• Always check to ensure that you have connected to the corrected ECB web site address at www.ecbbancorp.com . Once you are logged in to the ECB address, you may notice alternate web addresses as follows: https://k2.secure-banking.com/1336.cfm…., after the page is secured or https://qup.secure-banking.com/1336…, when enrolling for our service.

• Always secure your browser session by selecting the "Secure this Page" button just below the ECB Logon on our Home Page. You know you have a secure page by the small yellow padlock in the lower right-hand area of your screen.

• Always log off your session when you finish using ECB Online Banking to prevent someone else from gaining access to your information. Closing your browser further secures your information.

• Protect your passwords and login information. The first step in safe, secure online transactions begins with the proper handling of passwords. Allowing your computer to "save" this information puts you at risk of having the confidential nature of such information compromised.

• Use strong passwords. Choose passwords that are difficult or impossible to guess that include both numeric and alpha characters . Give different passwords to all accounts.

• Do not open e-mail attachments from strangers, regardless of how enticing the Subject Line or attachment may be. Be suspicious of any unexpected email attachment from someone you do know because it may have been sent without that person’s knowledge from an infected machine.

• Use virus protection software. This means three things: having it on your computer, checking daily for new virus updates, and then actually scanning all the files on your computer periodically.

• Make sure your family members, employees, or others that may be using your computer, recognize virus alerts and know what to do should one attempt to infect your system or in the event it succeeds.

• Use a firewall as a gatekeeper or "invisible wall" between your computer and the Internet. Firewalls are usually software products. They are essential for those who keep their computers online through the popular DSL and cable modem connections, but they are still valuable for those who have a dial-up connection as well.

• Do not keep computers online when not in use. Always close down your computer when not in use. You may also consider physically disconnecting them from the Internet connection, particularly if you have a DSL or cable modem connection.

• Regularly download software patches from your software vendor. These updates and "fixes" are often offered after the software has been developed and sold. Sometimes bugs are discovered in a program and these patches are made available for downloading to your PC by the software company through their web sites. Check these vendor web sites regularly to stay informed on the products you use and depend on.

• Check the security of your computer. Through various tools and Internet options on your system, you may choose the amount of security you feel is necessary for your personal computer usage.

• Back up your computer data This can save you a lot of headache and frustration down the road in the event your system "crashes" or your files get damaged. Back up small amounts of data on floppy disks and larger amounts on CDs. Keep this information handy so that you are prepared should the worst happen.

• Always use a surge protector that includes a "telephone line"/modem outlet. Power outages and power surges can cause excessive damage to your system. "An ounce of prevention…."

PLEASE REMEMBER, THE EAST CAROLINA BANK DOES NOT REQUEST CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION VIA EMAIL.