Tips and hints

ANZ employs security measures to ensure that your transactions and personal information are protected. However, you can also play a big part in protecting your banking and personal information.

To help you, we have developed a number of tips and hints covering the areas below.


Internet security protection

 Staying safe when using ANZ Internet Banking in public places

  • Be wary of your surroundings and ensure no one is observing you when entering your User ID or password.
  • Never click on links embedded within emails; always enter the web address directly into the location/address bar.
  • Ensure that there is a padlock symbol in the bottom right corner of your browser.
  • Never click the 'save my password/details' option sometimes offered.
  • Never change security details such as your password in a public place (e.g. libraries, Internet cafes).
  • Do not leave your computer unattended or idle for long periods of time.
  • Always log out from Internet Banking when you have finished and close the browser.
  • Only log on to Internet Banking from computers that have anti-virus software installed.

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Protect your computer from viruses by keeping your virus software up-to-date

A computer virus is a program that attaches itself to another program, but changes the action of that program so that the virus is able to spread. Viruses range from harmless pranks to programs that can destroy or disable a computer.

A trojan horse is a malicious program disguised as something harmless, such as a game or a screen saver, but in fact contains hidden code that allows an intruder to take control of your computer without your knowledge.

Anti-virus software is designed to better protect your computer against known viruses, worms and trojan horses.

Being protected means three things:

  1. Having anti-virus protection on your computer
  2. Checking for updates to your anti-virus software and security upgrades for your computer regularly 
  3. Scanning all the files on your computer regularly, including incoming and outgoing emails.

For more information see Security software.

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Use a firewall as a gatekeeper between your computer and the Internet

A firewall is a piece of software or hardware that filters all Internet traffic between your computer and the Internet. It works to either block or permit Internet traffic to and from your computer. You can use the firewall to better protect your computer from intrusion by offensive websites, spam and unauthenticated logins from potential hackers.

Firewall

A firewall is essential for those that use their computers to browse the Internet.

For more information see Security software.

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Download the latest security upgrades for your computer on a regular basis

Having the latest security upgrades for your computer is essential in protecting your information on the Internet. To do this, check your software vendor’s web site on a regular basis for new security upgrades, or set your computer to automatically check for upgrades on a regular basis.

Be cautious! Do not open email attachments from unknown sources

Email is one of the prime movers for viruses. Regardless of how enticing the subject or attachment may appear, be cautious. Any unexpected email, especially those with attachments (from someone you may or may not know), could contain a virus and may have been sent without that person's knowledge. If you receive an email of this kind, and you are suspicious, delete it.

Make sure all computer users know how to use be safe when using the Internet

It's important that everyone who uses a computer is aware of proper security practices. All users should know how to update virus protection software, how to download security upgrades from software vendors, and how to create a proper password.

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Password protection

Always use hard to guess passwords

Passwords will only keep outsiders out if they are difficult to guess! Don't share your password, and don't use the same password in more than one place. If someone should happen to guess one of your passwords, you don't want them to be able to use it in a number of places.

Remember the five golden rules of passwords

  1. Do not choose a password that is easily identified with you (for example, your date of birth, telephone number or your name or any part of it).
  2. A password should have a minimum of eight characters, be as meaningless as possible, and use uppercase letters, lowercase letters and numbers (e.g. xk28LP97).
  3. Change passwords at least once every 30 days.
  4. Do not give out your password to anyone! Be wary of unsolicited calls or emails requesting personal information or card numbers. Neither ANZ nor the police would ask you to disclose your PIN or password information.
  5. Do not write your password down even if it is disguised.

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Keep your user ID and password secret

To ensure you are the only person that knows your personal access information, all access to your computer and banking information should not be written down or accessible to other persons, even if you believe it is disguised.

Do not disclose your password to anyone including a family member, friend or an ANZ staff member.

Notify ANZ immediately if you become aware that your password has become known or used by someone else

If you suspect that your password has become known to a third party, contact the ANZ Internet Banking Support Center in your country immediately to have your password reset.

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Logging on

The correct way to log on to Internet Banking

Always log on to Internet Banking by entering the website address directly into the address bar.

Never access anz.com from a link in an email. If in doubt, contact the ANZ Internet Banking Support Center in your country.

Manually enter the URL

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Look for the padlock symbol at the bottom of your web browser

When logging on or entering personal information, look for the padlock symbol at the bottom of your web browser. The padlock symbol indicates that the page you are on has additional security. You can double-click the padlock symbol to view the certificate's details.

Secure site padlock

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Do not leave your computer connected to the Internet when not in use

When leaving your computer unattended, you should either shut it down or physically disconnect from the Internet connection. This lessens the chance that someone will be able to access your computer.

When viewing or using your personal information on the Internet, be aware of your environment

You should take care when viewing or providing personal information in public. This should only be performed on a computer that you trust to be free of viruses or trojan horses. Be cautious when accessing public computers or any computers you do not control.

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Hoax emails

What should I do if I receive a hoax email?

  1. Delete the email
    If you receive a hoax email, delete the email immediately. Do not click on any links; do not open any attachments. Never provide personal details such as your PIN, password, User ID, or other log on details. ANZ does not send out emails requesting personal or account information.
  2. Report the incident
    All hoax email incidents should be reported to the ANZ Internet Banking Support Center in your country.
  3. Scan your computer for viruses
    Many hoax emails contain viruses or trojan horses, which are downloaded to your computer when you open infected attachments. If you have clicked on any items within the email, run a complete virus check of your computer. ANZ recommends that you perform virus scans on your computer regularly.

  4. Reset your Internet Banking password
    After scanning your computer and ensuring it is free of viruses or trojans, reset your Internet Banking password by calling the ANZ Internet Banking Support Center in your country.

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I don’t have anti-virus protection

Computers without anti-virus protection or out-of-date anti-virus protection are vulnerable to viruses. Anti-virus programs are a simple and inexpensive way to protect your personal details from these threats.

There are a number of different vendors who can provide complete suites of Internet security software. Speak to an ANZ Internet Banking Support Center consultant to obtain more information.

ANZ recommends that you do not use ANZ Internet Banking until you have up-to-date anti-virus protection.

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I received an email from another financial institution requesting my personal details

Cyber thieves can generate emails imitating any organization or financial institution. You may receive emails imitating organizations that you may or may not have affiliations with.

If you receive a hoax email claiming to be from another organization or financial institution, delete the email immediately and scan your computer for viruses. Do not click on any links or open any attachments.

ANZ will never ask you to disclose your PIN, password, or other log on information by email or any other means.

If you receive an email requesting this information, delete it immediately. Do not click on any links or open any attachments within the email.

Report the incident to the ANZ Internet Banking Support Center in your country. If you feel your password has been compromised, the ANZ Internet Banking Support Center can reset your password.

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