Answers to frequently asked security questions

With the Internet as the fastest growing form of commercial exchange in the world, the need for tighter security is vital. Therefore, Hawthorne Credit Union takes the security of information very seriously. We have established standards and procedures, and have been equipped with a protected environment using a nationally recognized networking architecture consisting of data encryption throughout the transmission, to prevent unauthorized access.  From the ground up, we have implemented a security system that safeguards your money and keeps your account information private.

Layers of security include automatic sign-off, encryption, firewalls, and password lockout.

Automatic Sign Off
Sometimes you may be using a remote computer when you're banking online, thus remembering to sign off is very important. However, if you do forget to sign off, Hawthorne Credit Union will automatically sign off for you after ten minutes of inactivity. This will prevent anyone from viewing your account.

Encryption
Hawthorne uses physical, electronic and procedural safeguards to protect your personal information. We utilize different types of technology to ensure the confidentiality of its transactions through the Internet, such as Netscape's SSL protocol. SSL is an open protocol for securing data communications across computer networks. This provides secure channels for data transmission through encryption. SSL also provides transfer capabilities of digitally signed certificates for authentication procedures.

Certificates of authenticity offer message integrity, thus ensuring that data cannot be modified after it is sent.  In addition, Hawthorne's technology is regularly tested and updated to maintain and improve the protection of customer information. Hawthorne's data encryption matches the encryption level of your browser, up to 128 bits. Please contact your browser's manufacturer for information on how to upgrade your browser's encryption level.

Firewalls
The credit union is protected by a firewall, which is a barrier between the outside Internet and the internal credit union network. The firewall verifies each network packet and determines whether to permit access. All incoming IP traffic is actually addressed to the firewall, which only allows pertinent information to flow into the credit union.

Password Lockout
In order to bank online, you need to have a unique password. If someone else is trying to enter a password to view your banking information, they will not get very far. Hawthorne Credit Union allows only 3 opportunities to enter a password. After 3 failed attempts, it is determined to be fraudulent activity and the account is "locked out". No further login attempts will be allowed before calling our Member Services department.

Application Security
Hawthorne Credit Union applications offer 24/7 security. We work with a leading application service provider to ensure secure online application transactions.

You can feel confident that we employ security measures that are appropriate for the confidential information that is being entered on your application. The information you see when filling out your application is available only to you.

You can tell that your application is secure (i.e. encrypted) when the "lock icon" in the bottom corner of your browser becomes visible. If the icon appears broken, or does not appear at all, encryption is not in use and the current session is not secure.

To confirm that your information is encrypted, you can 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.

Hawthorne Credit Union is dedicated to providing alternative banking options with stringent security measures for our members. We have your privacy, protection, and piece of mind at the forefront of our online banking solution.

Hawthorne does not provide your personal information to third party vendors. For more details, please refer to our privacy policy.