Products | Electronic Banking | Security

Online banking: Safer than ever.

We have implemented new security enhancements to deter fraud and ensure that we provide you with the highest level of security while you bank online with MetroWeb.

Most of the time, your online banking experience will be the same as it was before. However, there is an extra layer of security working behind the scenes to protect your account. The new security may — very infrequently — prompt you to verify your identity. This means you can now manage your accounts with an even greater sense of confidence.

When prompted, please take a moment to walk through the setup process, which only takes a couple of minutes.

• Create a username for your account. You'll enter this username — instead of your account number — each time that you log on to MetroWeb (if you access more than one account online, you'll need to do this for each account).

• Create a set of security questions that only you will know the answer to. (You won't be prompted to do this right away — it may be several weeks or even months before you are prompted).

Frequently Asked Questions About Our New Online Security

Q: Why is my online banking experience changing?

A: In order to make MetroWeb as secure as possible, we have introduced new security features. Most of the time, your online banking experience will be the same as it was before, only now there is an extra layer of security working behind the scenes to protect your account. The new security may — very infrequently — prompt you to verify your identity before continuing. This means you can now manage your accounts online with an even greater sense of confidence.

Q: What is this new security system?

A: As our member, we know how you typically behave: what types of transactions you conduct, when and from where. If we detect any activity that does not seem like your typical behavior, we will prompt you to further verify your identity — so that we can ensure that it is you and not a fraudster attempting to compromise your account. This will only happen on rare occasions. Normally, you will not be asked for any additional information.

Q: How do I sign up?

A: You do not need to do anything to initiate this process. When you are prompted, please take a moment to create a new username for MetroWeb (which you will use instead of your account number when logging in) and answer three security questions.

Q: How do the security questions work?

A: You will be asked to provide answers to three randomly selected security, or challenge, questions. These are questions that you will be asked in the rare instance that your identity needs to be verified. The answers to these questions should not be public knowledge or easily obtained by a would-be identity thief. Try to avoid using answers that will change over time, and enter your answers carefully, as you will need to supply exactly the same answer if you are ever prompted with one of your security questions. The answers are case-sensitive, so be sure to remember whether you used upper- or lowercase letters.

Q: Can I change my security questions?

A: You can change your security questions by contacting the credit union to have them reset. Then, you'll be prompted to select and answer a new set of challenge questions during a future MetroWeb session. We cannot change your security questions or answers for you.

Q: When will I be asked these questions?

A: You will only be prompted with one or more of your security questions when a particular activity or transaction appears to be unusual or uncharacteristic of your typical behavior. This should be rare.

Q: How are you able to detect unusual or uncharacteristic behavior?

A: MetroWeb's security system takes into account factors such as the type of transactions you ordinarily perform, the computer(s) you typically use to access your account, and the typical security settings for your computer. Hundreds of factors like these are used to create a profile that is unique to you and allows us to make decisions about whether the person conducting a given activity or transaction within your account appears to be really you.

For example, if someone tries to sign in with your username and password from a computer in a foreign country shortly after you have logged off from your normal computer at home, we may decide to verify that it is really you trying to access your account.

Q: Will I be asked for more information all the time?

A: No, you will only be asked for more information when unusual or uncharacteristic behavior is detected. This will most likely be a very rare occurrence.

Q: How do I know it is working?

A: After you complete the setup process, the new security system will work automatically. That means that you are being protected every moment — when you are online and, more importantly, when you are not.

Q: Will my access code change due to the new security system?

A: No. The questions and answers you provide are distinct from your regular access code. You will, however, be prompted to select a username to use instead of your account number when logging on to MetroWeb. If you access more than one account online, you will need to create a unique username for each account.

Q: Is my personal information still safe?

A: Yes. In fact, your personal information is safer than ever before because we are making sure it is really you and not an unauthorized user trying to access your information.

Q: How will this help prevent online fraud?

A: If your username and access code are stolen, the fraudster would have to be able to answer your security questions correctly before being able to access your account or complete a fraudulent transaction. If the user is not able to provide this information, the activity would be blocked. This added layer of security helps us protect your online account at all times.

Q: I check my account often. Wouldn't I know if something unusual showed up on my account?

A: It is always a good idea to regularly monitor your account for any unusual activity (like transfers or payments you didn't make). This security device helps prevent those incidences from ever occurring, so when you check your account everything is exactly how it should be.

Q: I already have anti-virus software and a personal firewall. Why do I need this?

A: We are glad to hear you use anti-virus software and a personal firewall. Be sure that you keep both software programs updated for the best possible protection against viruses, trojans and hackers. This new security feature protects against other kinds of threats such as a stolen username and access code. It works with your other personal security programs, but it does not replace them.