Here are the answers to the questions we hear the most about online security.

What is Internet security?​

We need Internet security to ensure the information sent and received online is confidential, valid, and true. Here, "confidential" means that unauthorized users can't read transmissions sent from one person to another. "Valid" means we are assured that the message comes from you, the legitimate client. "True" means that messages aren't altered during transmission.

What has ATB done to ensure the privacy and security of my information on ATB Personal?

We are committed to protecting your financial information and your privacy, which is why we have extensive security features in place to ensure that banking through ATB Personal is safe and private. We will:

• Require you to identify yourself on the web login page, before we grant you access to your accounts
• Protect your account and login information behind secure firewalls
• Send and receive your web account information in encrypted form

See more information on our commitment to protecting your privacy and the confidentiality of your Personal Information or read our online banking FAQ.

What can I do to protect my accounts and Personal Information?

To protect your accounts and Personal Information, you should follow these online security practices:

• Protect your password
• Use a firewall
• Use anti-virus and anti-spyware software
• Keep your browser and operating system up-to-date
• Protect your Internet connection
• Protect yourself from online fraud
• Enable two-factor authentication in order to create an additional layer of security for your account

Can other people see my Personal Information when I'm using the web?

Your web browser encrypts data while it's being transmitted. However, some browsers can store information in memory (cache) after it's been sent. To ensure your Personal Information is protected, clear your cache after every visit to a secure site.

Can anyone else access my account information over the Internet?
ATB Personal client access requires you to enter your username and a password that should only be known to you. Unless your password has been stolen or given away, you are the only one who can access your account information.

Why should I log out when I'm finished using ATB Personal?
Once you have signed in to ATB Personal you have begun an "active session." If you walk away during the course of an active session, someone else can use your computer to perform transactions involving your accounts.

For your security, ATB Personal will automatically log you out after 10 minutes of no activity.

Are my email transmissions secure?

Generally speaking, email is not a secure medium of communication. That means you should never include personal or banking information in an email you send to us or to anyone else. Some examples of Personal Information include:

• Social insurance number (SIN)
• Date of birth
• Account numbers
• Credit card numbers
• Personal identification number (PIN)
• Client card number
• Passwords

I received an email from you asking for my electronic banking information. Is this a legitimate email?

No, that is not a legitimate email from ATB Financial. ATB Financial will never ask you to respond via email with personal information, including your passwords, client card numbers, or login information.

There are occasions where you will be sent a link that will allow you to re-set a password or enrol in ATB Personal. But that will only happen in response to something you have requested or agreed to.

Is it safe to give my credit card number when ordering something online?

Yes, it can be safe. But you need to make sure you are in a secure environment first. Look for the "secure transaction" symbol on your screen before entering your credit card number—it will look like a key or padlock somewhere on the very bottom of your browser window. If you don't see this symbol, don't enter your Personal Information. You should also verify the validity of the digital certificate to make sure it was issued from a trusted certificate authority like Verisign. Simply double-click on the padlock icon to view the certificate's details.​