How to protect yourself
Online Banking security
Online security checklist
Protect your computer
- Install security software
- Turn on automatic updates for all your security software
- Avoid using public computers as they may have a keystroke logger installed that captures password, credit card and bank account details.
- Set strong passwords and change them regularly
- Examine your browser settings, particularly the security settings. Select options that meet your needs without putting you at increased risk. If in doubt set the security levels to high.
Protect yourself
Westpac Protect™ SMS Code uses your mobile phone to confirm certain transactions via text message when banking online. It's quick, simple and provides you with increased security, free of charge.
- Identify and delete hoax emails (genuine emails from Westpac do not contain any links to our Online Banking facilities)
- Delete SPAM - don't open emails from a source you don't trust. Even better, check if your Internet service provider offers a spam filtering service
- Phishing filter - the latest browsers offer a built-in filter that scans web pages you visit for characteristics associated with known online web fraud or phishing scams, and warns you that such sites might be suspicious
- Always access www.westpac.com.au by typing the address into your browser, checking that you're connected to a legitimate Westpac website. And always select "sign out" from the Online Banking menu when you complete your banking.
- Protect your identity: never provide your personal or security details, including customer ID or passwords, in response to any email, even if it looks legitimate. Visit Protect your financial identity for more information.
- Confirm that your data is encrypted: by ensuring a symbol of a lock appears within 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 appears correct
- Regularly check statements for any transactions that look suspicious.
Protect your family
- Create different user accounts - admin access for parents, and restricted accounts for children
- Block inappropriate content with an Internet content filter
- Stay Smart Online: a Government cyber security website designed to help understand security risks and educate users on simple steps to protect personal and financial information online.
Protect your business
- SecurID® tokens: also known as 2nd factor authentication, allow 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 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 at work - 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.
- Remote access 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 with a controlled 3rd party 'ethical hack', which can help assess and mitigate the risks for Internet security, independent of any vendor or supplier.
Software protection
Get 1 year full protection with Bitdefender Internet Security
Westpac and online security specialist Bitdefender are offering Westpac Online Banking customers 1 year free access to Internet Security, a software product to help keep you secure online. Get your 1 year full Bitdefender protection now.
Updating your operating system on a regular basis is the first line of defence in keeping your computer secure. Updates (see if they can be automated) help prevent data loss, viruses and other potential risks. Microsoft Windows and Apple Mac OS are the most common operating systems.
Other 3rd party security software could also be considered. The links below are provided for convenience and do not represent endorsement by Westpac.
Online virus scanners
Security software
Recommended browsers
This site has been optimised for these browser versions to ensure the highest level of security and best online experience. Be sure to install the latest browser update.
| Browser | Internet Explorer | Firefox | Chrome | Safari |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Version | 7 | 3.5 | 16 | 5 |
| Operating System | Win7, Vista, XP, 2000 | Mac, Win7, Vista, XP | Win7, Vista, XP | Mac |
If you're having problems using our site, please call us on 1300 655 505 (8am - 8pm, 7 days a week).
Exceptions
The 'Other Accounts' and 'Personal Balance Sheet' features within Online Banking require a Windows based operating system using Microsoft Internet Explorer version 7 or above.
Corporate Online has a different set of browser requirements.
Things you should know
- SecurID is a registered trademark of EMC Corporation.
