Protecting Your Online Accounts

Behind the scenes, Bank of Granite employs a number of state-of-the-art security features to help ensure the safety of your online accounts. But there are actions we ask that you take to participate in the security process. They include changing your password every 90 days, answering initial identity verification questions, and using online security practices.

90 Day Password Change

After your initial Granite Online set up, you will automatically be prompted to change your password every 90 days. You must use four unique passwords before one may be reused. It is a simple and easy process that takes just a few moments to complete. It is an important security feature for the protection of your account. Many governmental and security agencies recommend frequent password changes.

You are the first line of defense for your online account security. It is very important not use obvious passwords, especially your mother's maiden name, or the last four digits of your Social Security number—all are obvious passwords. Treat your Granite Online user name and password just as you would your ATM or debit card PIN.

For in-depth information about passwords, download this very informative Password Pointers article written by an expert network security engineer.

Identity Verification Feature

Our identity verification feature for Granite Online customers will enable us to better protect your accounts and it's free! Frequently asked questions about this feature are below.

What is this security feature?
In order to make your online banking experience as secure as possible, this feature watches for uncharacteristic or unusual behavior involving your online account. If anything out of the ordinary is detected, the user will be asked for identity verification by answering questions you have pre-selected and answered. If the security questions are not answered correctly, account access will be blocked—thus protecting your account from unauthorized use. If this should occur, you will need to contact your local Bank of Granite office in order to have your account access re-established. You will be asked to provide proof of your identity.

How does it work?
In the rare case we detect any unusual or uncharacteristic activity, we will ask for answers to security questions you have pre-selected and answered to ensure it's really you. You likely won't even notice that the security feature is even there—but it will still be protecting your accounts around the clock.

How do I sign up for this security system?
Expect to be prompted at some point while logging in to Granite Online to select security questions that only you can answer. Once this simple process is complete, you will have an additional layer of protection for your accounts.

How much does this cost?
There is absolutely no cost associated with this security feature.

What will cause the security feature to engage?
Granite Online users will only be prompted to enter security question answers when a particular activity or transaction appears to be unusual or uncharacteristic behavior.

What is unusual or uncharacteristic behavior?
Anything that appears out of the ordinary compared to how you normally would bank online. If the action being requested does not appear to be something you would normally do, we will ask for your security question answers to make sure it is really you and not an unauthorized user. This will also apply if you access your accounts from a computer you do not normally use—giving you even greater protection.

How are you able to detect unusual or uncharacteristic behavior?
The security system takes into account factors such as the type of transactions you ordinarily perform, the computers you typically use to access your accounts, or the typical security settings for your computer. Hundreds more factors create a profile that is unique to you that allows us to make decisions about whether the person conducting a given activity or transaction within your accounts appears to actually be you.

Will I be asked to answer my security questions all of the time?
No, you will only be asked to answer them when unusual or uncharacteristic behavior is detected. This will most likely be a rare occurrence.

How do I know the feature is working?
You only need to complete the set-up process once; afterwards the security system will work automatically. That means you are being protected every moment—when you are online and more importantly—when you are not.

Is my personal information still safe?
Yes. In fact, your personal information is even safer than before because we are making sure it is really you and not an unauthorized user accessing your accounts.

How will this help prevent online fraud?
If your Granite Online user ID and password were stolen, the fraudster would have to be able to answer your security questions correctly before being able to access your accounts or complete a fraudulent activity. If the user were unable to provide this information, the login would be blocked. This added layer of security helps us protect your accounts at all times.

What do I do if my account becomes blocked?
Your account access will become blocked if your security questions are not answered correctly. If this happens, contact your local Bank of Granite office to request that your account access be reactivated. You will be asked to provide proof of your identity.

Can I change my security questions?
Yes, however you must contact your local Bank of Granite office and provide proof of your identity before your security questions can be reset.

I check my account very often. Wouldn't I know if something unusual showed up on my account?
Checking your accounts frequently is great. It is always a good idea to regularly monitor your accounts for any unusual activity (like payments you didn't authorize). This security service helps prevent those incidences from ever occurring, so when you check your account, everything is as it should be.

I already have antivirus protection and a personal firewall. Why do I need this?
It's great you have these protection features. Be sure you keep both software programs up-to-date for the best possible protection. Our security feature protects you if your user name and password were stolen. It works with your other personal security programs, but does not replace them.