1. Only you and no one else know your security credentials
- Never provide anyone your security credentials to the web payment tool (hereinafter referred to the “internet banking”), in particular your user number, login, password, PIN, an authorization code, nor send them via e-mail or through social networks. Mind your privacy, in particular when logging in, and check that the other person cannot notice your login credentials. Also, do not leave your PC or mobile phone unattended; use the keypad locks and access codes for the device. Avoid using products of internet banking on the public (e.g. in the means of transport) or in the monitored rooms (e.g. in the reach of security cameras).
2. Watch where you access the internet banking from
- Do not use internet banking on computers, on which you cannot be sure there are no malicious programs installed. Definitely avoid any public computers in the internet cafés, at airports and in the information centres. If possible, use only your private computer or telephone to access your internet banking. Always check in the browser header whether you access your internet banking through a secure connection. You will know it easily, the page begins with https:// (the “s” at the end is crucial), or you will be alerted by the computer with a green colour or an icon of closed padlock placed in front of the website name.
3. Pay attention to unknown links and websites
- On the internet, visit only known and trusted sites. Today’s hackers are inventive; they can reproduce internet banking login page very faithfully and guide you to it in a smart way. Therefore, be careful about any unknown links on the internet or in your email that would lead you to the pages that remind the application form into the internet banking, email or social networks. If you find the login screen to the products of internet banking anyhow suspicious, do not log in. Just to be sure, always check in the browser header whether you are indeed on the particular website and not on the false one.The pages with an erotic content or sites for downloading the software, videos and music may be particularly dangerous and often contain many viruses and dangerous software.
4. Suspicious email? Do not open it and better delete it.
- The company will never send you emails containing calls to disclose your identification credentials, user number, login, password, PIN, authorization code, payment card credentials, etc. Never respond to such emails. Open only trusted emails from the known and expected senders in your email inbox. If the email seems to by anyhow suspicious, better delete it directly. If you have already opened it, certainly do not open attachments and links that it contains. And if you accidentally clicked on the link or opened an attachment, close it quickly and do not let the program or the browser install anything. Then, it is recommended to check your computer or mobile device with antivirus software.
5. Protect yourself against spam
- The best tool for the elimination of most of unwanted and dangerous emails is to set and actively use email spam protection. It is offered by most of public services, as well as many email clients such as Outlook and more. The setting is often intuitive and simple. Consider also using other security programs, such as antispyware and antiadware that will protect you against unwanted ads and dangerous programs.
6. Use and update your antivirus program and firewall, both in your computer and mobile phone
- Check your devices using antivirus program regularly. Never turn off the antivirus program, remember to update it regularly (it is possible to set automatic updates through the internet) and use its latest version, which contains an overall protection and the detectors of malicious software. Frauds do not sleep, therefore, the older antivirus program, the less efficient against new threats it is. Also, it is recommended to use firewall on your computer. Get antivirus for your smart phone as well. The fact that viruses do not attack mobile phones, is a dangerous myth that could easily backfire on you. If you suspect that your computer or mobile phone have been attacked by virus, do not use them to access the internet banking or other services with your personal data (email, social networks, e-shops, etc.) and contact an IT professional.
7. Update your devices, computer and mobile phone
- Update also your programs and operating system regularly. It is especially important to update the internet browser in computer and mobile phone, as well as all its plug-ins (e.g. Flash player). Also update all your security programs. At the same time, watch issuing the operating system patches and do not postpone their installation for “later”. For smart phones and tablets, we recommend using the latest version of operating system (so called firmware), which the manufacturer officially offers for the device. All the obsolete versions of your programs are a potential threat for your safe internet surfing as well as for your financial resources. Never install on your computer or mobile phone the programs whose origin is unknown. Install only applications from the official application stores on your mobile phone – Google Play (Android), App Store (iOS), Windows Marketplace (Windows Phone).Knowing how much money you have left on your account and what transactions you have made is the best early warning tool that anything is wrong. If you notice any operation that you did not made or you have doubts about the accuracy of the balance of your account, contact the company by phone or email immediately. Please, do not postpone your notification! Only a quick response can prevent any further damage or find fast solution to possible error.
8. Monitor the news on internet security regularly
The more information you have, the more safely you can behave in the internet environment. Therefore, regularly follow the latest news in the field of internet security and comply with all recommended rules.
9. Keep track of your balance and transactions; notify the company of any discrepancies immediately.
