PASADENA, Calif. – Wescom Credit Union has begun the two-factor authentication implementation for its eBranch system, its online banking. The new security identification tool was developed internally through Wescom's CUSO Wescom Resources Group. The new security process will be introduced in phases in the coming months to Wescom's members who will be required to answer at least four security questions to access their accounts. One of the main features of Wescom's two-factor security protocol is its ability to block hackers from key logging, an illegal method where hackers can track keystrokes from individual members who type in their personal data to gain access to their accounts. A second feature is that it does not require members to answer the additional security questions every time they log into their account. The WRG two-factor system presents security questions to members only when user activity is unusual; for example, using a different computer, logging in from a different country, or using a different Internet provider. Members can answer security questions by clicking on a box rather than typing in an answer. WRG has also created three additional security features for Wescom's members. The first feature is a secure message, which is created and known only by the user that appears when the member logs in to eBranch from that particular computer. The second feature is the ability for users to view their login history so they can review if any unusual activity has taken place. The third feature is the creation of three distinctive alerts for members to keep track of activity on their account. Members can be alerted each time a login occurs, when a new BillPayer payee is being created, and when the creation of a new account is being added to the Member-Directed ACH product. These new security features will protect the 87,000 active eBranch users who log in at a rate of about 1.2 million logins per month.