Friday, August 29, 2008

Online Security

When you access the Internet through email or the World Wide Web, it's important that you safeguard your personal information. All users of the Internet have a responsibility to protect themselves against exposure to the different risks associated when using the Internet.

Below are some simple actions you can take to protect your information and increase your own security when banking online.

Using Internet Banking
Protecting your Internet Banking Password
Protecting your privacy
Preventing Hoaxes and Scams

Using Internet Banking

Always log in directly by typing our site address www.pcu.com.au from your browser.
Check for a locked padlock symbol situated at the bottom right corner in Internet Explorer 6 or top right corner in Internet Explorer 7 when using Internet Banking. This indicates that it is secure to use.
Never accept links or redirections from other websites for the purpose of logging into the Internet Banking website.
Never click on an email that asks for your personal banking information, and beware of phishing emails. These emails take on many forms, but the majority appear to falsely come from financial institutions and are designed to lure recipients into divulging account numbers and passwords. Click here for an example.
Beware of any windows that ‘pop up' during an Internet banking session and be very suspicious if it directs you to another website which then requests your account details or password.
Register for Verified by Visa. Its added password protection measure increases the safety of online transactions.
When performing financial transactions online, never leave your computer unattended while the session is still active.
Be careful about using Internet Banking from other PC's, such as those at some Internet cafés, which may not have up-to-date virus protection installed.
Always log off when you are finished using Internet Banking to avoid others accessing your account details.
Look after you account details if you save or print them after electronically accessing them from Internet Banking. Keep this information in a safe and secure place or destroy it once you have finished with it.

Protecting your Internet Banking Password

Choose a password that you will remember, but cannot be easily guessed. Ideally your selected password will include some numbers as well as letters.
Change your password regularly. If you ever believe someone may know your password then change it immediately.
Never write your password down, store it on your computer and/or mobile device or utilise any functionality offered that will automatically fill the password field. Passwords should be committed to memory.
Do not disclose your password to anyone else, not even family members or friends. Police Credit Union staff will never ask you for your password.
Delete immediately any email requests for your password that claim to be from the Credit Union. The Credit Union will never request this information from you.

Protecting your privacy

Install anti-virus, anti-spyware and firewall software on your computer. To get the most benefit from this software, make sure to always keep it updated.
Never access the Internet without anti-virus, anti-spyware and personal firewall systems switched on to protect your information.
Avoid opening, running, installing or using programs you have obtained from a person or organization that you do not know you can trust.
Scan new programs for viruses before opening, running, installing or using them.
Avoid using shared computers at public places, such as Internet cafés, to conduct your Internet banking.

Preventing Hoaxes and Scams

Be aware of email, Internet and telephone hoaxes and scams. If you are suspicious or think you have received a "scam", call PCU Assistance Centre on 131 PCU (131 728).
Do not respond to any email or telephone call requesting personal information, even if the email and call appears to have come from Police Credit Union. Police Credit Union will never ask you to disclose your personal details in this way.
Ensure you apply the latest security updates to your computer. Suppliers release the security updates (known as 'patches') and can usually be downloaded for free.
Always use Police Credit Union Internet Banking in an environment that you can trust. Always practice caution when using computers in public places, such as Internet Cafes, hotels and airports. Be sure to always log-off from Internet Banking before leaving the terminal.
When accessing Internet Banking, use the computer keyboard to enter www.pcu.com.au into your browser rather than from a 'drop-down' menu selection..

Read about common types of fraud.