Net Access Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Net Access cost me?

Nothing. Net Access is free to members of B-M S Federal Credit Union.

I don't have a password. What should I do?

Prior to the first time you sign on, we need to set you up for Net Access. Call us at 888.423.7265 or Tie Line 821-5780 between the hours of 8:00 A.M. and 3:00 P.M. for assistance, or email us at info@bmsfcu.org.

I can't remember my password. What should I do?

You have the capability of changing your own password; however, if you forget your new password, you must call B-M S FCU, weekdays between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. to re-activate this service. You will need to verify your identity at this time.

We recommend that you set up our Forgot Password? function to prevent future problems. Simply click on the Password Reset link, type in your custom question and the answer to that question. Click on the Save Information button, and you're done. For security reasons, we strongly recommend that your question refers to information that very few people could answer, such as your first car, first school, first street address, first pet, etc.

Can I change my password?

Yes. To ensure complete confidentiality, you have the ability to change your password at any time. Go to the Preferences link, and then to Change Password, and follow the prompts. Your new password can be from 4 to 10 alphanumeric characters. When creating your new password, remember that passwords are case-sensitive.

Can I "bookmark" Net Access?

For security reasons, we recommend that your bookmark our home page, www.bmsfcu.org, rather than Net Access.

What software do I need?

To use Net Access, you'll need any one of the following web browsers to provide security for your transactions through data encryption:

  • Netscape Navigator v.4.05 or higher
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer v.4.01 or higher
  • AOL v.4.0 or higher (128-bit cipher - Keyword 128 bit browser)

Today, most computer systems come pre-installed with one or more of these browsers. Some are also available for downloading off of the Internet (http://www.microsoft.com or http://www.netscape.com).

Regardless of which browser you use, the "Cookies" option must be enabled. For further information, please read the section, What are cookies?

What is a browser?

A browser is a software package that allows you to view information (Web pages) that is on the World Wide Web. Some examples of browsers are Microsoft Internet Explorer and Netscape Navigator.

How do I determine which browser version I'm using?

To determine which browser version you are using:
For Internet Explorer: Select HELP in the menu bar, then select ABOUT INTERNET EXPLORER.
For Netscape Navigator: Select HELP in the menu bar, then select ABOUT NETSCAPE NAVIGATOR.
For AOL: Press Ctrl-R. Please see the section, I use America Online (AOL)... for further information.

Do I need an Internet Service Provider (ISP) for Net Access?

Yes. Because the Net Access system is Web-based, you must have internet access through a provider. There are many in the area to choose from. Before you sign up with a service provider, make sure that the number you dial for internet access is toll-free.

I have a MacIntosh. Can I use Net Access?

Yes! The Net Access system allows anyone with browser software to connect-no matter what brand of PC is used.

I am receiving an Incorrect or Invalid Login message. What can I do?

There are several things you can try to correct this situation. First, you should verify that your account number was typed correctly. If your account number begins with a zero, do not type the leading zero when entering your account number. For example, if your account number is 012345678, you will need to enter your account number as 12345678.
Likewise, you must also enter any trailing zeros. For example, if your account number is 12345000, you must enter the full number; not just 12345.
Also, keep in mind that your password is case-sensitive. If you entered your password in lower case, try it again in uppercase, or vice-versa.
If you have tried unsuccessfully more than three times, it is possible that your account has been locked. One of our many security features is that an account is locked after three unsuccessful attempts are made to access it. If you suspect this may have happened, please contact us immediately either by phone at 888.423.7265 or by e-mail at info@bmsfcu.org.

I am receiving a message about a Java-related error. What should I do?

To use Net Access, you must use a browser that is Java-compatible. You must be using versions of Microsoft Internet Explorer and Netscape Navigator that are 4.0 or higher. For AOL users, the version number should be 4.0 or higher and the browser should be version 4.01 or higher.
You must also make sure that you have selected to make Java active in your browser.

I use America Online (AOL) and am unable to log into Net Access. What can I do?

You must use AOL Version 4.0, 32 bit or higher. Older versions of AOL may use browsers that do not support some of the technology required to use Net Access's functions - i.e. security and graphics. Additionally, you must be using a browser version that is at least 4.01 or higher.

DETERMINE YOUR AOL VERSION
  1. Start the AOL program (you do not need to actually make a connection via the modem).
  2. Enter CTRL-R.
  3. The version number will be displayed. You must see Version 4.0, 32 bit or higher. You must also see the I.E. (Internet Explorer) version number. The I.E. version number must be 4.01 or higher.
UPGRADE YOUR AOL VERSION

If you discover that the AOL version number is lower than 4.0, 32 bit, you will need to upgrade your AOL connection to use Net Access.

  1. Log onto AOL with your modem.
  2. From your AOL Connection, enter KEYWORD: UPGRADE.
  3. AOL will then provide you with directions and the process for upgrading your AOL Connection.
UPGRADING YOUR AOL INTERNET BROWSER VERSION

If your AOL version is 4.0, 32 bit or greater, but your version of Internet Explorer is not at least IE 4.01, you must upgrade your Browser.

  1. Log onto AOL with your modem.
  2. From your AOL Connection, enter KEYWORD:128 BROWSER.
  3. AOL will provide directions and the process for upgrading your AOL Connection.

This information has been provided from AOL.
For AOL Customer Support, please call: 1-800-827-6364.

*If you continue to have a problem using Net Access, another solution is to use the Netscape browser through your AOL connection. To do this, make sure that you have obtained a copy of the Netscape software, either via Netscape's website or a retail store. Then, connect through AOL and then start the Netscape application.
Using Netscape in this way bypasses the preferences stored in AOL for the special version of the AOL/Internet Explorer browser that is an integrated part of AOL. Also, because AOL uses a special version of Internet Explorer, using the stand-alone version of Internet Explorer will not change the problems you are having.

B-M S Federal Credit Union is unable to provide computer or software support answers for the use of AOL or any other browser.

Return to Frequently Asked Questions

Is my account information secure?

Yes. Ensuring the privacy and security of your account and personal information is a top priority. No member information is accessible to the public through the web server. Net Access requires both your correct account number and PIN number to access account information.
Layers of security, designed and installed to protect your account information as well as our computers, include automatic sign-off, encryption, firewalls and password lockout. You can be assured of our site's security by checking to see the "https:" in our URL; the "s" signifies a secure site. Also, you can check for the closed padlock on the Status Bar in either Microsoft Explorer or Netscape Navigator.
For security reasons, we recommend that your bookmark our home page, www.bmsfcu.org, rather than Net Access.
Remember to Log Off at the end of each session. We also recommend that you clear your cache and history files after each session. In Netscape, this is done through Edit->Preferences->Advanced->Cache. In Internet Explorer, go to Tools->Internet Options->General.
Please read our Security page for a more in-depth description of our security features.

The security message "You have requested a secure document..." keeps popping up. What should I do?

Net Access is a fully secure application. Your browser will display this message each time a new screen is accessed, if you have not disabled security warning messages. To eliminate the need to confirm each secure page, check off the option to not show the secure warning message.

I keep getting a blank screen or a screen with missing images. What is causing this?

You must have cookies enabled in your browser. There are ways to limit cookie usage on your PC. These options are set in your browser preferences. You can:
(1) disable all cookie use,
(2) accept all cookies, or
(3) prompt for each cookie.
It is up to the individual to specify his preference. If you choose to disable all cookie use, you must manually enable them before using Net Access and then disable them again after your session is complete.

What are cookies?

Cookies are small files loaded onto a user's PC which "communicate" with a web server. These cookies store a profile which lets the web server know certain demographics about the PC being used (possibly hardware components and/or software used) as well as specific preferences for the PC user. This allows the web server to custom tailor the content viewed on the website. This could be to display information obtained from the previous session or to show you what would pertain to your session and not inundate you with graphics or verbiage that you would not be able to use or be interested in. Cookies have expiration dates. Some expire at the end of the session and some expire in 30 years.
Check out Netscape's site for a more detailed explanation.

I am receiving a message that "The Page Cannot Be Displayed" or that it is currently unavailable. What is causing this to happen?

Each user session is limited to twenty minutes. After twenty minutes have passed, Net Access ends your session. If you try to click on any other area of Net Access, this is the type of message you will receive. You will still see the last Net Access screen you were on because each page, as it is displayed, is copied to your computer's hard drive. This is true of any web page you visit, and serves to shorten your response time on return visits to the site. Images and text are saved so that you don't have to wait for everything to reload when you return to a previously-visited page.

How will Net Access transactions appear on my statement?

On-line transactions will appear as "Personal Credit Union" and will have a trace number, just like transactions conducted through the Phantom.

Will I receive a receipt for my Net Access transactions?

No. However, you can print your own record of transaction if you have a printer attached to your PC.

Can I print my account history?

You can print account history in the Account Lookup section. First, you must click on the history portion, then click on the print icon. Net Access pages are composed of frames. Your cursor must be clicked in the section of the page that you wish to print. Microsoft Internet Explorer and Netscape Navigator have special settings when printing frames. The default setting for Internet Explorer is "print only selected frame." The setting for Netscape Navigator is "Print Frame."

How does the "Withdrawal" function work?

The "Withdrawal" function is available for members who are in need of funds, but are unable to travel to a credit union office. In principle, it works exactly like Phantom's "Share Withdrawal" function. Click on the "Withdrawal" button, specify the share account suffix to withdraw from and the amount to be withdrawn, and click on the "Submit" button. A check will arrive at your door as quickly as the postal service can get it there!

Can I pay my bills through Net Access?

Yes! To sign up for our Bill Payer, please call us toll-free at 888.423.7265, or send us an email at info@bmsfcu.org.

Why does the response time seem so slow?

Response time is the result of a number of variables, including your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and your computer hardware (modem speed, amount of RAM, etc.) The amount of traffic on the internet, the number of people accessing Net Access, and the condition of your phone lines will also affect your response time.

What if I have questions or problems?

If your questions are account-related, please contact a B-M S representative at (888) 423-7265 weekdays between 7:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. You may also email us at a info@bmsfcu.org, and receive a reply before the end of the next business day.
If you believe the trouble you are experiencing is due to a connection problem, please contact your Internet Service Provider.
B-M S Federal Credit Union is unable to provide support for the installation of your computer's hardware or software; nor is the credit union liable for any technical support it does provide. If you have additional questions regarding your hardware or software, we recommend consulting your user's manuals or contacting the manufacturer of your hardware or software.
For AOL Customer Support, please call: 1-800-827-6364.

   

Multi-Factor Authentication Frequently Asked Questions

Why did B-M S FCU introduce this feature?

In the technology age we live in, fraudsters attempt to trick people into revealing their personal information by creating fake websites that look very much like the legitimate sites of financial institutions. This phenomenon has been called spoofing.
B-M S FCU has never been successfully hacked, and to the best of our knowledge, none of our members have been spoofed. However, identity theft is the fastest growing crime in the country. To ensure we proactively keep our members safe and secure, B-M S FCU has implemented this new security feature. PassMark offers a simple countermeasure to these attacks, as well as protection against other forms of identity fraud.

What is this new security feature?

PassMark Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is a new service that offers you added safety by helping ensure that only you can access your credit union account. MFA provides additional security beyond single factor (password) authentication.
Users of Net Access have always authenticated themselves to gain access. From now on, Net Access will in turn authenticate itself to you. You will know with every certainty that you are visiting our web site because you will be presented an image and phrase each time you log in to Net Access.

Where is the text box for my password?

You will enter your Net Access password on a subsequent page. Please enter your account number, click “Login”, and you will quickly go to the next screen.
If this is your first time logging on since we added this feature, you will be asked to select a PassMark image and pass phrase. You will then need to select three challenge questions and provide us with short answers. You will be asked one of these questions (randomly selected) if you access Net Access from a different computer, or if you delete your browser’s cookies.

Has my Net Access password changed?

No, your Net Access password remains unchanged. Your pass phrase is entirely separate from your regular Net Access login password.

How does PassMark Multi Factor Authentication work?

You and the credit union share a unique picture and text phrase (called PassMark) that no one else knows. In addition, we take a footprint of your computer. When you log in, look for the picture to verify that it is really our web site. If we recognize your computer, we will show you the picture, and you can enter your password to get in. If you don’t see the picture, double check to make sure it’s our web site by manually entering the credit union’s URL (www.bmsfcu.org) into your browser. If we don’t recognize your computer, we will double check to assure that it's really you. We do this by asking you a question to which only you would know the answer before showing you the PassMark and asking for your password.

A More Detailed Explanation

The PassMark system utilizes two primary elements for authentication:

1. PassMark. A PassMark is a small image and text phrase, known only by the credit union’s site and you. When the site communicates with you, it displays your PassMark to authenticate itself to you. Since only the real site knows your unique PassMark, a fake site cannot display it.

2. Device ID. A device ID is a set of identifying data, including secure cookies and other forms of data, which are used to identify a specific computer. Because device ID’s can be accessed only by sites within the domain that originated them, fake sites cannot access a device ID.

These and other elements are combined to create an authentication system in the following way:

• You select a unique PassMark image (which you can change just like you can change a password). When signing on to the credit union’s site, you look for your PassMark image before entering your password. This assures you that it is the real credit union site.

• Before your PassMark is displayed, the credit union site checks that the device ID of your computer is registered to you. This protects against somebody trying to get your PassMark from the credit union site.

• The credit union site also confirms that the device ID is registered to you before allowing you to sign onto the site, even with the correct password. This protects against an attacker with a stolen password (obtained by phishing or by other means), because the attacker does not have access to your computer.

• When you want to register a new computer with the credit union site, the site will prompt you with a challenge question to which only you know the answer. If you provide a valid answer, you are shown the PassMark-password exchange. If you choose, the site will register the computer using a device ID upon successful login.

This achieves a very significant increase in security versus password authentication in that (a) You now have a simple method to authenticate the credit union’s web site, and (b) B-M S FCU must now authenticate you.

Above all, PassMark is relatively simple to use. Increased security is achieved without much change in your experience. Just use the site as usual and look for your PassMark at login. Occasionally you may be asked to re-validate who you are or to register a new computer.

How do I set up this new feature?

Setting up PassMark MFA on your PC is relatively easy. Just follow these steps:

• Select your PassMark image. You have thousands to choose from our library, or you can even upload one of your own (see instructions below). Choose a pass phrase that reminds you of your PassMark image.
• Answer three challenge questions of your choice. Challenge questions are displayed by using the drop-down arrows. They may be selected by clicking on the desired question. The question will auto-fill in the #1 box and you will be promped to enter your answer. Use this same process to complete all three challenge questions.
• The next screen will ask you to confirm your PassMark image and challenge questions. You may change them now, or also after you have enrolled.
• You're done!

Can I log in to Net Access through another computer?

Yes. After setting up your PassMark information on your first computer, you can set up MFA on as many computers as you choose.

• After entering your User ID, you will be asked one of the three challenge questions (randomly selected).
• You will be asked if you choose to register this computer. You would register a home computer, but probably choose not to register an unprotected work computer, or a public computer (as found in a public library).
• After successfully answering your challenge question, you will be shown your PassMark image and your security phrase. Your password box will be at the bottom of this screen.

Changing Your PassMark

The PassMark feature allows you to change your image or phrase at anytime and as often as you like. You can select from the many images available, or you can choose to upload your own picture. Your new image and phrase are then presented to you each time you log in.

To use existing pictures for your PassMark:

• Click the Change PassMark button.
• Select an image by Category or the Get More button or even one already displaying on screen.
• Make any desired changes to your PassMark phrase.
• Finally, click Submit to save any changes you’ve made.

To upload a picture for your PassMark:

• Copy or save your picture in .gif or .jpg format onto your computer. *NOTE: Although we support uploading of images up to 5 MB in size, it is easiest to use a smaller file.
• Click the Change PassMark button.
• Click Browse button near the bottom of the page.
• In the Choose File dialog box, browse and select the picture from your computer to upload.
• When you've found the picture click the Open button.
• The phrase “Upload Selected” will appear under the file name you just selected.
• Make any desired changes to your PassMark phrase.
• Finally, click Submit to save any changes you’ve made.

If I delete cookies from my browser, will I need to set my information up again?

No. We identify your computer through other means as well as cookies, so you can safely delete cookies without having to set up your access information again. However, you will be asked to answer one of your three randomly selected challenge questions the next time you log in.

 

 

Need assistance? Send us an e-mail at info@bmsfcu.org.

©2007 B-M S Federal Credit Union
One Squibb Drive New Brunswick, New Jersey 08903
732.227.6700 FAX 732.227.3150