Security Information
Passwords
Your Internet Banking password requires the same level of security as the Personal Identification Number (PIN) you use to access your debit or credit card.
The more difficult your password is to guess, the more this will keep outsiders away! You shouldn'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.
Do not choose a password which can be easily identified with you, for example your date of birth, telephone number, vehicle licence plates, your name or any part thereof.
Ideally a password should be a minimum of eight characters long and be as meaningless as possible using uppercase and lowercase letters, and numbers e.g. L7j9PZ.
Passwords should be changed regularly, at least every 30 days.
It is important you do not give out your password to anyone! Be very wary of unsolicited calls or emails requesting your password. Neither Home or even the police would ask you to disclose your password, PIN or bank details over the internet. Do not disclose your password to family, friends or any other person; your password should be your very own secret!
Do not write your password down, even if you attempt to disguise it in some way.
If you discover or suspect that your password has become known or you think your Internet Banking access has been used by someone else, it's important to immediately change your password and notify us as soon as possible by calling Home on 13 63 13.
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Internet Banking from a Public Facility
You should always exercise additional caution when using public access computers e.g. internet cafes, public libraries. Be careful not to respond if you are prompted to save log-on details and always ensure you have logged out completely once you have finished.
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Anti-Virus and Anti-Spying Software
A computer virus is a program which attaches itself to another program and changes the action of that program so the virus can spread throughout the computer. Viruses can range anywhere from a harmless prank showing an annoying message, to a program which can destroy your hardrive and disable a computer altogether.
A firewall is a piece of software or hardware that filters all internet traffic between your computer and the outside world. It works to either block or permit internet traffic to and from your computer. You can use the firewall to protect your home or business computer and any personal information it holds from offensive websites, spam and unauthenticated logins from potential hackers.
Anti-virus and anti-spyware software is designed to protect your computer against known viruses, worms and trojans. A trojan is a malicious program disguised as something harmless, for example a game or a screen saver, but it actually contains a hidden code which will allow an intruder to access your computer without your knowledge.
As a minimum, Home recommends all customers have regularly updated software with anti-virus, anti-spyware and firewall capabilities installed on their computers. To be protected you should:
- Have software which provides anti-virus, anti-spyware and firewall protection installed on any computer you are using to access Internet Banking.
- Ensure software is kept up to date and install any updates as soon as they become available.
- Scan all files on your computer, especially incoming and outgoing emails, regularly.
Various vendors produce internet security software such as:
IF YOU ARE CONCERNED YOUR COMPUTER HAS BEEN INFECTED WITH A VIRUS, WORM OR TROJAN, STATEWEST RECOMMENDS YOU DO NOT ACCESS INTERNET BANKING WITHOUT FIRST CLEANSING YOUR COMPUTER OF THESE ITEMS.
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Phishing
The term "phishing" is used to describe fraudsters sending out random emails attempting to "fish" your banking details. The emails sent usually appear to be from your financial institution or another legitimate business. They are often authentic looking and most will not address you by name as they are blanket emails sent to thousands of potential targets and often state an underlying sense of urgency. You are usually encouraged to click on a link to a fraudulent log-in webpage which is designed to capture your details.
The emails are either randomly sent or have been obtained by being bought or swapped by unscrupulous parties. You can be assured that under no circumstances will Home disclose your email information to this effect.
The scammers won't know who you bank with, the aim is to send out many emails in the hope they are bound to reach some customers.
Home will never contact you via email or the internet to request sensitive account details and Home staff will never have a need to know your chosen Internet Banking password.
If you receive any such emails which you are unsure of and which appear to be from Home (as per the information above), please immediately forward the email to security@homeonline.com.au. Do not respond in the manner requested.
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Changing Your Access Password
Once you are logged in to Internet Banking, select the "Tools and forms" link in the grey menu bar, select "Change Password" from the left green menu and follow the on screen prompts.
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If you Suspect Someone has Accessed Your Accounts Without Your Consent
Please call Home as soon as possible on 13 63 13 to report the incident. You should also immediately change your Internet Banking Access Password as a precaution.
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Additional Information
If you would like to read more about protecting your information online visit the Australian Bankers Association website at www.bankers.asn.au or the Australian High Tech Crime Centre (AHTCC) website at www.ahtcc.gov.au to obtain fact sheets.
- Protecting Your Information Online
- Protect Your Financial Identity
- Small Business - Protect Your Business Information Online
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