In an effort to maintain excellent customer identity protection and security, First CornerStone Bank recently introduced two-factor authentication to our online banking service, Choice Banking Online. Two-factor authentication provides an enhanced secondary measure of security against identity theft, phishing, spyware and other online scams. Online security breaches are becoming increasingly prevalent and First CornerStone Bank is prepared to take all steps necessary to keep our customers' accounts and personal details secure.

All of First CornerStone Bank's business and individual customers must pass a two layer (two-factor) authentication when logging into Choice Banking Online. The first layer is something they know - for example, a username and password. The second, more secure layer is something they have - a customer-unique matrix containing numbers and letters arranged in a row-and-column format (similar to a bingo card). Each time a customer logs into their online account, they must enter a different combination of coordinates from their unique matrix for added security.

Customers will be prompted to request a unique matrix the first time they log into their Choice Banking Online account after signing up for Online access. Each customer login ID will be sent a unique matrix delivered to a valid e-mail address they provide. Once the matrix is received, we encourage all customers to transfer the matrix grid numbers on to the supplied business-card matrix grid to keep with them when on the go.

A new matrix may be requested at any time. Be sure to keep the matrix secure at all times. For more information on two-factor authentication, please contact your local Branch or e-mail us at choicebanking@firstcornerstone.com.