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• Protecting your computer
• Protect yourself
• Protect your family
• Protect your business

Protect your computer

• Keep your operating system up-to-date: regular operating system updates are the first line of defense in keeping your computer as secure as possible. Combined with routine system maintenance, updates and patches help prevent data loss, viruses and other potential risks.
• Use firewall software on your computer: anyone with a broadband connection to the internet should have a firewall running on their computer.
• Use security software and keep it up-to date: always make sure you have the latest security software on your computer (this must be updated regularly). We recommend you do not use Westpac Online Banking until you are sure your security software protection is up to date

Protect yourself

• Identifying hoax emails: we will always try to keep you informed about hoax email scams targeting Westpac, but there are other hoax emails that are just as dangerous. Never click onto a link or an attachment in an email, Genuine emails from Westpac now do not contain any links to our internet banking.
• Delete SPAM without reading it (don't use the 'preview' pane). Don't open e-mails from a source you don't trust. Even better check if you're Internet Service Provider offers a spam filtering service.
• Phishing filter: help protect yourself and family from online scams – the latest browsers offer a built-in filter in your browser that scans the web addresses and web pages you visit for characteristics associated with known online web fraud or phishing scams, and warns you if sites you visit are suspicious. Always access www.westpac.com.au by typing the address into your browser and check you are connected to a legitimate Westpac website.
• Protect your identity: 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. Visit www.protectfinancialid.org.au for more information.
• 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 Online Banking to make sure it is correct
• Always check your statements for any transactions that look suspicious
• Always select "sign out" from the Online Banking menu when you complete your banking.

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Protect your family

• Create different user accounts – create limited users. As a parent you can give yourself an Administrator account with full control over the computer, and give your children limited user accounts, with restricted controls.
• Phishing Filter: help protect yourself and family from online scams. The latest browsers offer a built-in filter in your browser that scans the web addresses and web pages you visit for characteristics associated with known online web fraud or phishing scams, and warns you if sites you visit are suspicious.
• Block inappropriate content - get a free internet content filter. Internet content filters can help you manage your family's online environment to provide a safe and enjoyable online experience. Visit http://www.netalert.gov.au.

Protect you business

• SecurID® tokens: also known as 2nd factor authentication are advanced internet transaction security systems allowing you to make higher-value payments online. The ultra-secure process combines a security code generated by your SecurID® token and an individual password known only to the user.
• Keep your data safe - implementing a regular backup procedure is a simple way to safeguard critical business data. Setting permissions and using encryption will also help.
• Set rules for internet usage - unscrupulous web sites, as well as pop-ups and animations, can be dangerous. Set rules about internet usage to protect your business — and your employees.
• Protect you network - remote access to your network may be a business necessity, but it is also a security risk you need to closely monitor. Use strong passwords and be especially cautious about wireless networks.
• Protect your website – if your business has a website to enable a business to assess its risk to hacking, you may want to engage the services of an external independent internet security organisation, specialising in 'ethical hacking'. These organisations can help assess and mitigate the risks for internet security, independent of any vendor or supplier.

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