There are a few simple things you can do to help protect yourself online, not just when using banking online but when using the internet in general.
When using Fastnet Classic we recommend you do the following:
· Select a suitable Password
· Always protect your Password
· Use ASB's two-factor security solution, Netcode
· Tell us if your suspect your Password is known by someone else. Similarly, let us know if your Netcode device has been lost or stolen
· Always log out of FastNet Classic
You can also help protect your computer and your identity online by doing the following:
· Check that the website is secure, when you are entering in your personal information
· Be careful with emails
· Secure your computer
Select a suitable Password
The first time you sign on to FastNet Classic you will need to select a personal Fastnet Classic Password that is easy for you to remember but difficult for anyone else to guess. Unsuitable passwords include number and letter combinations that may be easily guessed (e.g. 3456, ABC, 1111, AAA), passwords used by you for other banking or non-banking services, or other easily accessible personal information (e.g. birthdate, family, pet or street names).
Always protect your Password
Never write your password down or give it out to anyone. Remember that we will never ask you for your online banking password. It is also important that you change your online password regularly. To do this, sign on to FastNet Classic, select Update Details from the left hand menu and then select Change Password.
Register for Netcode
Netcode is ASB's two-factor authentication solution - an extra layer of security in addition to your password to make sure it's really you using FastNet Classic internet banking, and to help protect your bank account against fraudulent people.
A Netcode is a unique number that is either texted to your mobile phone, or generated on a Token, when making certain transactions in FastNet Classic. So even if your access code and password were to fall into the wrong hands, you can rest assured that no money over your daily Netcode limit would be paid out of your account, without your approval.
Let us know if you suspect that your Password is known by someone or if your Netcode device is lost or stolen
It is important that you let us know as soon as you suspect or know that your FastNet Classic Password is known by someone else or if there has been any unauthorised activity on your account. You should also notify us if your Netcode Device has been lost or stolen. You can contact us on 0800 803 804 or 64 9 306 3000.
Always log out
You should log out and close your browser window after you've finished using any online banking services or if you are leaving your desk.
Check that the website is secure
To check if a site is secure, look for https:// at the start of your browsers' address bar. You should also look for the padlock in your browser window, to show that your session is being encrypted. You can then double-click on the padlock to see the level of security being used.
Be careful with emails
Emails are a common way to spread harmful codes or to trick you into revealing your internet banking information. Don't open emails from unknown senders. If you are in doubt about the source of an email, for example if you don't recognise the sender, don't click on any links within the email and delete it. Never open unexpected attachments.
While we will email you from time to time, we will never link to the sign on page of our online banking websites.
Secure your computer
Watch this space for a special security software deal for ASB customers
Use a personal firewall
A personal firewall is your first line of defence between your computer and the outside world. It helps control who can access your computer and protects you from viruses and any other unwelcome visitors.
Some options include:
· Symantec's well respected Norton brand has high quality firewalls that feature regular live updates for the latest threats (www.symantec.co.nz).
· If you're on a budget, you can download free or low-cost firewall software from companies like Zone Labs (www.zonelabs.com).
Install anti-virus software
Viruses, which can be extremely destructive, are pieces of code that attach to your computer. A virus usually accesses your computer via email attachments or from software you install from a CD or DVD or download from the internet. By installing anti-virus software you can protect your computer against the latest viruses. You may already have anti-virus software on your computer, but for it to be effective it must be updated regularly.
Some options include:
· Symantec (www.symantec.co.nz) release regular anti-virus software such as their Norton AntiVirus series.
· Virus alerts are also available from Trend Micro (www.trendmicro.com), Panda Antivirus (www.pandasoftware.com), McAfee (www.mcafee.com/au), and Computer Associates (www.ca-store.com.au).
Get anti-spyware software
Spyware is a file placed on your computer that can provide information on what you are doing online to a third party. In its worst form, spyware can be used to access personal information such as bank accounts or credit card details. Use should use up-to-date anti-spyware software to protect against programmes that fraudsters can use to collect this information.
These are easy to download and are generally available online for free. You should make sure to regularly update your software.
· Ad-aware (www.lavasoftusa.com)
· Spybot (www.safer-networking.org)
Regularly update your operating system
Get the latest software updates from the company that produces your operating system to protect against any security threats. Security updates are released regularly to fix holes in a computer's operating system. You should regularly check your vendor's website to see whether operating system updates are available or select to receive updates automatically.
· Microsoft users can visit: www.microsoft.com/security
· Mac users can visit: www.apple.com/nz/support
Beware of using public or shared computers
Be wary of using other computers (e.g. in an internet cafe, library or university) to access online banking. It's impossible to know if they have up to date protection and you're likely to be overlooked by others.
