How to stay safe online
There are some easy and sensible precautions you should take to stay safe online. By working together we can ensure that your bank account and identity remain secure.
General precautions
2. Protect yourself from identity theft by shredding unwanted bank statements, utility bills etc. Don't just leave them in your household rubbish bin as criminals can use them to try to steal your identity.
3. Check your credit rating from time to time to make sure that nobody has tried to take out a loan in your name.
4. Don't leave mail in your mailbox for long periods of time. Lock your mailbox to prevent access to it. If you plan to be away for long periods of time use a mail minding service.
5. When accessing your RaboPlus bank account you should avoid internet cafes if possible as you cannot be sure about the security of the computer you are using.
Online security precautions
Verify your RaboPlus online banking website before logging on
When you click on "Login to your account" on the RaboPlus site, the URL in the pop-up window should be https://secure.raboplus.com.au. Look out for the 's' in https as this indicates that you are in a secure session.
Use your RaboPlus secure email
You should never email sensitive financial information through regular email to RaboPlus. You should use the secure email function in your online account to communicate to our Customer Contact Centre if you want to include information pertaining to your account statements or account details.
Always log off your RaboPlus online banking session by clicking on the Logout button. Close your browser and restart it before visiting other websites. Try not to visit other websites while doing your online banking.
Look for the padlock icon
The internet browser that you use, whether Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari, Opera etc, will display a padlock icon on the screen to indicate that you are in secure session. The position of the padlock on your screen will vary depending on your browser. This padlock identifies that a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) is in place, designed to provide secure communications over the Internet.
Close your internet browser when you are not using the web
In fact turn off your computer when you're not using it. Not only is it safer, you'll save electricity too.
Keep your browser and operating system up to date
Regularly check to ensure you are using the most recent version of your internet browser. Security updates and fixes are frequently released which ensure the safety of your browser. Please check the Help function of your browser on how you can update your browser to the latest version.
Install an anti-virus program and a firewall
A personal fire wall protects your computer from unauthorised access from the outside, and warns you when an attempt is being made. It is important to regularly update both your anti-virus and firewall programs to make sure you are protected from new viruses.
Do not download illegal software or programs from unknown sources
Downloading a virus or unknown program is a risk when using email. Such a virus can disrupt the function of your existing programs which can range from annoying to loss of data. You should never install unknown programs especially if they are attached to emails. RaboPlus will never distribute programs using e-mail.
Protect wireless broadband connections
If you use a wireless modem to access broadband you should make sure that it is secured to prevent others from accessing your broadband connection. If you don't know how to do this you should contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP).
Activate a pop-up window blocker
Blockers are often part of anti-virus and firewall internet security packages. When you have installed your pop-up blocker you may want to adjust the setting to allow pop-up windows in websites that you trust and need to access.
Scan your computer regularly for spyware
You can eliminate potentially risky pop-up windows by removing any spyware or adware installed on your computer. Spyware and adware are programs that look in on your web viewing activity and potentially relay information to a disreputable source. Perform an Internet search for "spyware" or "adware" to find free spyware removal programs.
As with a pop-up blocker, you will want to be sure that your removal program is not blocking, or removing, wanted items, and if it is, consider turning it off for some websites.
Clean your hard disk
Clean your hard disk before you give away or sell your computer to someone else. The best way is to perform a complete format of your hard disk, but at least remove all cookies, temporary internet files and other sensitive data.
Scam precautions
Use your commonsense. If it looks too good to be true then it probably is. Here are some sensible tips to keep in mind:
- Be on the lookout for phishing emails and websites.
- Do not give confidential information by email, in chat rooms, on social network sites or by telephone.
- Do not accept jobs where you are paid in commission for facilitating money transfers from your personal bank account. This is a crime.
- Do not accept overpayment for goods you are selling when you are asked to refund the different back to the buyer.
- Do not feel pressured into taking action resulting from an unsolicited email or telephone call. Always take your time to check out its legitimacy. If in doubt, report it.
