How to Choose a Safe Bank:
- Does the bank offer a two-phase logon system?
(2 different passwords needed) - Is SMS alerts offered?
- Does the website have a verified security certificate?
- Does the website use multiple firewalls?
- Does the website use encryption?
- Does the website automatically log out inactive users?
- Does a set amount of failed login attempts lock your account?
- Choose a strong password of more than 8 characters
- Combine letters, numbers and special characters
- Avoid dictionary words
- Make your password and login name completely different from each other
- Avoid sequences or repeated characters (like “12345”
- Avoid using words than can easily be guessed (like your birth year)
- Don’t use the same password as you use for other web sites since those can easily be leaked
- Never trust phone calls, e-mails or SMS’s asking you to disclose any personal details or card numbers
- Be cautious about disclosing personal information to individuals you do not know
- Remember that your bank will never contact you, in any way, to ask for your PIN or password information
- Never store your password on your computer
- Avoid using online password storage (via your browser and via 3rd party services)
- Change your PIN & Password often
- When doing online banking, always use your browser’s “private browsing” feature. This deletes all logins and cached files
- Always access your bank’s website by typing in the complete web address
- Never follow links to reach your bank’s website
- Never follow links you received via e-mail
- Never trust email attachments, even if sent from what appears to be your bank
- Check your banking session is secure (https://) and the presence of a digital certificate (padlock or key icon)
- Always completely log off from your banking session and close the browser window
- Use a virtual keypad to enter your PIN, this will avoid key loggers to capture your keystrokes
- Always use up-to-date Anti-Virus software and a personal firewall (software or hardware)
- Check for spyware on your PC
- Always update your computer’s operating system with the latest security updates
- Ensure your Internet browser is the most up to date version
- Be vigilant when using public computers
- Regularly check your bank statements for erroneous or criminal transactions
- Set up a SMS service to be notified of Internet banking logon
- Also set up a SMS service to be notified of any transactions
- Never disclose any personal information (account number, ID number, etc.)
- Set daily limits on your accounts
- ¨Phishing scams are fraudulent attempts to gain your login details through acting as your bank
- ¨These scams are usually initiated via e-mail, but also through social network services (Facebook, twitter, Google Talk, etc.)
- ¨Don’t support online shops whose true identity is unknown to you
- ¨Only share your email address with people you know
- ¨Enable spam and security filters on your email program
- ¨Protect your computer with a secure password
- When you think your login credentials have been compromised, immediately contact your bank telephonically
