Encryption is currently the most effective way to securely transmit data over the Internet. Web browsers use encryption to enable safe online communications and transactions between you and the Web sites you interact with. The stronger the level of encryption your Web browser uses, the more difficult it is for unauthorized individuals to intercept your online activities. The two most common levels of encryption used by Web browsers today, are 40-bit and 128-bit.

We recommend that you use a Web browser that supports 128-bit encryption for all your Internet activities. In fact, you will be required to use a 128-bit browser to access many of our secure Web sites like Online Banking and Online Trading. If one of our secure Web sites requires an encryption level that your browser does not support, you will likely receive an error message when you attempt to login. If this occurs, we recommend that you download a more recent version of your browser. Download the most recent version of Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator.