What can you do to protect yourself

At The National Bank it's our priority to provide you with safe and secure banking. You can also play an important part in helping keep your finances secure. In this section you'll find some simple, practical tips for safer online banking.

Keep your personal information secure

Protect your computer

Stay safe online

Do ...

• Change your password regularly (at least every three months) and take precautions to keep it safe.
• Choose a password that is hard to guess or identify as relating to you.
• For more information on choosing and protecting passwords read the two page brochure Protecting your Cards, PINs and Passwords from the New Zealand Banker's Association.
• Register for OnlineCode for an extra layer of protection.

Don't ...

• Use the same password you use for other purposes.
• Choose a password that is easily able to be guessed, for example family names, birthdays.
• Disclose your password to anyone. We will never ask you to divulge your password or other personal information.
• Store your password anywhere, in either written or electronic form.

Do ...

• Install anti-virus, anti-spyware and firewall software, and keep it up-to-date. A number of different software suppliers produce complete suites of Internet security software, such as:
  - McAfee
  - Symantec
  - AVG
  - Norton.

  (Some suppliers including AVG also offer free versions for personal users.)

• Keep your operating system and Internet browser up-to-date with the latest security updates:
  - Operating system security updates can be obtained from Microsoft Windows Update and Apple Software Update
• Protect your home WiFi (wireless) network if you are using one.

These sites are listed for your general information only. The Bank does not endorse any of the services, products or solutions provided by these companies; and does not accept any liability for any loss or damage you may suffer arising out of or associated with your choice of any service, product or solution provided by these companies. You should seek independent expert advice if you have any concerns regarding what services, products or solutions may be suitable for you.

Do ...

• Always log off Online Banking session properly when you've finished using it.
• Think twice about giving out your email address, for example to access a free service from a website you're not familiar with.
• Beware of websites offering free software or applications - don't download software unless you are sure the site is genuine and the application is not harmful.
• Look for actual phone numbers or physical addresses for the company on the site if you're unsure whether a website is genuine or reputable.
• Be careful about using other computers - only access Online Banking on computers you know have up-to-date security software.
• Check your bank statements regularly and report any suspicious transactions to us immediately.
• Check this link to find out more about specific types of online fraud and how you can safeguard yourself against them.
• Use common sense and trust your instincts - if something looks too good to be true, it almost certainly is!
• Be careful using WiFi (wireless) networks other than your secured home network.

Don't ...

• Leave your computer unattended while you're connected to the internet as someone could use it to access your personal information.
• Open emails from people or companies you don't know - delete them immediately.
• Open or install attachments in emails, unless you know who they are from and what they are for.
• Click on a link in an email to access Online Banking - always type the address into your browser yourself, or bookmark the Bank's homepage by adding it to your Favourites folder.
• Use public computers such as those in Internet cafes (in New Zealand and overseas) for Online Banking, as they may have malicious software installed on them that you are unaware of.
• Use unsecured WiFi (wireless) networks either public or private.

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