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• Recommended software requirements
• Check you are connected to a legitimate Westpac website
• Confirm that your data is encrypted
• Shared computers
• Internet Banking at our branches

Recommended software requirements
Compatible browsers - to use our Internet Banking and ensure the highest level of security, the following browser and platform versions are recommended.

To access Other Accounts and Personal Balance Sheet you will need to be using a Microsoft Internet Explorer version 5 or above, and a Windows based operating system.

	Win 2000	Win XP	Win XP (SP2)	Mac OS X
Internet Explorer	6.00	6.00	7.00
Mozilla Firefox	1.5.0.2	1.5.0.2	2.00	2.00
Safari				2.00

We have tested many browser settings and the above versions are suggested to optimise your Internet Banking experience.

This information does not apply to Corporate Online. To view information relevant to Corporate Online visit browser requirements section from the Corporate Online Sign in page.

Please Note: Following the decision by AOL, the vendors of Netscape browsers to cease development and support of Netscape browsers as of 1 February 2008,  we will no longer recommend or support the use of these browsers to access Westpac Online or Business Online.

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Check you are connected to a legitimate Westpac website
Every time you connect to Internet Banking, the service sends your browser a piece of information called a "digital certificate". This certificate securely identifies the site you are connecting to, and is used to establish the encrypted session. This certificate has been "digitally signed" by Verisign, the most recognised issuer of digital certificates in the world. Most browser software is written to automatically recognise any certificate signed by Verisign. You can view the contents of the certificate when you are connected to the internet.

For Microsoft Internet Explorer, to view the details of the certificate double-click on the closed padlock icon displayed on the status bar (IE6) or next to the address bar (IE7). For Netscape 8.0, double-click on the closed padlock icon displayed on the status bar, then select 'Security Info', and then 'View Certificate'.

When viewing the certificate ensure that:

1. It has been 'Issued to' olb.westpac.com.au or online.westpac.com.au or businessonline.westpac.com.au.
2. The 'Issued by' section refers to Verisign.
3. The date specified is within a valid date range.

Each certificate also has a digital fingerprint which is essentially a string of numbers. Like any fingerprint, it is unique, but for security purposes, it is updated annually when each digital certificate is updated. You can verify the fingerprint by contacting our Internet Banking help desk on 1300 655 505.

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Confirm that your data is encrypted
When you sign into Internet Banking a secure session will be established between your computer and the Bank. You will not be able to connect to the Internet Banking sign in page unless your browser connects with full 128-bit SSL encryption. You can confirm your Internet Banking session is encrypted by ensuring a symbol of a lock appears at the foot of the browser.

Shared computers
A public (or shared) computer is any PC that can be used by someone other than you. For example, those at Internet cafes, libraries, a friend or flat-mate's computer, schools, shopping centres, hotels, airports, pubs, youth hostels and some workplaces where more than one person has access to the same PC.

A public computer may not be as safe as a private computer. Possible risks include:

• Increased viruses
• Unauthorised software
• Maximum security options not set

When using shared computers we recommend you follow these steps to help safeguard your privacy:

• Be conscious of your surroundings and ensure no-one is standing behind you looking over your shoulder
• Sign out of Internet Banking by clicking on the 'Sign-out' icon
• Close the browser by clicking on the 'X' icon, usually located at the top right hand side of the screen
• Change your password at your earliest convenience either by;
  1. Calling Telephone Banking on 132032 (within Australia), or if you are overseas dial the international access code then +61 8 8424 8490
  2. Changing your password when you next sign-in on a 'trusted' secure computer, such as the computer you would normally use to conduct your Internet Banking.

If you are not sure about the security level of the public computer you are using, we recommend you find a more secure PC or use Telephone Banking. You can also use Internet Banking at Westpac branches (kiosks) – see below for details.

Internet Banking at our branches
Not everyone has internet access, so we've set up computers inside some branches, otherwise known as kiosks. Kiosks allow customers to use Internet Banking and browse the Westpac site. They are safe to use and our staff are on hand to answer any questions.

There are 125 branches that have internet access Australia wide.

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