Security Practices

How We Protect You     How To Protect Yourself

How We Protect You

North County CU is dedicated to protecting your security and account information. We maintain physical, electronic and procedural safeguards that comply with federal regulations to guard your nonpublic personal information.

Website and Online Banking Security

We have taken many precautions to ensure your personal banking information is secure when you bank online including, but not limited to:

• Encryption - Our website homepage is protected using VeriSign security. This security measure is in place so that you can be sure that our website is authentic and protected. Internet Teller, our online banking service, uses 128-bit secure sockets layer (SSL) encryption as well as many additional security procedures.
• Usernames and Passwords - Online banking requires strong usernames and passwords to protect your account. We recommend you choose passwords that would be difficult for others to guess and include numbers, difference cases, and special symbols.
• Multifactor Authentication - Our Internet Teller online banking service uses an extra layer of security that asks you to validate yourself by sending yourself a text, email or phone message to validate yourself when you login using an unfamiliar computer. Learn more.
• Secure Email - All email you send to North County CU from using our "Contact Us" website email form is sent securely to protect your sensitive personal information. As a standard, our Member Service Representatives do not send personal information via non-secure email.

Personal Privacy

Trust is the foundation of our relationship with our members. North County Credit Union is committed to protecting the privacy of each member's financial records consistent with federal and state laws. Read our privacy policy.

North County Credit Union Email Messaging

We will never ask you for any personal information including any account information or social security number via email. Email is a responsible way to deliver relevant product and service offers, regulatory information and rate updates, NOT to gather confidential member information.

Visa® Debit Card Fraud Protection Program

The Verified by VISA Program is a way to add safety when you buy online. Protect your existing North County CU Visa Debit card by creating a unique personal password. Verified by VISA helps ensure that only you can use your Visa card to buy at participating online stores.

Register today! It takes just a few minutes to activate.

How to Protect Yourself

Online fraud and scams are prevalent in every industry and are increasing at alarming rates. Stay informed on the latest scams and tricks so that they won't catch you off guard. Use the following tips to protect yourself:

Your Smart Phone, Tablet and Mobile Device

Protect your personal information

Never give your Social Security Number, account number, passwords, PINs or other specific personal information to people who call or email you. We will never call or email you to ask you for this information. Only give financial information over the phone if you are the one who initiates the call to a published credit union phone number.

If your phone or tablet has password protection, we recommend you use it. Additionally, if you use a password protected website or app, such as one of North County CU Mobile Banking apps, we recommend NOT selecting the check box that asks if you would like the app or website to remember your username and password when you come back at a later date. If you should misplace your phone or tablet and the wrong person got their hands on it, they would have access to these online accounts, websites, contacts and more.

Update your mobile or tablet software regularly

Make sure you update your mobile phone's software on a regular basis. These upgrades are full of security "patches" which plug the holes in the software that many malicious software programs utilize to get at your personal information. This is one of the simplest, yet critical operations you need to perform to protect yourself from a variety of malware. Security patches and operating system updates (on your personal computer) should be applied quickly when you are able to. Mobile and tablet operating systems will either provide you updates directly from the manufacturer and can be applied without waiting for any particular carrier. Some systems provide updates in conjunction with the mobile carrier. In these cases, the version of software your phone can run and the frequency that updates can be applied is dictated by the mobile carrier. In the event that your device falls into this category you will need to contact your carrier to address delays in the release of updates.

Don't install apps from an un-trusted source

It's important to ensure that any apps you download or install are from a safe and trusted source. Installing software from un-trusted sources can lead to the infection of your device with virus and/or spyware.

Please report any suspicious activity to us.

Your Computer and Email

• Don't send personal information via email
  Most email messages are not secure. Do not include financial information in email communications. If you are interested in emailing North County CU, we offer a secure email form.
• Don't tell unknown people your personal information via email, phone or mail
  If you think you've clicked on a link in a phishing email, or receive a suspicious phone call or letter, this does not mean you have a virus or have compromised your personal information. However, if you have entered any sensitive personal information into the fraudulent website, you should contact us immediately.
• Don't install software from an un-trusted source
  It's important to ensure that any software you download or install is from a safe source. Installing software from un-trusted sources can lead to the infection of your device with virus and/or spyware.
• Make sure you have anti-virus / anti-malware software installed
  Ensure your computer is protected by always downloading the latest security fixes for your operating system. As well, make sure you've purchased firewall, virus and malware protection software. You can set these up to filter spam, alert you to potential viruses and Trojans, and scan your computer for up-to-date virus protection and deletion.
• Update your browsers
  Always ensure you have the most recent Internet browser versions. Try using browsers that have more security enhancements.
• Multifactor Authentication
  When you are presented with multiple multi-factor authentication options which include receiving a text message or a voice callback to validate your identity. While the text message may appear to be more convenient, it can be intercepted by a well-placed virus. For the highest level of security we recommend you consider using the voice call-back option.
• Disable auto complete / Don't save passwords
  Many browsers offer to remember your username and/or password for various websites. We recommend that you avoid utilizing this feature especially for online banking. By using this feature you make it easier for a virus or malicious individual to access your account.

Please report any suspicious activity to us.

Your Wallet

• Memorize Your PIN Number
  Never write your PIN on your Visa® Debit Card. Memorize your account number and account password so you do not need to carry this information with you.
• Be Selective When Carrying Private Information
  Do not carry items such as your social security card or account information in your wallet unless you are using them that day.

Please report any suspicious activity to us.

Your Mailbox

• Shred
  Shred credit card & insurance offers or any documents that contain your personal information that you no longer need.
• Review Monthly Statements
  Review your monthly account statements thoroughly and report any unusual activity or items that you did not purchase to us. If you are enrolled in Internet Teller, our online banking program, check often for up-to-date transaction information.

Please report any suspicious activity to us.