Banking online
More and more people are using the internet to do their banking and pay bills. Its convenient, sometimes cheaper than doing it in person and more environmentally friendly.
Just like you protect your PIN number for your EFTPOS card, you need to protect your passwords for online banking and financial transactions.
Steps for smart online banking:
- Make sure your computer is secure—follow the advice in the Secure your computer section of this website.
- Always type your financial institutions website address into your browser—never use a link to your financial institution that has been sent to you by email or that is on a website. These may lead to fraudulent websites.
- Check that the banks digital certificate is present and valid. For further details about how to do this read the fact sheet
Understanding digital certificates and why they are important to check (File size: 270Kb). - Always log out from your internet banking session when you have finished.
- Close your internet browser after logging out at the end of each internet banking session.
- Ensure that you are aware of the security advice provided by your financial institution.
- If any windows pop up during an internet banking session, be suspicious, especially if it directs you to another website which then requests your customer identification or password.
- Keep private information out of chat rooms e.g. passwords, credit card details etc.
- Don't send your financial information via email to anyone.
Further information
Many financial institutions provide information and services which enhance the security of financial transactions. It may be useful to visit the online security section of your financial institutions website.
The Australian Bankers' Association (ABA), the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) and the Australian High Tech Crime Centre have produced the 
'Protect Your Financial Identity' website to assist consumers to protect their financial identities.
