Frequently Asked Questions - Enhanced Security for Internet Banking



  1. What is "Enhanced Security"?
  2. Why is Enhanced Security necessary?
  3. How does the Enhanced Security work?
  4. What are the features of Enhanced Security?
  5. How many computers may I authorize?
  6. I don't see my Site Verification Phrase on the second page when logging in. What's wrong?
  7. Why must I authorize my computer each time I login?
  8. How do I increase my Temporary Internet File Folder Size?
  9. What is a "cookie"?
  10. How do I delete "cookies"?
  11. Do I need to change the settings on my computer?
  12. How do I register additional computer(s)?
  13. How do I login from unauthorized computers?
  14. Why do I have a Password as well as a Secondary Password and can they be the same?
  15. Help, I am attempting to login from an unauthorized PC and forgot my Secondary Password?
  16. The login screen is requesting a temporary key be entered, why?
  17. Am I required to activate the Enhanced Security?
  18. What happens if my Enhanced Security cookie is deleted or blocked by my anti-virus program?
  19. Can I update/change my Enhanced Security settings once they have been established?
  20. What happens if I enter an incorrect Password?
  21. I use more than one browser (e.g., Internet Explorer and Firefox) on my computer(s). Which one should I use to register with?
  22. I have a joint account. Does the co-owner on my account need a separate password, secondary password, and Site Verification Phrase?
  23. I can’t find my cellular carrier in the drop down menu?
  24. I’ve changed my cell/pager number and/or email, can I change it or do I need to re-register?
  25. Which Internet Browser should I use for Enhanced Security?


What is "Enhanced Security"?

Enhanced Security is a new feature for Honda Federal Credit Union Internet Banking that gives our members and their accounts an additional layer of protection from fraud by using an additional method to confirm their identity.

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Why is Enhanced Security necessary?

The Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council's (FFIEC) has determined that the security provided by a single password may be defeated with new technology being employed by high-tech hackers of today. In response our regulators have mandated that enhanced security precautions be implemented to increase online safety and make accounts more secure while preventing spoofing attempts by look-alike websites.

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How does the Enhanced Security work?

After you enter your Account Number and Password, you will be asked to "authorize" your computer and complete a simple questionnaire. Once you’ve authorized your computer by completing the registration and simple questionnaire, a "cookie" will be placed on your authorized computer acting as an identifier and allowing express login so you will only have to enter your Account Number and Password going forward.

Note - If you delete this Enhanced Security cookie from a computer you have authorized you will be prompted to enter the secondary password you used during the registration process.

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What are the features of Enhanced Security?
  1. Registration of your primary or other trusted computer to allow you to logon to your account directly once registered.
  2. Selection of a "Site Verification Phrase" so as to ensure that you are on a site you know. The unique phrase is only visible every time you login from an authorized computer.
  3. The ability to login from other computers using a Secondary Password or Temporary Key.
  4. An option to receive an e-mail or a cell phone text message upon every logon or attempt.

Note - A temporary key is valid for approximately one (1) hour and can only be used once

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How many computers may I authorize?

You may authorize as many computers as you wish, but caution must be taken not to authorize computers accessible by others that do not have permission to access your accounts (e.g., your local library, cyber cafe or in some cases at work).

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I don't see my Site Verification Phrase on the second page when logging in. What's wrong?

If you have already registered and authorized your computer, the Site Verification Phrase will appear. It is recommended that you always login from a trusted authorized computer. Caution should be taken if you do not see your site verification phrase. If you wish to authorize additional computers you will be given a chance to do so after you have entered your secondary password using the virtual onscreen keyboard and mouse or entering a requested temporary key.

Note - the Site Verification Phrase may not appear on a previously authorized computer if you periodically delete cookies from your PC. The first time you login after deleting cookies, you will be asked to enter your Secondary Password. Then you will be asked if you'd like to authorize your computer again.

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Why must I authorize my computer each time I login?

The most likely reason is that the security cookie is being deleted. Legitimate cookies may accidentally get deleted due to browser settings, limited temporary internet file folder size, manual deletion, as well as firewall and anti-spyware software.

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How do I increase my Temporary Internet File Folder Size?

To increase your Temporary Internet File Folder Size in Internet Explorer v6.0 perform the following:

Navigate to the proper setting using the menu at the top of your browser - Tools --> Internet Options --> Temporary Internet Files (Settings) --> Temporary Internet Files Folder (Increase Amount of Disk Space to Use) --> OK --> OK

The next time you authorize your computer the security cookie should be saved.

Note - If your cookie is deleted you will be prompted to enter your secondary password.

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What is a "cookie"?

A cookie is a packet of information that is sent to your computer by a web server to your computer so that it can remember your actions on a particular website for future use. It's a lot like a preference file or a profile. When you visit the site after being sent the cookie, the site will load certain pages according to the information stored in the cookie.

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How do I delete "cookies"?

The cookie file is accessed through your computer browser. For Internet Explorer (IE) browser users, follow these instructions: On the top navigation bar, click on Tools. Then in the drop down menu, click on Internet Options. Then click on the General tab. In the mid section titled "Temporary Internet Files" click on Delete Cookies. Then click on OK. You are done.

For Firefox browser users, follow these instructions: On the top navigation bar, click on Tools. Then in the drop down menu, click on Options. Then click on the Privacy tab. In the mid section titled "Cookies", click on Show Cookies. In the search box at the top of that screen, type in "hondafcu.org". Cookies associated with this site will appear. Click on the cookie titled "TRACEASSURE". Click on the Remove Cookie button at the bottom of the page. The cookie has now been removed.

If you are using another type of browser, please check in the Help area of that browser or contact the company to learn how to delete cookies.

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Do I need to change the settings on my computer?

You may need to change your Internet privacy and/or security settings to accept third-party cookies for all sites or, if possible, specifically for our website at www.hondafcu.org.

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How do I register additional computer(s)?

When you login to www.hondafcu.org from a computer that has not been authorized you will be asked if you wish to "Authorize this computer now" after entering your Secondary Password using the onscreen keyboard and your mouse. If you check the "Authorize Now" box it will be authorized. It's that easy!

Note - We do not recommend authorizing computers accessible by others that do not have permission to access your accounts (e.g., your local library, cyber cafe or in some cases at work).

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How do I login from unauthorized computers?

When you attempt to access Internet Banking from a computer that has not been authorized and does not have a secure cookie, you will be asked to enter your Secondary Password using the onscreen virtual keyboard and your mouse. Correctly typing in the Secondary Password allows you to access Internet Banking.

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Why do I have a Password as well as a Secondary Password and can they be the same?

Your PASSWORD is used to access Internet Banking while the SECONDARY PASSWORD is used during the login process if logging in from a non-authorized computer. It is highly recommended that you DO NOT USE the same alpha-numeric string for both your PASSWORD and SECONDARY PASSWORD.

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Help, I am attempting to login from an unauthorized PC and forgot my Secondary Password?

No problem, just start the login process by entering your Account Number and Password. You will see a Password Reminder that appears just above the virtual onscreen keyboard. If the Reminder does not help use the "Click here to Request Temporary Key" located under the onscreen keyboard. A temporary key will be sent to you via text message and/or e-mail depending on the settings you established during your Enhanced Security registration. Once you receive this key, log back in with your Account Number, Password and Temporary Key.

Note - A temporary key is valid for approximately one (1) hour and can only be used once.

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The login screen is requesting a temporary key be entered, why?

A temporary key entry field is visible if one was requested within the last hour. This field will no longer be visible once you successfully login. You may either enter the temporary key received via e-mail or text message or if you remember your SECONDARY PASSWORD simply enter your Account Number and Password then click continue to reveal your Reminder and SECONDARY PASSWORD Onscreen Keyboard to login.

Note - The use of a mouse is required to select your code's characters from the onscreen keyboard.

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Am I required to activate the Enhanced Security?

To comply with federal regulatory guidelines, beginning on August 14, 2007, activating this additional level of security will become mandatory for all Honda Federal Credit Union Internet Banking users.

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What happens if my Enhanced Security cookie is deleted or blocked by my anti-virus program?

Enhanced Security will be disabled and you will need to authenticate the computer(s) again or access Internet Banking by using your Secondary Password or the Temporary Key feature.

Note - A temporary key is valid for approximately one (1) hour and can only be used once.

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Can I update/change my Enhanced Security settings once they have been established?

Yes. You can update your settings by selecting "Change my settings" located on the second login screen under the Password field. Once you have been authorized you will be given the opportunity to change and save your settings.

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What happens if I enter an incorrect Password?

If you attempt to login with the wrong PASSWORD an error message will be displayed. Return to the login screen to try again. You can attempt to login THREE times before your Internet Banking account is frozen.

If your account is frozen, you will need to contact a Member Service Representative at 1-800-63-Honda to reconfirm your identity and have your account unfrozen. Hours of operation are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 7:00 am - 8:00 pm EST and Wednesday 9:30 am - 8:00 pm EST.

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I use more than one browser (e.g., Internet Explorer and Firefox) on my computer(s). Which one should I use to register with?

You should register your computer from both browsers to ensure the cookie is detected upon login.

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I have a joint account. Does the co-owner on my account need a separate password, secondary password, and Site Verification Phrase?

No. Each account has only one password, one secondary password, and one Site Verification Phrase. If you have joint owners on your account who need access to the Internet Banking, they will need to be aware of the Enhanced Security procedures and specific requirements for your account.

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I can’t find my cellular carrier in the drop down menu?

If you are unable to find your cell phone carrier in the drop down menu please use the email function to notify you when a login occurs. Your cell phone carrier may not be available through the Enhanced Security System at this time.

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I’ve changed my cell/pager number and/or email, can I change it or do I need to re-register?

We highly recommend that any changes that need to be made to your Enhanced Security settings be made from an authorized computer. If you need to make changes to your cell/pager number, email or secondary password you will need to log on to www.hondafcu.org from an authorized computer. Enter your Account Number and click the Sign In button. You should see your Site Verification Phrase, enter your Account Password but before you click Continue you’ll check the box that says Change your Enhanced Security Settings and click Continue. You will be taken to your Enhanced Security settings at which time you can make the necessary changes.

If you are not at an authorized computer and need to access your account but have changed your cell/pager number or email address and do not have a way of requesting a Temporary Key you will need to contact Honda FCU at 1-800-63-Honda. Your settings be deleted and you will need to re-register through the Enhanced Security system.

Note - If you are not at an authorized computer and/or do not want to authorize the computer but it is urgent that your register and access your account. Once deleted, you can re-register from the computer you have access to. Before logging out you will need to delete cookies from the computer you are using. For directions on how to delete cookies please see question #10 above.

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Which Internet Browser should I use for Enhanced Security?

Please review the following chart to see if your computer and browser meet the requirements of the Enhanced Security system. Compatible systems and browsers are indicated with a shaded "Yes."

  Windows XP Windows 2000 Mac OS 9 Mac OSX  (10.3 Panther) Mac OSX (10.4 Tiger)
Internet Explorer 5 No No

No

No

No

Internet Explorer 6 YES YES N/A NA NA
Internet Explorer 7

YES

N/A N/A N/A N/A
FireFox 1.5

YES

YES

N/A

YES

YES

FireFox 2.0

YES

YES

N/A

YES

YES

Netscape 8

YES

YES

N/A N/A N/A
Safari 1.2 N/A N/A N/A No N/A
Safari 2 N/A N/A N/A N/A YES

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