Our easy-to-use digital channels have brought world-class banking services to your fingertips. You can avail any of our services from wherever you are, without having to visit a branch. However, this means that your digital devices such as your laptops, tablets and mobile phones need a security upgrade to make them less susceptible to malware.
What is Malware?
Malware is an overarching term for a wide range of computer programs designed to penetrate devices and networks without authorization with an objective of accessing third-party data and information.
Cyber-criminals spread malware that preys on your smartphone. The prime targets are log-in data for credit-card accounts, security codes in text messages, your keystrokes, contact data, address book, e-mails and your browsing history. Malware can even lock your device so that a ransom can be demanded in exchange for releasing access to it.
Follow these guidelines to protect your devices from a malware infection
- Two-factor authentication facilitates higher security. It requires two independent authentication factors which can be a combination of something you know (e.g., a username and password), and something you have(e.g., a smartphone or a debit card) or something you are (e.g., your fingerprint or Face ID).
- Change your passwords routinely and select stronger passwords:Changing passwords frequently ensures safety for your device in case one of your passwords has been hacked. Strong passwords that are more than 8 characters,a mixture of upper, lower case characters, letters, numbers and special characters are harder to hack.
- Keep your software up-to-date:Update your anti-virus software regularly and never disable a virus scan when it is running.
- Turn on your mobile alerts: Mobile alerts notify you about potentially unwarranted activity that may be detected in your bank accounts
- Sign in to your net banking portals through official URLs: Do not use promotional mails or third-party apps to sign in to your banking portals as they may be channels for fraud
- Refrain from borrowing from strangers: Chargers or USB cables that belong to strangers could have been prepared to install malware on your device without your knowledge
- Download from authorised sources: Never download and install computer programs or apps from a dubious source. Prioritize reputable sources, such as Google Play Store or Apple’s App Store
- Beware of suspicious activity: Try not to depend entirely on the technical security measures on your devices. Always be cautious of payment requests and verify their authenticity extensively in case of any uncertainty. Offerings that are too good to be true can have malicious intentions
- Install the latest software updates for your system: The latest software updates often contain security features that are necessary to safeguard your device against new variants of malware
- Avoid using public Wi-Fi and use a VPN instead: A Virtual Private Network creates a private network from a public internet connection and can prevent hackers from accessing the information on your device
- Use official apps for mobile banking: Use the official mobile banking app of your bank to make financial transactions. Third-party, unauthorised apps are often unsafe
- Check your bank account regularly: View your bank account activity frequently to keep a check on any unwarranted transactions