The privacy and security of your account information are very important to us. DAC uses the following features and technologies to help ensure the security of your personal information during online transactions.

• Web browser encryption: To access defensiveartscenter.com, your web browser must support certain encryption protocols. These technologies provide the security and privacy when you access account information, initiate online account transactions, or send secure messages.
• User name and password protection: For members, the length and complexity of your DAC username and password are designed to prevent unauthorized access. After multiple unsuccessful logon attempts, your account will be disabled as a precaution. If your account is disabled, you will be instructed on how access may be restored.
• A timeout feature: Secure areas of our site have built-in timers that terminate your access after a specified amount of time with no activity to help reduce the possibility of unauthorized access from an unattended computer. When you finish viewing your account information, log off the site and close your browser.
• In addition to these safeguards, DAC will never:
  • Send an email asking for your personal account information.
  • Ask for your web password in an email or request it via the phone or U.S. mail.
  • Display a popup warning or security alert when you log on if you’ve kept your Web browser up to date. If you do encounter a logon security message, close the window and ensure your computer anti-virus is up to date and computer patches are current.

Guard Against Online Fraud and Scams

Con artists have devised clever ways to trick people into revealing personal information online, including schemes known as “phishing” and “pharming.” Precautions taken by DAC—and you—can help keep your information secure.

As you conduct business online, taking a few simple precautions can go a long way toward protecting your personal information.

Here’s What You Need to Do:

• Verify website security: Make sure the website has the proper encryption by first verifying that the web address (URL) begins with https://. Then mouse-over the padlock image (depending on your browser) in your web browser window to show the security. You can also double-click the image to get additional information on SSL security.
• Log off and close your browser: DAC recommends that after accessing your account information online you click log off at the top of the page and close your web browser. Some of your account information can stay in your browser’s memory until the browser is closed.
• Take caution when using public computers: Be cautious when using public computers (especially when travelling abroad and those found at libraries, Internet cafés and schools), or using shared ones, such as home computers. You don’t know what may be installed on these computers. Public computers are traditionally on open networks and can be susceptible to monitoring without your knowledge.
• Use wireless technology safely: If you have a wireless network at home, make sure to follow manufacturer’s guidelines to secure your network. If you’re not sure how, contact the manufacturer for assistance. If possible, don’t check your accounts over a public wireless Internet connection.
• Update your software: Keep your computer software up to date. It is also recommended that you keep third party applications, such as Adobe Acrobat Reader and Adobe Flash, up to date as these programs have a history of being attacked more than the operating system itself.
• Review your credit report: Review your credit report every four to six months for unauthorized activity. Go to http://www.annualcreditreport.com/ to receive your free credit report or call 877-322-8228. You can also contact any of the following credit reporting agencies.

   

  • Equifax 1-800-685-1111
  • Experian 1-888-397-3742
  • TransUnion 1-800-916-8800

Phishing

• Phishing attacks seek to gather personal information, such as Social Security Numbers and passwords, to access victims’ accounts. A phishing attack often appears as an unsolicited, but authentic-looking email that may threaten to close your account unless you verify some information. Although the links in the message may look like a familiar website address, they may point to a fake website that gathers the information you enter. Criminals then use that information to steal a person’s identity.
• DAC will not ask for personal information such as your Social Security Number, account numbers, or passwords in an email. Do not respond to, open an attachment in, or click on a link within an email if you suspect the message is fraudulent. Phishing emails typically include typos and other mistakes, terms the company may not use, or email addresses that look different than the ones the company uses.

Create a Strong Security Profile

The information in your security profile, including your password and security questions and answers, is your best line of defense on the Internet. If this information becomes compromised or is easy to guess, unauthorized users are more likely to get through technological controls designed to keep them out. Here are a few tips for keeping this personal information safe:

• Never share your password or username with anyone or store them on your computer.
• Practice smart password management. Create longer usernames and passwords; generally, they’re more secure than shorter ones. On DAC.com, passwords can contain up to 50 characters.
• Use a unique username, password and set of security questions and answers for DAC’s site. Use different combinations for hobby or leisure websites.