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 ( Home Computer)

Our Web site supports versions of Netscape NavigatorT and Microsoft Internet Explorer® 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:

  • Microsoft Internet Explorer Version 4.0 or higher with 128-bit "high" encryption *
  • Netscape Navigator Version 4.0 or higher with 128-bit encryption (4.5, 4.72, 4.73)
  • Netscape Communicator Version 4.0 or higher with 128-bit "strong" encryption (4.5, 4.72, 4.73)
  • America Online Version 4.0 (with Internet Explorer Version 4.0, as noted)

* There is a known issue with Netscape browsers with version 4.7 only. Please upgrade to one of the next two builds, 4.72 or 4.73.

You can also download Netscape Navigator or Microsoft Internet Explore® with 128-bit encryption by clicking on the respective icon below. You should note that 128-bit encryption is an optional feature for both Microsoft and Netscape browsers, and may not be available outside of the United States and Canada.

The level of encryption and version of your browser can be checked by performing the following:

Netscape Communicator:

  1. In Navigator or Communicator, choose the Help menu and select About Navigator (or Communicator).
  2. Look for the section that reads "Contains encryption software from RSA Data Security, Inc".
  3. If the next paragraph says "This version supports U.S. security...", that means you have 128 bit security. If it says you have International security, that means you have 40 bit security. Download the 128 bit encryption from the above link for your operating system.

Microsoft Internet Explorer:

  1. 1. Open the browser and click on "Help" in the top menu. Then choose the "About Internet Explorer" option.
  2. 2. In the box that appears, look at "Cipher Strength". If it does not view as 128bit encryption, then click on the "update information" link and download the 128 bit encryption version for Internet Explorer or you can download the 128 bit encryption from the above link for your operating system.

* Important Notice for Internet Explorer 5.0 Users!

There is an option in IE 5.0 that lets you save passwords for secure sites. If these options are enabled, the browser will prompt you to "save passwords" and from that point forward that browser will sign on to Online Banking without a password. This is a security risk. It means that anyone who opens your browser on your PC could access your bank information without needing the secret logon information.

Here are the menu instructions to disable the password storing feature of IE 5.0.

If you have Internet Explorer 5.0, open the browser and go to

  • Tools>Internet Options>Content tab>"Personal Information" section>Auto Complete button
  • uncheck "User Names and Passwords on Forms"
  • uncheck "Prompt Me to Save Passwords"
  • press "Clear Passwords" button
  • Press "OK" to save changes.

* Important Notice for Internet Explorer 5.01, 5.5, 6.0 Users!

Customers using Internet Explorer 5.01, 5.5 or 6.0 browser(s) should read Microsoft's August 2002, Cumulative Patch for Internet Explorer (Q323759). Microsoft is urging users to install a patch that will correct vulnerabilities in its Internet Explorer browser. [Read more.] [Download patch.]

 AOL User:

1. 128 bit encryption is supported by AOL Version 4.0 with Internet Explorer Version 4.0, as noted above. If you have trouble downloading, please contact America Online Customer Service by calling (888) 265-8006.

Go to Keyword: 128browser. Follow the instructions for downloading and installing your new 128-bit browser.

Top of page

2. 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

Top of page