Internet Banking
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is Internet Banking?
2. How do I enroll in Internet Banking?
3. What are the requirements to access Internet banking?
4. What is 128-bit encryption and do I need to have it?
5. Why are my password and/or User Id not working?
6. How do I know that my Internet site and connection are safe?
7. How can I tell if my computer has 128-bit encryption?
8. What does Internet Banking cost?
9. Why am I unable to access my account(s)?
10. How current/accurate is the information posted on the Internet Banking site?
11. What do I do if I forget my password?
12. Which Internet browser should I use?
13. Will I be able to change my password?
14. How do I change my password?
15. How do I know if I would like Internet Banking?
16. What does my History show?
17. How long will my account history be stored for viewing?
18. What do I do if I forget my User Id?

1. What is Internet Banking?
   
   Internet Banking is an added service we offer which allows customers to access accounts, make transfers, and view statements from the convenience of their home or wherever they have Internet access.
   
   
2. How do I enroll in Internet Banking?
   
   To enroll you just need to go to our website at www.athensstatebank.com. On our homepage there are several ways to get to the enrollment form, but the easiest is to click on the I.B. button in the lower right-hand corner that says “Internet Banking, sign up now“. Click on this button and you will be directed to a secure site where you can enroll. Next, click on the appropriate enrollment form, fill out the enrollment form, and submit. After you submit your enrollment form you will receive a signature authorization form via postal mail. Once you return the signature authorization back to A.S.B., we will then send out your login information. We estimate 7-10 business days for the sign up process to be completed. When you receive your password you will need to login to Internet Banking and your first step is to create a new User Id and password.
   
   
3. What are the requirements to access Internet Banking?
   
   • You must have an active deposit account with Athens State Bank
   • Internet access
   • 16 years of age or older
   • Have an Internet browser with 128-bit encryption.
     
     
4. What is 128-bit encryption and do I need to have it?
   
   128-bit encryption is a significant level of cryptography that is used to secure Internet transactions. The process of encryption hides data or the contents of a message in such a way that the original information can be recovered through a corresponding decryption process. The possibility of a brute-force decryption by another computer would be 2 to the power of 128. Computer experts expect 128-bit encryption will work well for at least the next ten years. Yes, the browser you use must support 128-bit encryption.
   
   Definitions:
   
   • Brute-force decryption- using a computer to exhaustively calculate and try every possible key one by one.
   • Key- a long sequence of bits used by encryption/decryption algorithms.
   
   
5. Why are my password and/or User Id not working?
   
   Your password and User Id are both case sensitive. After three failed login attempts you are locked out of the Internet banking system.
   
   
6. How do I know that my Internet site and connection are safe?
   
   You will notice when you navigate our website that there are a few visual assurances of safety. First, when you choose to sign in or login to Internet Banking a notice will come on screen stating that “You are about to view pages over a secure connection”. Second, you will see in the address bar that the address has an extra “s” after the http. This “s” stands for a secure server site. Also, you will see a closed padlock in the lower right-hand corner of your monitor. If the padlock is open or not present you are not on a secure site.
   
   
7. How can I tell if my computer has 128-bit encryption?
   
   To determine whether or not your computer has been upgraded to 128-bit encryption you will need to check your computer settings. Open your Internet Explorer browser; click on “Help“, and then click on “About Internet Explorer”. A box will pop-up in the middle of your screen. You will notice the words “Cipher Strength“. Cipher strength is your encryption strength. If you do not have 128-bit encryption you can update your system by going to the following website: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/downloads/recommended/128bit/default.asp. Once you are at this site just follow the instructions.
   
   
8. What does Internet Banking cost?
   
   Internet banking is offered at NO cost to all Athens State Bank customers.
   
   
9. Why am I unable to access my accounts?
   
   Here are a few possibilities:
   • You are not an Athens State Bank customer
   • You do not have an active deposit account.
   • You have not accessed your accounts for 60 days thereby locking yourself out of service. This dormancy is a security feature.
   • You have been locked out of the login field by entering the incorrect password 3 consecutive times.
     
     
   If you need help resetting your password or reactivating your account please contact an A.S.B. employee.
   
   
10. How current/accurate is the information posted on the Internet Banking site?
    
    Account information is updated twice each business day. We perform updates early in the morning and again in the afternoon. Transactions done after 2:00 PM will be posted on the next business day. If you see the word “pending“ this means that your transaction is on the system, but the final balancing/posting for the day has not yet been completed.
    
    
11. What do I do if I forget my password?
    
    If you forget your password contact an Athens State Bank employee by phone or by e-mail. For security purposes we will only divulge your password information to you in person or by phone, since e-mail transactions are not considered secure.
    
    
12. Which Internet Browser should I use?
    
    We recommend that you use Internet Explorer opposed to Netscape Navigator. Your Internet Explorer should be version 5.0 or higher. To check your version open your Internet Explorer browser, click on “Help“ at the top of your monitor, click “About Internet Explorer“ and you will open an informational box. In this box you will see the word “Version“. Version tells you what version of Internet Explorer you are using. If you are using an older version of Internet Explorer you can update via Microsoft's website at: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/downloads/recommended/128bit/default.asp.
    
    
13. Will I be able to change my password?
    
    Yes, when you receive your initial 16-character password after enrollment you will be forced to change your password to login. You can change your password as often as you would like.
    
    
14. How do I change my password?
    
    To change your password you need to login like normal, click on “Services“, and then click on “Change Password“. Enter your old password, enter your new password twice, and then click “Submit“. Reminder- Passwords must be 6 characters in length and contain one alpha and one numeric/special character. The passwords are case sensitive.
    
    
15. How do I know if I would like Internet banking?
    
    If you are unsure to whether or not you would like our Internet Banking product you should test out our Demo. To access our demo, go to our login page and click on “Demo“.
    
    
16. What does my History show?
    
    The history shows the transactions made for deposit accounts, CD's, and loans. Your most recent transactions will be displayed first. You will also be able to see ACH warehouse and pending proof transactions. The history screen will display the Current and Available Balances. The Running Balance will reflect all transactions that have a date in front of them.
    
    
17. How long will my account history be stored for viewing?
    
    Customers will be able to view their account histories on loans and CD's indefinitely. Deposit account histories will be stored for 90 days.
    
    
18. What do I do if I forget my User Id?
    
    If you forget your User Id contact an Athens State Bank employee by phone or by e-mail. For security purposes we will only divulge your password information to you in person or by phone, since e-mail transactions are not considered secure.