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Frequently Asked Questions

Verified Access

Why am I being asked a challenge question when I try to log in?
There are several reasons why you might be challenged. These challenge questions are meant to keep phishers and hackers out because only YOU know the answer to these questions.

Some reasons might be:

  • You are logging in from a different computer
  • You are logging in from a different browser
  • Your cookie is missing from your computer, because you cleared all the cookies on your computer or your cookie disappeared
  • You have recently installed new programs and/or software updates
  • You are running an old version of Flash Player. Get the latest version of Adobe Flash Player

Since you are the only one to know the answer to these questions, we know it's really you. If you are challenged, answer the question with the correct answer, and you are correctly shown your secret image and phrase.

After you answer the question, you will be asked whether we should remember this computer for future log-ins. If you are using a personal computer, you can answer Yes. If you are using a public terminal, you should answer No.

What is Verified Access?
Verified Access provides extra safety by ensuring that you are the only one who can access your account. Verified Access is an image and a text phrase that is shared secret between you and America First. Once you see your secret image and phrase, you know you are at the right web site and not an imposter site. You can then safely enter your PIN and continue your online transactions. If you don't see your secret image and phrase, chances are that you are at a fake site.

In addition to the secret image and phrase, the system identifies the computer(s) you normally use so that a potential hacker cannot log in from another computer even if they guess your account number and PIN.

Why do I need Verified Access?
Verified Access is an enhanced security feature that helps protect you while you access your online account. These days, fraudsters attempt to steal your identity by impersonating the web sites you trust. America First is committed to proactively protecting you against such attacks.

How does Verified Access work?
When you visit an America First branch, they know your face and you know theirs. Verified Access does the same thing over the internet. It is a new method to identify both parties to each other. When you enroll in Verified Access, you will select a secret image and phrase known only to you. Whenever you log in, the Web Access Internet Banking site shows you this secret image and phrase so you can rest assured that you are accessing the real site and not an imposter site.

America First also checks the computer or device you are using to access the site. Typically you will access the site from one or two computers, such as your work and home systems. Verified Access remembers your computers. Should you need to log in from a different computer, Verified Access takes additional steps to verify your identity, such as asking you to answer a secret question you and America First both know the answer to.

Verified Access remembers your computer(s) by assigning a unique identifier (a standard secure cookie) to each computer you use to log in to Web Access Internet Banking. The cookie is used to store the identification only. No personal or private data is stored in any way.

How is Verified Access more secure?
Verified Access protects you from accidentally revealing your account number and PIN to a fake site. In addition, if someone does get your account number and PIN, they still cannot access your account because they are not logging in on one of your registered computers. Verified Access will then challenge the hacker to answer your secret question that they will not know, and they will be turned away.

What are challenge questions? Why do I need to set them up?
Challenge questions allow you to log into your Web Access account from a new computer. When we detect that you are logging in from a new computer, you are asked a challenge question before allowing you access. Because you are the only one who knows the answer, we know it is really you.

If someone has stolen your account number and PIN, they cannot log in because they do not know the answer to these questions. Today, you are often asked similar types of questions, like "What is your favorite sports team?" or "What is your favorite movie?"

What if I want to log in at work, or from other computers?
If you use multiple computers to check your account, you can register any computer that you know is safe. You will just need to go through one extra step of answering a secret question. Once you have successfully answered your question, you are shown your secret image and phrase and are asked for your PIN. A new cookie is then added to this new computer. You can then log in to your account from this new computer as well.

There is no limit on how many different computers you can use to log in to your account.

What if I share my computer with someone who has their own account? Can we both login from the same machine?
Yes, you can use the same computer to log into your individual accounts. There is no limit on how many people can log into Web Access from the same computer.

Can I change my secret image and phrase?
Yes, you can change your image and text phrase at any time. To make a change, go to the verified access link after you log in to your account.

Where do I enter my PIN?
After enrolling in Verified Access, the process for logging into your Web Access account will change just slightly. You will only enter your account number to begin. Once we have checked your computer to make sure it is registered we will show you your secret image and phrase. Once you have verified that you are visiting the official Web Access site you will enter your PIN and finish the log in process.

How do I un-register my computer?
The easiest way to stop a computer from remembering your account and begin challenging future login attempts, is to delete your browser cookies and Flash Stored Objects (FSO's ). For information about how to delete FSO's, visit Adobe's website .