SterlingBank&Trust

Security

Sterling Bank & Trust is committed to complying with the highest level of security the Internet has to offer for our customers. Sterling Bank & Trust's methods of security are outlined on this page.

1. Upgrading of Browser on your PC

Our Web site supports Microsoft Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, and Mozilla Firefox browsers that use 128-bit encryption. Encryption is a means of scrambling information for transmission, in this case, between your PC and Sterling Bank & Trust's computing systems. Information that is encrypted at one end is decrypted (decoded) upon receipt at the other end.

128-bit encryption is the strongest, most secure form of encryption that is generally available in Internet browsers. Sterling Bank & Trust requires that their customers use 128-bit encryption when conducting financial transactions over the Internet. We also recommend the use of 128-bit encryption for all non-financial transactions over the Internet, e.g. the completion of application forms. This is because these browsers support Private Communication Technology (PCT) and Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) protocols, which are used to establish secure channel services and protect data transmitted between clients and servers.

Currently, the most popular browsers with this feature are:

To ensure that you are browsing with the highest level of security available, Sterling Bank highly recommends that you regularly check for updates to the browser of your choice. You should also regularly update your Windows operating system. For information on how to update Windows, please click here: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/help/windows-update

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2. Upgrading of Browser on your Mac

Our Web site supports Apple Safari, Google Chrome, and Mozilla Firefox browsers that use 128-bit encryption. Encryption is a means of scrambling information for transmission, in this case, between your Mac and Sterling Bank & Trust's computing systems. Information that is encrypted at one end is decrypted (decoded) upon receipt at the other end.

128-bit encryption is the strongest, most secure form of encryption that is generally available in Internet browsers. Sterling Bank & Trust requires that their customers use 128-bit encryption when conducting financial transactions over the Internet. We also recommend the use of 128-bit encryption for all non-financial transactions over the Internet, e.g. the completion of application forms. This is because these browsers support Private Communication Technology (PCT) and Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) protocols, which are used to establish secure channel services and protect data transmitted between clients and servers.

Currently, the most popular browsers with this feature are:

To ensure that you are browsing with the highest level of security available, Sterling Bank highly recommends that you regularly check for updates to the browser of your choice. You should also regularly update your Mac operating system. For information on how to update your operating syatem, please click here: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1338

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3. SSL Technology

SSL uses authentication and encryption technology. The Online Banking System brings together a combination of industry- approved security technologies to deliver a product that keeps your data safe. It features password-controlled system entry, a VeriSign-issued Digital ID loaded onto the bank's server, Secure Socket Layer (SSL) protocol for data encryption, and a router loaded with a firewall to regulate the inflow and outflow of server traffic.

(SSL) Secure socket Layer protocol is used as the "gateway" to provide privacy for the data flowing between the browser and Sterling Bank & Trust's server. SSL provides a secure channel for data transmission over the Internet. It allows for the transfer of digital signatures for authentication procedures and provides message integrity, ensuring that the data can't be altered en route. Sterling Bank & Trust's customers can be assured they are actually communicating with Sterling Bank's web server and not a third party trying to intercept the transaction on the Internet. You can tell when you are secure by looking at the location (URL) field. If the URL begins with https:// (instead of http://), the document comes from a secure server. This means your data cannot be read or deciphered by unauthorized individuals.

To start a transaction, the customer uses his or her browser to send a secure message via SSL to Sterling Bank & Trust's server. The Sterling Bank & Trust server responds by authenticating the customer and initiating session encryption. When a session is encrypted, the key icon at the lower left corner of your screen becomes solid, and a blue line appears at the top of the screen. If the key icon appears broken, encryption is not in use and the current session is not secure.

Click here to view our secure and active Verisign-issued Digital ID

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