It is important to keep certain things in mind when you are accessing your account through the internet. There are certain precautions you could take to prevent any third party from accessing your valuable and confidential information.

Password alerts:

• Do not share your personal account number, your password or your ATM pin number with anyone.
• Remember your password and pin and do not keep any written record of it.
• Make the passwords difficult, using letters of different cases and numbers, but in such a way that you remember them. Avoid keeping passwords which are easy to guess like birthdays, children’s names, etc.
• Keep changing your password, preferably once every month so that guessing it becomes even harder.

Computer alerts:

• Never access high security sites like banking sites, from a public PC’s like in internet cafes or public libraries as there are high chances of information leakage.
• Password-protect your computer if you are using a home computer to access the online banking service so that no unauthorized person can enter.
• Disable the ‘auto complete’ function of your web browser which often saves passwords as well. If the auto complete function is left on, the person using the computer after you, can easily access your account. The ‘Help’ section in your browser will guide you in deactivating the function.
• Make sure there is an updated Anti-Virus/ Anti-Spyware software installed on your computer and the Personal Firewall is activated. This would prevent any malicious program from putting your confidential information at risk.
• Check the security settings of your browser when you are accessing any banking site. It should indicate that the connection is secure over the SSL (Secure Socket Layer - Data Encryption).
• Check for the icon of a ‘padlock’ which is also an indication of a secured site. Check the security certificate as well.

Others:

• It is important to read the bank statements closely every time. Any unauthorized transaction and other fraudulent activity can then be easily noticed. Checking your banking information regularly online also makes it easy to spot irregularities.
• Always access your banking site by entering the respective URL in the address bar. Do not trust emails and follow the given link, they may not be genuine.
• Do not leave your computer unattended when you are accessing your banking site. Make sure that you shut down the computer, disconnect from the internet, or at least exit from that site before you leave your seat.
• Register for SMS banking service offered by the bank to have updated account status information at your finger tips on a continuous basis.

Follow these simple instructions and make your online banking experience a safe and positive one. If you feel that the security of your account has been tampered with contact the respective authorities immediately.