Internet Protection Tips for ANZ Customers

• When using the Internet, including Internet Banking, always try to use hard-to-guess passwords.
• Remember the three golden rules of passwords.
• Is your PC and information protected? Ensure your virus protection software is always up to date.
• For more effective Internet protection, try using a firewall as a gatekeeper between your computer and the Internet.
• Do not leave your computer connected (online) when not in use.
• Be cautious! - Do not open email attachments from unknown sources.
• Is your computer security up to date? You should check your computer security on a regular basis and download the latest security upgrades.
• Make sure your family members and/or your employees know what to do if a computer becomes infected.
• When viewing or using your personal information on the Internet, be aware of your environment.
• Ensure you are the only person that knows your user access and password.
• Ensure you log on to Internet Banking the correct way.
• Look for the 'padlock' symbol at the bottom of your web browser.

When using the Internet, including Internet Banking, always try to use hard-to-guess passwords.	top

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 three golden rules of passwords.	top

• A password should have a minimum of eight characters, be as meaningless as possible and use uppercase letters, lowercase letters and numbers eg xk28LP97.
• Change passwords regularly, at least every 30 days.
• 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 PIN’s or password information.

Is your PC and information protected? Ensure your virus protection software is always up to date.	top

Anti-virus software is designed to protect you and your computer against known viruses.

Being protected means three things:

• Having protection on your computer in the first place.
• Checking for new virus protection software updates daily.
• Scanning all the files on your computer periodically.

For more effective Internet protection, try using a firewall as a gatekeeper between your computer and the Internet.	top

A firewall program resides on your computer. It adds Internet protection by creating a protective barrier between your computer and the outside world. This can prevent unauthorised people accessing the personal information on your computer. A firewall is seen to be essential for those that use their computers online, especially through the use of a cable modem.

Do not leave your computer connected (online) when not in use.	top

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.

Be cautious! - Do not open email attachments from unknown sources.	top

Email is one of the prime movers for malicious viruses. Regardless of how enticing the 'subject' or attachment may look, 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 from an infected computer. Should you receive an email of this kind and you are doubtful of its legitimacy, delete it.

Is your computer security up to date? You should check your computer security on a regular basis and download the latest security upgrades.	top

Security is essential in protecting your information on the Internet. To do this, check your software vendors' web sites on a regular basis for new security upgrades, or use the new automated patching features that some companies offer. The programs and operating system on your computer may have valuable features that make your life easier, but can also leave you vulnerable to hackers and viruses. You should evaluate your computer security on a regular basis. Be cautious when using Internet Cafes or any computers you do not control.

Make sure your family members and/or your employees know what to do if a computer becomes infected.	top

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

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

Care should always be taken in unknown areas to prevent any other persons viewing your personal information, including details of passwords or account numbers on the Internet.

Ensure you are the only person that knows your user access and password.	top

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.

Ensure you log on to Internet Banking the correct way.	top

Always log on to Internet Banking by entering the web-site address into the address bar. Alternatively, you can access the ANZ web site by saving the address in your 'Favorites Folder'. Never access www.anz.co.nz from a link in an email and enter personal details. If in doubt, contact the ANZ Internet Banking Help Desk on 0800 368 524.

Look for the 'padlock' symbol at the bottom of your web browser.	top

When 'logging on' or entering personal information, look for the 'padlock' symbol at the bottom of your web browser. The 'padlock' symbol is a certificate of authenticity and ensures the site is secure. You can double-click the padlock symbol to view the certificate's details.

To view more information on Security, click here