Keeping Your Online Banking Account More Secure

Pittsfield Co-op implemented multifactor authentication to customer's log in process on June 27, 2023. This new requirement was for both personal and business online accounts. We know that you will have many questions regarding this change, so the below step-by-step instructions will guide you through the process. If you have any questions when setting up your multifactor authentication, please don't hesitate to call (413) 447-7304 or stop into any branch.

What is Multifactor Authentication?

When you sign into your online account - a process we call "authentication" - you're proving to the service that you are who you say you are. Traditionally, that's been done with a username and a password. Unfortunately today, that's not the most secure way to do it. Usernames are often easy to discover; sometimes they're just your email address. Since passwords can be hard to remember, people tend to pick simple ones, or use the same password at many different sites.

That's why Pittsfield Cooperative Bank is adding a way for your account to be more secure on June 27, 2023. It’s called Multifactor Authentication, and it operates off a key principle. The next time you sign into your account, you will need more than just username and password. You need a second thing - a second "factor" - to prove who you are.
 

Step-by-Step Process (Beginning 6/27/23)

1. Log in with your username and password to online banking
2. Create a security challenge question. This is called a one-time password challenge (OTP).
    
3. 
    
4. Set-up phone numbers (inquire configuration)
   1. Mobile number (text messages) and phone number (calls)
   2. Note: you can update or add your mobile phone number in online banking’s Profile Settings.
      1. Mobile field doesn’t allow more than 10 digits for USA numbers 
      2. USA (+1) is not applicable for US Territories. e.g. Puerto Rico, PRI (+1)
          
5. 
    
6. Verification alert set-up
   1. You have the option to receive a verification alert as a text message or phone call
   2. Note – message and data rates may apply

The Next Time You Log In

1. Log in with username and password
   1. Note: if you use the same device (e.g. laptop) you will not be required to do the security challenge each time
2. Each time you log in with a different device, you will have to pass the one-time security challenge
3. Choose how you want to receive the passcode (text message or phone call)
    
4. 
    
5. Enter one-time passcode received via text or phone call and enter online banking