Security and Your Password

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know that National Bank’s Online Banking is safe and secure?

The data travelling across the Internet between your computer and our Online Banking system is encrypted. All transactions are transmitted in a secure 128 bit encrypted environment, this protects your data from other people as it travels across the Internet.

More Information on Security

How often do I have to change my password?

In response to customer feedback, we have removed the compulsory requirement to change your password every 90 days. However, we still recommend that you change your password at least every three months. Your password is your 'key' to Online Banking, so it's important that you take precautions to keep it safe. Under the Online Banking Conditions of Use, you are obliged to protect your password.

To change your password, use the ‘Change Password’ link within your Online Banking session.

What happens if I forget to log off?

As well as protecting your password, you need to protect your Online Banking session.

  • We have a time-out in place in case you forget to log off. However, this in no way reduces or removes your liability for ensuring that appropriate personal security procedures are followed.
  • Always log off from your Online Banking session when you have finished.

In addition to logging off, you should also:

  • Ensure that your browser is not caching secure pages - see the section on Caching Pages for more Information.
  • If you are sharing a computer with other people, always ensure that you close all browser windows at the end of your Online Banking session to prevent others from accessing your Online Banking session.

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Does The National Bank use a digital certificate?

We have a digital certificate verifying that our Online Banking site is encrypted and secure.

More Information on Certificates

Can I prevent my Online Banking pages being cached?

A cache is a temporary store of previously visited pages that allows you to use the back button to return to them. To avoid secure pages being cached you may need to check your Browser settings.

More Information on Caching Pages

How secure is Online Banking on a shared computer?

As long as you log off properly and maintain appropriate personal security procedures, your Online Banking can be just as secure on a shared computer as a personal computer. See "What happens if I forget to log off?"

Does The National Bank’s website use cookies?

We currently use cookies to monitor use of our website, to provide you with access to tailored information and services from our website, and to serve you better when you return to it.

We also use cookies for Online Banking and Direct Deal. For more information read our section on cookies.

You can also obtain more information on the Internet, for example by visiting the websites of Microsoft or Mozilla.

More Information on Cookies

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What is OnlineCode?

OnlineCode is a ‘two-factor authentication’ process that works by sending a unique 8-digit ‘single use’ code to an Online Banking customer’s mobile phone when they begin to use an Online Banking function for which OnlineCode applies. The 8-digit code is valid for your entire Online Banking session, enabling you to do multiple transactions.

What is ‘two-factor authentication’?

In order to allow a user access to a service, we often need to authenticate them by confirming who they are. A two-factor authentication process uses two 'factors':

  • Something you know e.g. your customer number and password, and
  • Something you have e.g. an object or device, such as your mobile phone in this case.

When will OnlineCode be required?

Registration and use is compulsory for Online Banking customers who want to make payments larger than $10,000. However, you can opt to use OnlineCode for all your transactions, setting up of payees, and changing your Online Banking preferences. We also recommend you use it to create or amend Automatic Payments, Bill Payees, One-off Payments and changing your Online Banking password.

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How do I register for OnlineCode?

To register for this service you need a mobile phone with SMS capability. You must log on to Online Banking, navigate to ‘Your Profile’ page, click on the ‘OnlineCode Registration’ link and follow the prompts.

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