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STAY SAFE ONLINE ABA SUPPORTS
THE E-SECURITY AWARENESS WEEK
Sydney, 23 October, 2006: The banking industry will continue to provide security information to consumers regarding online fraud prevention as part of the National E-Security Awareness week.
The initiative was today launched in Sydney by Senator Helen Coonan, Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts. The week’s emphasis will be on education and promotion of smart Internet use.
David Bell, Chief Executive of the Australian Bankers’ Association (ABA), said: “Banks will never send you an email asking for personal security details like your Internet banking password or PIN. Customers should be wary of anyone asking them for their PIN or Internet banking password which, in all likelihood, could be a criminal attempt to gain access to your account.”
“Banks have adopted many safeguards to protect your information such as sophisticated software which monitors for suspicious transactions, staff training, privacy policies, security systems and encryption.”
“Banks are supporting this initiative because they agree that education is one of the key weapons in the fight against cybercrime, such as scams and hoax emails. Education can be used to ensure everyone is aware of the steps they can take to minimise their exposure to these criminal activities. There is a lot of information on the ABA website and the banks’ websites on how you can secure your home computer if you are using the Internet.”
Tips to protect your financial identity
- Don’t provide your PIN or Internet banking password to anyone;
- Delete spam and scam email – if the offer sounds too good to be true – it probably is;
- Keep your anti-virus and firewall software up-to-date;
- Always logon to Internet banking by typing in your bank’s web address, i.e. the URL;
- Don’t use public computers for Internet banking e.g. Internet cafes, libraries or hotels.
The ABA encourages you to visit the Federal Government’s website - Stay Smart Online - for more tips on how to safely access the Internet.
The ABA also provides three useful facts sheets on its website:
For further information:
Heather Wellard
Director, Public Relations
Phone: 02 8298 0411
Mobile: 0409 830 439
ENDS
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