How To Protect Yourself

While we take our responsibility for your online safety seriously, there are steps you can take to improve your own digital security.


Protecting Your Identity
By following the below guide, you can learn how to ensure that you are following industry best practice standards for online safety.



Legal Disclaimer
The information contained in this website is for informational purposes only. While it is presented in good faith, it is not intended as, and should not be relied upon as, legal advice or as a comprehensive plan of information security, and SMBC disclaims all liability for any such reliance on your part. 

PROTECTING YOUR COMPUTER

Firewall
Firewalls protect your computer against unauthorized access and monitor incoming and outgoing traffic. Make sure that the environment you use to log on is protected by a Firewall.


Malware
Malware is the collective term for Viruses, Trojans, Spy ware, Worms and other malicious software. Malware is designed to compromise the security of your computer and can be capable of secretly obtaining personal information, including log on credentials; controlling your computer without your knowledge, infecting other computers and rendering your computer inoperable.

There are several ways to protect your self against malware. While none of these methods are fail-safe we recommend the following to greatly improve your online security:


  • Do not click on web address links in emails unless you trust the sender and the content of the email. Modern email clients will display the destination of the web address link simply by hovering your mouse over the link. If the link address does not match the expected web address, do not click it. If you are unsure, do not click the link.
  • Set your browser preferences to block pop-ups. Malicious software can be installed on your computer if you click on pop-up windows. If you need to activate pop-ups for a particular site to function properly, your browser can allow you to make an exception.
  • Install anti-virus software. Anti Virus software is designed to protect and detect malware attempting to run or already installed on your computer.
  • Ensure your anti-virus software is regularly updated to protect against new malware.
  • Download our Enhanced Security Tools

 

Do not launch attachments in emails or download files unless you trust the sender and the content of the attachment. If you are unsure, do not launch attachments or download files.



SECURITY PATCHES

Browser Security
Check with your IT department that the browser you are using has all the necessary security patches installed.


Operating System Patches
Ensure that all necessary patches are regularly installed on your system to protect your computer against known vulnerabilities. Patches are made available periodically from vendor's websites; for example from Microsoft for the Windows operating system and applications.



PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR INFORMATION

Trusted Computer
Use a trusted computer while performing online banking. Avoid using public or shared computers for conducting business transactions. Do not log into machines available in public places. Networks in Internet cafés, hotels, and libraries are not always secure and can be easily compromised. Do not leave your computer unattended. Logoff after you complete your business. 


User ID and Password Safety
Do keep your user ID and password as secure as possible
Do log off or lock work station when you're away from your computer
Do have a hard-to-guess password that is changed regularly
Don't write down your password or pin
Don't use the same password for all your applications
Don't let unauthorized persons use your computer
Don't share your password with anyone
Don't leave your work computer in an insecure location such as your car
Don't login to E-Moneyger at public places, such as coffee shops, where people can see your computer screen


Sensitive Information
Don'tsend your user ID, password, account number or pin via email, internet emails can be intercepted and modified by malicious users. Make sure that your email is encrypted before sending confidential information. Keep valuable documents secure and destroy all unwanted documents by shredding so that thieves cannot steal your information.


Social Networking
Be very cautious if posting personal information on Social Networking websites. You should avoid including any information that could help thieves steal your identity such as your address, phone number or even employment information.


Email Fraud/ Phishing Emails
Phishing emails are frequently used by criminals to attempt to trick you into divulging personal information. Phishing is an attempt to acquire information, such as usernames and passwords, by sending fake communications from an apparently legitimate and trustworthy source. This information can then be used by the perpetrators to create fraudulent transactions or sold on to other parties. The communications usually direct the targets to a replicated fake website which then captures the user's personal information and sends it to those behind the fraud. To ensure you do not become the victim of a phishing attack the Bank will not contact you via text message, does not request any personal information over email and will never request your user passwords over the phone.


For best practise and to lessen the chances of becoming the victim of phishing, use a link saved in your favourites or type the web address manually and do not click on any link or respond to any suspicious emails or text messages . If in doubt, contact the Bank immediately.


Report Suspicious Activity
Report any suspicious activity to our dedicated Support Desks