She says the mandatory security device will help protect the customer and differentiate the bank's services. Like other banks, Fairfield County Bank recommends bank customers use dedicated machines for funds transfer, but doesn't require it.

Another financial institution, Bank of North Carolina, is also offering the IronKey USB token -- complete with the bank's logo on it -- to customers, says Debbie Myers, BNC senior vice president of e-banking and business services manager. But the bank, which is charging a monthly service fee for it, is not planning to make use of IronKey mandatory.

"We're providing it as an option at this time to our customers," says Myers, adding customers are still learning about it and the bank is reluctant to make it a requirement.

in Network World's Wide Area Network section.