Orange Credit Union continues to employ the latest electronic technology to ensure your security, there are certain steps you can take to help ensure a safer banking experience.

Internet Banking Tips

Smartphone Tips

INTERNET BANKING

Do's

• Memorise your password and do not commit it to paper.
• For secured Internet banking, it is good practice to change your password regularly.
• Install reliable anti-virus software on your PC or Notebook
  Also ensure that your virus definition file is regularly updated. To prevent hacking, install a Personal Firewall to safeguard against any forms of external attacks.
• Clear the browser's cache memory after each online session
• Always complete your online transactions and try to delete the browser history periodically.
• Take note of the last login time at each sign on, make it a habit to check the last login message that will show the last login performed by you.
• Check your transaction history details regularly. This will help you keep track of your account.

Don'ts

• Do not write down or disclose your password to anyone
• Do not use easy to remember dates or numbers like your birthday to generate your password.
• Do not use the same Internet Banking password for other online accounts
• You should never allow your computer programs to remember your password
• Do not access Internet Banking in public areas such as at cyber cafes

   

Orange Credit Union will never ask for personal and login details via email. Under no circumstances should you send your personal details via return email. Most importantly, please contact Orange Credit Union immediately if you have any concerns about the authenticity of an email or suspect that your PIN or password has been compromised.

Beware of “Phishing” Scams

Phishing is the act of sending an email to a user falsely claiming to be an established legitimate enterprise in an attempt to scam the user into surrendering private information that will be used for identity theft. The requested information is most often credit card numbers, but it can also be credit union or bank account information, Social Security numbers, passwords, or other sensitive data. The email often attributes the need for verification of data, due to security concerns, to create a sense of urgency in responding. Be particularly cautious if the email contains an embedded link for you to access the site in order to update your information.

If you receive an unexpected email from a company or a government agency asking for your personal or financial information, contact the company or the agency cited in the email using a telephone number that you know to be genuine, or type in the web address that you know to be correct in order to verify the information contained in the email. Avoid emailing personal and financial information, as this is not a secure method of transmitting information.

Cookies Information

Cookies are small pieces of information that a web site sends to a user; the user's computer may show the information back to the server on subsequent pages, actions or visits. There are two types of cookies; persistent and session. Persistent cookies expire on a specific set date and session cookies end when the session is ended.

The use of session cookies within Online Banking is necessary for security and is required for access. The use of cookies is for authentication only. There are a number of cookies within the secured site, and you may want to turn off your alert during your user session. You can enable it again after you exit Online Banking.

To disable the warning in Netscape Navigator:
1. Click Edit and then the Preferences option.
2. Click on the Advanced tab.
3. Click on the Accepting a Cookie checkbox.
 

To disable the warning in Microsoft Explorer (4.0 or earlier):
1. Click on View, then Options.
2. Click on the Advanced tab.
3. Click on Warn before Accepting Cookies checkbox.
 

To disable the warning in Microsoft Explorer (5.0 and up):
1. Click on Tools.
2. Click on Internet Options.
3. Click on Security Settings.
4. Click on Custom Level Menu.
5. Enable the "Allow per-session cookies" 

SMARTPHONE

Never store passwords on your smartphone

Many people still try to hide passwords or PIN numbers within the body of text or phone numbers. However, despite how cleverly you may think you’ve concealed them, criminals know what to look for and where. It’s always best to commit these security details to memory and not record them anywhere this includes ticking applications that remember them automatically.

Turn off tethering, Wi-Fi™ and Bluetooth when not in use

The most likely way your smartphone can be compromised is by downloading malicious software (malware) concealed in a file or application. Your Wi-Fi™ and Bluetooth™ are the entry point to your smartphone. When activated they are constantly scanning for other signals trying to connect – criminals can exploit this to send malware to your smartphone without your knowledge. Tethering also gives access to your computer, so if you don’t need to connect, switch them off and close the door.

Only use  Wi-Fi™ hot spots that are reputable and password protected

If you connect to a shared Wi-Fi™ hotspot, you are completely dependant on the security of the host network. If the network is unsecured, fraudsters can hijack it, give their own network a similar name and fool you/your smartphone into connecting to theirs instead. Here they can spoof all kinds of websites and trick you into divulging your personal details.

Installation of smartphone security software

Once you connect your device to the internet vulnerabilities from fake phishing sites as well as viruses increase. Today security software tailored specifically for smartphones is available in the marketplace. Its important though as with your home PC to keep protections and software up to date and current. Ensure you “Activate smartphone security settings and password protection” and familiarise yourself with the features of your smartphone.

Programs that can remotely wipe data if you lose your smartphone are now available

These are useful to stop any personal data being accessed by persons who may misuse it. Find out how they work and how you can activate them.
 

All smartphones have built-in security features such as auto locking and password protection

While it may seem like a bit of an inconvenience at times, these physical security measures are your first line of defence in keeping your smartphone and your personal details safe.

Don’t be tempted to‘jailbreak’ your smartphone as this makes it vulnerable to malware

If you crack the manufacturer’s security on your smartphone, you not only make your warranty invalid but you make it much more vulnerable to attacks by cyber-criminals.

Limit the amount of personal information on your phone

Criminals are interested in more than just your Internet Banking details. Any kind of personal information can be used to steal your identity and commit other kinds of fraud. They can apply for credit cards, personal loans – even mortgages, using your credentials. By being careful about the information you have stored on your smartphone to protect your identity in case of theft or loss.

Make sure you delete all personal details if you sell or discard your smartphone

If you sell or discard your smartphone, it’s crucial you delete all personal information first. This can include SMS messages, emails, photographs, contact details and Internet links. Criminals can use such information to commit fraud against you, or by pretending to be you.

Never open attachments or download applications from untrusted sources

Criminals use infected documents and applications to spread their malware and compromise victims smartphones. Never open an attachment or download an application from a person or website that you don’t know or have doubts about.
 

For more information about security and different ways to protect yourself and your assets click here.