Stay Protected While Connected

No matter who or where you are, your profession, or your area of study, you probably spend a significant amount of time online. After all, there’s an app for this, an app for that, and websites where you can find just about anything you’re looking for.

With the COVID-19 pandemic, conducting banking and financial transactions online is one of the best ways to stay productive and safe. Digital banking apps and tools allow us to pay bills, check balances, transfer funds and shop online for groceries and other personal items from home or any safe and remote location. Banking convenience at its best!

But, digital immersion at this level can make us too comfortable transferring important and often personal information.

This October, as we recognise Cyber Security Month and you continue to enjoy the benefits of Online Banking and Mobile Apps, we want to make sure you are armed with the knowledge and tools you need to be safe while you surf. With this in mind, we’ve prepped a few tips….

Public WiFi Usage

Who doesn’t love free wifi and comfort food?

With many of us working remotely, we sometimes seek a change of scenery. We visit our favourite cafe or public space to take advantage of the free wifi. But don’t get too comfortable with your personal data. Be advised against sharing personal or banking information over public wifi networks. These are havens for cyber criminals to swipe your data. You also open up your devices to being invaded by malicious malware.

Social Media is for Sharing, Not Over Sharing

Share your food photography, but never your personal identifiable data.

Social distancing has made social media platforms a critical part of how we communicate with our friends, family and business colleagues. It’s easy to share data over social media but we advise not to share personal identifiable information. This ranges from account and credit card numbers, to even your geographic location or birthdate. Information that can specifically target you can help hackers trace you. You should only transfer this data over trusted sources. We also recommend being vigilant with email addresses and the suspicious links that often accompany a seemingly harmless message. One curious click can lead to a world of worry. Only select links from emails you trust.

Pro tip: Consider using a VPN (virtual private network) for securing your data.

Privacy and Security If you connect it, protect it!

• Beware of pop-ups: Don’t be too quick to click “OK” on a website pop up. Always read the messaging first. Some pop ups may request accessibility to your online documents or drives, ensure they don’t affect your privacy and security settings.
• Check the security of websites: Keep your eye on the address bar for an “HTTPS”. That “S” at the end signifies the site is secure and you are safe while browsing. Be very cautious if the site begins with “HTTP” instead.
• Shake up your password protocol frequently: Yes, it’s hard to remember all those numbers, letters and special characters, however, frequently adjusting your password is still one of the best ways to protect yourself online. Try using a handy and trustworthy password manager, they’re designed to make your online life more secure.

Pro Tip: Wherever there is an option to have 2 Factor Authentication or 2 Step Verification, use it! It’s an extra layer of protection that makes the world of difference.

Thanks to Online Banking and Mobile Apps, you can review your account activity at any time and we encourage you to review these frequently. Report any suspicious activity immediately. The power is in your hands to manage your information in a digital space and we’re giving some tips on how to secure it. Every internet-connected device is another entry point for a potential cybercriminal.

Remember, if you connect it, protect it! Do your part, be cybersmart.  

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