by policies at Bridge City Bank. Be sure you ask how these protections apply to your particular situation.

For a complete detailed explanation of protections provided under Regulation E; please visit the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (CFPB’s) website: http://www.consumerfinance.gov/eregulations/1005.


Commercial Banking Internet Security
Business and Commercial (non-consumer) customers using internet banking and/or bill pay are not protected under Regulation E. Special consideration should be made by the business customer to ensure adequate internal security controls are in place that commensurate with the risk level that the customer is willing to accept. As a non-consumer customer, you should perform periodic assessments to evaluate the security and risk controls you have in place. The risk assessment should be used to determine the risk level associated with any internet activities you perform and any controls you have in place to mitigate these risks.


Customer Vigilance
Watch out for suspicious emails that ask for your personal information. If you receive an email from us and are unsure whether it is legitimate, then please contact us and we will be glad to assist you.

  • Never share of give out your Access ID, User Name, Passwords of Security challenge questions.
  • Do not use personal information as your Access ID, User Name or Passwords.
  • Create hard-to-guess passwords that include upper & lower cases letters, numbers and special symbols.
  • Change your passwords frequently and don’t use the same ones from before.
  • Avoid using public computers and Wi-Fi to access your internet banking portal.
  • Do not provide any personal information to web sites that do not use encryption or other secure methods of protection.
  • Ensure that your computer is equipped with up-to-date anti-Virus software.
  • Ensure your computer and mobile device have the latest software version.

Neither this Institution nor its service providers will contact you via telephone or email requesting personal information, access ID, or your passcode. If you are contacted by anyone requesting this information, please contact us immediately.

You can also learn more about online safety and security at these websites:
·www.ftc.gov
·www.usa.gov
·www.idtheft.gov

If you have Suspicions
If you notice suspicious activity within your account or experience security-related events (such as a phishing email from someone purporting to be from Bridge City Bank) you can contact any employee at the bank and report such issues. 409.735.3516