Berkshire Bank::Internet Banking Security

There are three levels of protection built into BerkshireBank@Work: (1) your Internet browser, (2) your Customer ID, User ID, and password assignments and (3) Berkshire Bank's own security measures that are designed into the system itself.

Your Internet browser
In order to connect to BerkshireBank@Work, you must use a browser that has 128-bit Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption capabilities. 128-bit SSL encryption is the strongest encryption available through a browser. The larger the bit number, the longer the identification codes that must be exchanged and the more difficult it is to decrypt the information.

Encryption encodes the exchange of information between your PC and the BerkshireBank@Work system and creates a mathematical lock that only your browser and Berkshire Bank have the keys to. Each time you log on to BerkshireBank@Work, a new encryption code is generated that is valid only for that specific connection.

BerkshireBank@Work requires the use of https in its Internet address to ensure that SSL encryption is engaged. You know your connection session is encrypted when you see either the Netscape Navigator solid key icon or the Microsoft Internet Explorer lock icon in the lower right hand corner of your browser window.

Your ID and Password Assignments
Berkshire Bank will assign you a Company ID, one User ID and one temporary password that are all unique to your company.

Anyone connecting to BerkshireBank@Work must have all three to successfully sign on. Immediately at the first sign on, the system will prompt the user to change the temporary password to something that is unique to them. Your users will then be required to change their passwords every 60 days or more often if you prefer.

It is your company's responsibility to secure your IDs and passwords and to properly set up the various users that can access BerkshireBank@Work. The system gives you the flexibility to assign your own users and passwords, and to authorize each user for only certain activities or account information. You can also set up dual control for the initiation of ACH payments, i.e. one user creates the transactions, and another authorizes and releases them.

System Security Measures
BerkshireBank@Work is installed on a computer server located behind a secure firewall. Berkshire Bank has installed logging, monitoring and intrusion detection devices and programs on all of its network and web servers. Our Information Protection Services department is dedicated to maintaining the security of the entire environment used for Internet access to the bank, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

What is a firewall?
A component or set of components that controls and monitors access between a proprietary protected network and the Internet. It is generally a dedicated computer equipped with safeguards that acts as a single, easily defended, Internet connection. It blocks unwanted network traffic while allowing authorized traffic to pass through to other systems.

Can a hacker get into BerkshireBank@Work?
The nature of the Internet makes it easier for hackers to attack computer systems and they generally are most successful when the computer servers they are attacking do not have the most up-to-date operating system versions installed. Berkshire Bank maintains all web server operating systems at their most current version, with all "patches and fixes" applied.

How is BerkshireBank@Work protected from viruses?
Berkshire Bank continually upgrades its network with the most up-to-date virus checking software. While no system is totally immune, Berkshire Bank network administrators maintain constant diligence regarding any reported virus threats.

How can my business help protect our data stored at Berkshire Bank?
1. Create a secure password that has a minimum length of 6 characters and uses both alpha and numeric characters. It should not be a word found in a dictionary. A good way to remember this type of password is to start with a phrase. For example, the phrase "to be or not to be" would result in the password 2bon2b.

2. Protect your IDs and Passwords.

3. Assign and monitor user access.

4. Set your browser's Security Settings to at least Medium. If your company network administrator has already selected High, do not change the setting.

For more information call (413) 236-3180, or 1-800-773-5601 or contact us.

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