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How
secure is my information?
What
is encryption?
How is encryption used
by this site?
How can I tell that SSL
is in effect?
How secure is SSL?
Why do I need to use a particular browser?
What responsibility do I need to
take as a client?
The
trust of our clients is Online Brokerage Services' most precious asset. Therefore,
the security of your personal and financial information is one of our highest
priorities. The following questions and answers describe the systems that Online
Brokerage Services has developed to provide our clients one of the highest levels
of security in our industry.
Online Brokerage
Services has made a significant investment in leading-edge security software,
systems, and procedures to offer you a safe and secure trading environment and
protect your information. While no security system is absolutely impenetrable,
we are constantly reviewing, refining, and upgrading our security infrastructure
as new tools or techniques become available.
We go to great lengths
to protect your security from your very first transaction with Online
Brokerage Services. For example, the Online Brokerage Services Secure
eSignup System requires you to enter a valid Username and Password before
permitting you to see any personal or financial information. This site
also encrypts all the information that the server and your browser exchange.
If you are inactive for an extended period of time, the site will log
you off and you will need to reenter your Username and Password.
Online
Brokerage Services also utilizes state of the art firewall and intrusion detection
technology to prevent unauthorized access to your account and personal information.
The public Web servers are physically segregated from the servers that contain
your account and personal information and cannot be accessed directly from the
Web. Access is allowed only through well-defined scripts and is firewall-controlled.
Internally, client information is specially protected through industry standard
security mechanisms and policies like the strict 'Principle of Least Possible
Privilege' that governs employee access to company systems and information.
Encryption is used to protect
messages from eavesdropping, tampering, or message forgery over the Internet.
It is a mathematical process that transforms a message in order to conceal its
meaning.
It
is the policy of the Online Brokerage Services Secure Trading System to encrypt
the transmission of all personal or financial Web-based information that is transmitted
between our site and your browser. The security standard SSL (Secure Sockets Layer)
is used to implement this. SSL is the leading standard for securing World Wide
Web transmissions. It is also supported by the leading browsers, Netscape Navigator*
1.1 and above and Microsoft Internet Explorer** 2.0 and above.
The URL of a secure document begins with HTTPS://. The
additional "S" on the end of the familiar HTTP indicates a
secure channel to the server. Every secure page on Online Brokerage
Services's Web site has been secured with a digital certificate by InstantSSL™,
a subsidiary of Comodo, inc. This is shown via the "site certificate"
that sits on all secure pages. To view this certificate, click on the
image of the closed lock or the solid key on the bottom bar of your
browser window. A small frame displaying site security information will
appear. If you use Internet Explorer, click on the word 'Subject' to
verify the Web site. Click on 'Issuer' to verify the site certification
authority. If you use Netscape, click on the "View Certificate"
button to see information on the subject and issuer.
SSL can use keys of various sizes.
The larger the key length, the greater the number of possible combinations, the
more difficult the decryption challenge, and the more secure the message. While
this site will provide the maximum level of encryption supported by your browser,
those wishing to maximize the security of their Web activities are encouraged
to obtain a browser with 128-bit SSL encryption. These browsers are available
for downloading at home from either Netscape* or Microsoft** at no cost except
connect time. However, by United States law, these browsers are available to U.S.
and Canadian citizens or permanent residents only.
eSignup™
is protected on serveral levels of verification throughout the signup
process. All requests to the database are directed through the secure
port on the server and require the application to supply proper username
and password. Each request also requires session verification that determines
whether the requests are performed by the same remote address and on
the same date. Information on the client is recorded to ensure all of
the data is provided by the same source. During the eSignup™ process,
each page verifies that the current session is still in use and as well
as the SSL port.
To maximize the privacy of your information and provide
a consistent visual presentation, a relatively current and capable browser
is required. The browser requirement for this site is Microsoft®
Internet Explorer 4.0** and newer or Netscape Navigator® 4.08* and
Netscape Communicator 4.73* and newer. These browsers have been used
to extensively test this site to ensure that the pages display and behave
in a predictable manner. Other browsers may work if they have the required
browser features; however, this site has not been tested or certified
for other browsers. For example, the browser must support JavaScript,
and Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), an encryption standard for browsers.
For enhanced security, we recommend using a browser version that uses
128-bit SSL encryption.
Although Online Brokerage Services does everything possible
to ensure security, clients have their own set of responsibilities in
providing security for their Online Brokerage Services brokerage accounts.
Passwords must be kept secret. Make sure that no one is watching when
you enter your passwords. It is also important to remember to log out
of the Online Brokerage Services Secure Trading System and even exit
the browser when leaving the computer. Certain companies may offer to
provide services to you by accessing your accounts through our site.
If Online Brokerage Services does not have a relationship with the company
that provides the proper protocol for access, the security of your account
can be at risk. Moreover, that company's use of your password will be
governed by their policies. Anytime you disclose your identifying information
to third parties, you are creating greater risk of unauthorized use
or access for which Damascus Community Bank or Online Brokerage Services cannot take responsibility.
If
you are using broadband Internet access (cable or DSL), we recommend that you
use a personal firewall since broadband Internet access is "always on"
and puts your PC and any information it may contain at risk from hackers. You
should also use a virus-screening program with up to date virus definitions to
minimize the risk of malicious code or Trojan horses on your computer. *Netscape
Navigator is a registered trademark of Netscape Communications Corporation in
the United States and in other countries. All rights reserved.
**Microsoft
is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and in
other countries. All rights reserved.
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*IMPORTANT
INFORMATION ABOUT INVESTMENTS. NOT FDIC-INSURED. NO BANK GUARANTEE. MAY LOSE VALUE.
NOT A DEPOSIT. NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY
*The term Direct Access refers to the clients ability to determine which
Exchange, ECN or Market Maker receives their order. The term does not
mean to imply that you can trade without a broker, as any transaction
would require a relationship with a registered Broker-Dealer. Securities
offered through Online Brokerage Services member NASD/SIPC, NFA.
The
risk of loss in electronic trading can be substantial. You should therefore
consider whether such trading is suitable for you based on your individual
circumstances and financial resources. Account access, trade execution
and system response may be adversely affected by market conditions, quote
delays, system performance and other factors. Extended hours trading entails
several risks including lower liquidity, higher volatility, wider spreads,
changing prices, unlinked markets, news and announcements. Not all securities,
products or services are available in all states or countries outside
the United States and nothing herein should be deemed as an offer or solicitation
of these securities, products and services in any jurisdiction in which
Online Brokerage Services is not properly licensed and registered.
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