Back to: Privacy & Security

• Identifying hoax emails
• Using Internet Banking
• Protecting your computer

• Be wary of emails from people you don't know or trust. Delete any emails you think are suspicious. Delete the email from your 'Inbox', and delete it again from your 'Deleted' folder, or 'Sent' folder if you have forwarded on the email
• Never click onto a link or an attachment in an email, obtained from a source you don't know or trust
• Never click onto a link in an email to go to your Internet sign-in page. Genuine emails from Westpac now do not contain any links to our internet banking
• Never provide your personal or security details, including customer ID or passwords, in response to any email – even if the email looks like it has come from Westpac or another organisation
• Always access Westpac Internet Banking by typing www.westpac.com.au into your browser
• Always scan any new programs or files for viruses before you open, install or use them

• Avoid the use of spyware applications as they can pass on personal information, such as passwords, to third parties
• Always access Westpac Internet Banking by typing www.westpac.com.au into your browser and selecting Online Banking
• Check you are connected to a legitimate Westpac website
• Confirm that your data is encrypted by ensuring a symbol of a lock appears at the bottom right hand corner of the browser
• Check your last sign-in date and time (at the top of the screen) whenever you sign into Internet Banking to make sure it is correct
• Always check your statements for any transactions that look suspicious
• Always select Sign Out from the Internet Banking menu when you complete your banking
• Close your internet browser after signing out at the end of each Internet Banking session
• See also: Passwords and PINs and Protecting your financial information

• Always make sure you have the latest Security Software on your computer. (This must be updated regularly). We recommend you do not use Westpac Internet Banking until you are sure your anti-virus protection is up to date
• Regularly scan your PC with your anti-virus software
• Try to avoid using shared computers (eg at an Internet cafe) as you may be unable to check whether the latest anti-virus has been installed, or take precautions when using shared computers
• Use recommended software requirements to ensure the highest level of security
• Use the free Security Check provided by Symantec to test your computer's exposure to online threats including security intrusions and viruses