General

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What are the Client Service Center Hours?

The Alerus Retirement and Benefits Client Service Center representatives are available: Monday through Friday 7:00 a.m. to 6 p.m., Central time

(800) 433-1685

How is the site secured?

Security Practices

Security Socket Layer (SSL) technology encrypts (scrambles) information that is being sent over the Internet between your computer and Alerus Retirement and Benefits, helping to ensure that the information remains confidential.

The use of SSL requires that you have an SSL compatible browser. While older versions may support SSL sessions, Alerus strongly recommends the following browsers:

• Microsoft Internet Explorer 8.0 or later
• Netscape Navigator 6.02 or later
• All browsers must be ready for 128-bit encryption

What is encryption and what is the difference between 40- and 128-bit encryption?

Encryption is the scrambling of information as it is transmitted over the Internet to protect your confidentiality. There are two levels of encryption in general use: 40-bit and 128-bit. With 40-bit encryption, there are billions of possible keys to decipher the coded information, and only one of them works. The effectiveness (or level of security) for encryption is measured in terms of how long the key is -- the longer the key, the longer it would take for someone without the correct “decoder” to break the code. This is measured in bits: 40-bit encryption, the level of encryption used with many ordinary browsers.

With 128-bit encryption, there are 300 billion trillion times as many keys as with 40-bit encryption. It is virtually impossible for an unauthorized party to find the right key, even if they are equipped with the best computers. 128-bit encryption is the strongest form of encryption available for financial or confidential transactions over the Internet today.

What does Alerus Retirement and Benefits do to ensure online services are secure and confidential?

We are committed to protecting the security and confidentiality of our customer account information. We take measures to protect confidentiality and security of your account. We use several different methods to ensure this security to protect your account information:

• We limit account access to certain browsers that have a high security standard. Acceptable browsers include either Internet Explorer 7.0 or greater or Netscape Navigator 6.02 or greater, with 128-bit encryption.
• It is important to keep your computer and security software up to date by installing all recommended software updates.
• Personal and account information exchanged between your computer and Alerus Financial is encrypted. This means that while your information is in transit it is scrambled so that only Alerus can reassemble it. Secure Socket Layer protocol (SSL) provides privacy for data flowing between you and Alerus Financial.
• We use firewalls to help limit entry by anyone without proper authorization. A firewall is a security mechanism that regulates the data going in and out of a network. It is important that the communication is in the proper protocol.
• Your Personal Identification Number (PIN) is not displayed on the login screen.
• We are continually evaluating our security architecture to ensure that it provides the most appropriate level of privacy and safety.
• We also urge you to take measures to protect your account information. You are provided with a Personal Identification Number (PIN) for access to your account. For security purposes, you are required to change your User ID upon your initial login to ARB Online.
• Protect your User ID, PIN and Password. You agree not to allow anyone to gain access to the services or to let anyone know your PIN or Password used with the service. You agree to assume responsibility for all transactions initiated through the service with your User ID, PIN or Password. Alerus has no responsibility for establishing the identity of any person or determining the validity of any transaction received using your User ID, PIN or Password.
• Don't leave your computer unattended. You can use your User ID along with your PIN or Password to perform certain transactions. Never leave your account information displayed in an area accessible to others and avoid leaving your PC unattended while using ARB Online. Always log off once you have finished your ARB Online session. Alerus Financial will not be liable for any losses that occur as a result of the misuse of your User ID, PIN or Password while you are logged in.

What can I do to protect myself from fraud on the Internet?

Personal information shared over the Internet can be used to commit fraud. One common method is for thieves to create a web site using a name that is similar to that of a reputable business, for instance by using a common misspelling of the company’s name. The intent is to lure you into clicking on the copycat web site and giving your personal information, including your account number and password. We caution you to make sure you know who you are dealing with over the Internet and to understand what will be done with your information. Always check that you have typed the correct web site address before entering personal information onto a site. For more information on steps you can take to protect yourself, we suggest you review guidelines provided in Safe Internet Banking published by the FDIC.

What should I do if I think someone is illegally using my User ID, PIN or Password?

If you think someone may have illegally obtained your User ID, PIN or Password, immediately notify a Client Service Center representative at (800) 433-1685.

How do I obtain Adobe Acrobat Reader?

Adobe's website, www.adobe.com/prodindex/acrobat/readstep.html provides this download at no cost.

What are the benefits of eStatements?

eStatements are 1) free; 2) secure, because you receive an email notice when your statement is ready; and 3) convenient, because you are not waiting for your statement to arrive in your mailbox at home. It saves time and some trees in the process!

How are eStatements delivered?

When you elect to receive eStatements, Alerus will discontinue providing you with paper statements. You will receive a quarterly email notifying you that your eStatement is available on-line. All future account statements will be maintained at https://www.alerus.com. After logging into your account, you will have secure access to obtain, review, print, and download your eStatements.

How do I sign up to receive eStatements?

You may sign up for eStatements at any time, in three simple steps.

1. Login to your account
2. On the Summary page click “Edit my Profile” or "My Profile"
3. Scroll to the section "Online Statements"

Are there special system requirements I need for eStatements?

To receive documents electronically:

1. You need access to personal computer or other device, which is capable of accessing the Internet.
2. Your access must have an industry comparable web browser currently supported by Microsoft, Mozilla, Apple, or Google with at least 128 bit encryption.

In addition to these system requirements, in order to view eStatements, you will need software which permits you to receive and access Portable Document Format or “PDF” files, such as Adobe Acrobat Reader version 6.0 or higher.

How do I update the email address used for eStatements?

Alerus will use the last known email address provided by you to send Electronic Disclosures. Should your email address change, you agree to notify us promptly by: 1) changing your email address through your profile on Plan Gateway; 2) submitting a secure message using the “Contact Us” feature after logging into your account; or 3) by contact the Client Service Center at (800) 433-1685. For your protection and for security purposes, we will not accept any change of email address via email or postal mail.

How do I withdraw my eStatement consent?

You have the right at any time to withdraw your consent to receive eStatements. To withdraw your consent, you may: 1) change the selection online through your profile on Plan Gateway; 2) submit a secure message using the “Contact Us” feature after logging into your account; or 3) contacting the Client Service Center at (800) 433-1685. There will be no fees for receiving paper statements should you choose to withdraw your consent to receive eStatements.

Does my login information expire?

Yes, if you have not logged into your retirement or benefit account for more than 6 months your login will expire. Please contact the Client Service Center at (800) 433-1685.