What should I do to maintain the security of my personal and financial information?
At Beacon Credit Union, we understand that security is one of our primary responsibilities. With this in mind, we have taken the necessary steps to provide our customers with state-of-the-art security for their online banking transactions. Our infrastructure, coupled with the security features built into your browser and operating system, can provide you with a secure environment — but only if you do your part. To help maintain the security of your accounts, follow these guidelines:
- Maintain the security of your User ID and password.
- Protect your computer from malicious programs and intruders by running an anti-virus utility and maintaining a firewall.
- Make sure you have applied the latest security patches to your web browser and operating system, especially if you use Internet Explorer and Windows.
- Protect yourself from e-mail fraud.
For more detailed instructions on each of these guidelines, refer to our Security Information (PDF Document).
What hardware, software, and services do I need for online banking?
In order to provide you with the maximum level of security, we require that you use a browser that supports 128-bit encryption. You may need to upgrade your browser to this level of encryption.
Browsers Supported:
What is 128-bit encryption, and why do I need it?
Encryption is the process of encoding a message so that only the sender and the recipient can tell what the message really says. A simple way to encrypt this sentence, for example, would be to substitute a number for each letter, according to the position of that letter in the alphabet: 1 for “a”, 2 for “b”, and so on. As you can imagine, this method of encryption could be easily decoded.
Beacon Credit Union uses a combination of security technologies to protect its members, their transactions, and the Credit Union itself. Each member is given a unique User ID and password that they must use in order to enter the online banking service. You, the member, play a key role in maintaining security by ensuring that your User ID and password remain confidential at all times.
A Verisign™ Digital Certificate and your browser’s Secure Socket Layer (SSL) ensure 128-bit encryption of your banking transactions. Firewalls at each point of entry prevent intrusion into the online banking service.
The 128-bit encryption enforced by our Verisign™ Digital Certificate is the highest level of encryption currently available for public use in the United States. To guarantee that you get this level of protection, we require that you use a browser that supports 128-bit encryption with our online banking service.
How do I get a User ID and password for online banking?
In order to get a User ID and password for online banking, you need to enroll your account(s) using our online enrollment form. To enroll, go to www.beaconcu.org and do the following:
- Click on the enroll in online banking link on the home page.
- Fill out the enrollment form and submit it.
- As long as your information can be validated, you will be able to immediately log in and view your accounts.
For Business Account users, you must apply at your local Beacon Branch.
Can I choose my own User ID and password?
YES, you can choose your own User ID and password. The User ID you enter will be checked to make sure it’s unique. If your choice already exists, you will be asked to enter another.
Password Rules:
Passwords are case sensitive. In addition, passwords:
- Must be between 8 and 32 characters long
- Must contain at least one upper case character
- Must contain at least one lower case character
- Must contain one or more alpahbetic characters
- Must contain one or more numeric characters
- Can contain one or more of these special characters:
` ~ ! @ # $ % ^ & * ( ) _ + – = { } | : ; ‘ ? , . / - Cannot contain spaces
The online banking service will require that you change your password once every 12 months.
What do I do if I forget my password?
If you know your User ID, but have forgotten the password for your accounts, you can use the forgot password link provided on the sign on page of our website, www.beaconcu.org. You must know your User ID to use this link.
Steps for Resetting your Password:
- Enter your User ID, Last name and Social Security Number, then choose “submit”.
- Verify your identity. Choose the verification process by text to an existing phone number on file, a call to an existing phone number on file. If you cannot be reached at any of these numbers, please call (800) 762-3136.
- Once you have passed the verification process, you will input and confirm your new password, then choose “Set Password”.
Please note that regulations do not allow us to send User IDs or passwords via email due to security issues.
What do I do if I cannot find my User ID and password?
If you forget your User ID for your personal accounts, or you forget both your User ID and password, you will need to call the Contact Center at (800) 762-3136 Option 3 during normal business hours (Monday through Thursday 8:30AM to 5:00PM, Friday 8:30AM to 6:00PM and Saturday 8:30AM to Noon).
What Functions are available online for my accounts?
When you enroll your accounts for retail online banking, you will be given the following functions, based on the type of account:
| Account Type | Online Functions |
|---|---|
| Checking | Balance inquiry, transaction history, transfer (in and out) bill payment (optional), stop payment, check ordering, reports |
| Savings Plus | Balance inquiry, transaction history, transfer (in and out) |
| Passbook Savings | Inquiry, transfer (in and out) |
| Consumer Loan | Balance inquiry, transaction history, loan payment |
| Commercial Loan | Balance Inquiry, transaction history, loan payment, LOC draws |
| Mortgage Loan | Balance Inquiry, transaction history, loan payment |
| Time Deposit (CD) | Balance Inquiry, transaction history |
How do I log in to online banking?
To log in to online banking, do the following:
- Go to the Beacon Credit Union website, www.beaconcu.org. Enter your User ID and password in the Beacon Online box and click login.
If you have a problem logging in, refer to our Troubleshooting section.
Why is it so important for me to sign off from online banking?
It is very important that you end each online banking session by signing off. To sign off, click “log out” on the right side of any online banking page. This will end your online banking session.
Why is this so important? Because of the way the Web works, signing off is the only way the online banking service knows that you have ended your session. If you leave online banking without signing off — by going directly to another web site, for example — the online banking service keeps your session alive for up to 20 minutes while it waits to see if there is something more you want to do. This is not good for two reasons: First, it is a security risk; if you leave your PC unattended during this time, someone could use your browser’s Back button to return to your active session. Second, if you try to sign on again before the online banking service has timed out your session, you will receive an error message.
Is online banking available all the time?
Online banking is generally available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. We occasionally have scheduled maintenance periods; we will notify you of such events. During maintenance, the online banking service is not available. The service may also be unavailable due to unscheduled maintenance or other technical problems, but we try our best to make these interruptions as infrequent as possible.
Can I use my browser’s Back and Forward buttons to go from one online banking page to another?
In general, you should never use your browser’s Back or Forward buttons to go from one online banking page to another. Use the provided tabs to navigate the system.
What account information can I see online?
Beacon Online shows you a list of your accounts, summary information about each account, account activity and some details about the account.