However, having strong security controls on our Internet banking system alone isn't always sufficient to protect against on-line fraud. It is also important that you secure your own environment.
Protection Tips
Devices
- Ensure to have operating systems updated with all the patches
- Buy licensed and genuine software
- Avoid freeware software
- Keep strong passwords
- Install an industry recognized antivirus software that takes care of virus and malware threats
- Ensure that antivirus software is updated regularly
- Do ensure that you regularly review alerts on your PC
- Enable personal firewall
- Turn-on screensavers with passwords
Network
- Secure your home network
- Try to always use a secured network. If the network is “open” – does not require any password to sign in – then you are at a MUCH higher risk of someone sniffing
- Do not use networks that are neither secured nor encrypted. Connect to a secure network by looking out for the padlock icon beside it
- Use only reputable network providers
- Securely browse internet by enabling personal firewalls and internet protection software
- Links to websites should be thoroughly verified to ensure you are entering secured sites and not victimized by cyber criminals
Data
Identity Thefts
Identity theft occurs when fraudsters use your personal information without your knowledge or consent to take out bank accounts, credit cards, loans, state benefits and documents such as passports and driving licenses in your name. Your identity and personal details are very important for a variety of reasons. If these are compromised by criminals, you may only discover financial crime when you receive letters seeking repayment of debts you haven't incurred, or you find an unexplained credit in your bank account.
It can have very serious consequences on your personal life and finances. For example, you may have difficulty getting loans, credit cards or a mortgage until the problem is sorted out.
Keep your identity secure
Keep valuable documents secure
- It's vital you look after any identity document such as your passport and driving license. Always make sure they are in your possession, whether at home, at work or on holiday
- When you're not using them, keep them in a locked drawer or safe at home. Remember, don’t keep your cheque books and bank cards together – store them separately.
- Destroy all unwanted paperwork. Always destroy all important personal and financial paperwork when you don't need it any longer - preferably using a cross-cut shredder for additional security.
- Paperwork to destroy includes:
- Old bank, credit card and financial statements
- Old credit card receipts
- Any partly completed application forms carrying your personal details
- Any document with your name and address on them
- Also, don't forget to destroy all unwanted plastic cards which have your details on them
Social Sites
Social provides great platform to be in touch with friends, family and business associates. However, it is important to consider what information is shared on social media
- Don’t reveal too much personal information that can be used to cause a harm. For e.g. sharing date of birth should be avoided. If you still want to share, just mentioned the date/month and not the year
- Use privacy settings offered by most of the social media sites
- Be suspicious about connecting to people whom you don’t know
Password & Pin Security
Passwords
Create a secure, strong password to protect yourself. Passwords provide the first line of defense against unauthorized access to your computer. The stronger your password is, the more protected your computer will be from hackers and malicious software. Please ensure you have strong passwords for all accounts on your computer.
Here are few tips to help you create a strong password. A strong password:
- Is at least eight characters long.
- Does not contain your user name, real name, or the Bank’s name.
- Does not contain a complete word.
- Is significantly different from previous passwords.
- Don't use the same password for everything. Cybercriminals steal passwords on websites with very little security, and then they try to use that same password and user name in more secure environments, such as banking websites.
- Change your passwords often. Set an automatic reminder for yourself to change your passwords on your email, banking, and credit card websites about every three months.
- The greater the variety of characters in your password, the better. However, password hacking software automatically checks for common letter-to-symbol conversions, such as changing "and" to "&" or "to" to "2."
- Use the entire keyboard, not just the letters and characters you use or see most often
PINs
- Use stronger PINs that are difficult to guess
- PINs should not be shared with anyone and always kept confidential
- Ensure the PIN is not written anywhere
- Regularly change your PIN
