How To Protect Yourself

It is important that you also aware of the steps you can take to protect yourself. While they might seem like small things - they all contribute to your security online. You can also keep tuned-in to the latest scams by keeping an eye on the Scamwatch website.

Please note that these security tips apply to you even if you only logon to BOB and only view your accounts.

Your Secure Code (password)

• Change your Secure Code at least once a month
• Make it hard to guess by using combinations of letters and numbers
• Avoid using a Secure Code based on family, friend, pet, or product names
• Keep your Secure Code secret

Email Security and Phishing Sites

Fraudsters have been know to set up copies of banking sites with the purpose of capturing personal online banking log on details. They then send out email that instructs the recipient to visit the website and log on in order to verify details.

Unfortunately, when people enter their details into these sites the information is recorded and the fraudsters use it to transfer funds out of the real online banking facilities.

These websites and emails will often look legitimate - so being able to identify a fake BankWest email from a real one can be a little difficult, so here are some things to be on the look out for:

• As a quick indicator - check for your name. We know who you are so we'll always greet you personally, while fraudsters are unlikely to know your name.
• We will never send you email asking for your Internet or telephone banking security details.
• Our email will always instruct you to copy & paste or type in the relevant website address - this way you can be sure of where you end up.
• Any website address we ask you to visit will always include "bankwest.com.au" or "abetterdeal.com.au".
  

If you do receive an email that asks for your personal information, or if you suspect it is from a fraudster, please report it by calling 1300 440 749. It is best you then delete the email without responding or trying to unsubscribe.

Logging on to your online banking

• Only log on to your online banking from the BankWest website - not unfamiliar websites or links in emails
• When logging on, check that you are in a secure area by looking for a closed padlock at the bottom of your browser window If you cannot see a closed padlock, do not enter your PAN or Secure Code
• Regularly review your transactions and notify us immediately if there are any discrepancies

Logging off from your online banking

• Closing the online banking browser window when you have finished does not log you off
• When you have finished, or you're leaving your computer, click on the Secure Logoff button in the top right corner to stop someone else using your online banking

Looking after your computer

• You should have up-to-date antivirus and firewall software running on any computer you use to do your online banking
• If you have recently been hit by a virus on a computer used to access your online banking facility, please call our Customer Help Centre on 1300 440 749 immediately.
• Keep your operating system and Internet browser software up to date
• Your Internet Service Provider is a good starting point for advice on securing your computer
• To help you protect yourself online, BankWest has negotiated an exclusive deal with a leading Internet Security company, ZoneAlarm.

Understand your online banking Conditions Of Use

• It's important you understand and accept the BankWest Online Banking Conditions on Use when you first log on to BOB