As Internet banking volumes increase, First National Bank (FNB) is holding its third annual Online Security Week to raise awareness about the importance of security in Internet banking.
"A growth of 70% year-on-year from FNB Internet banking transactions shows the public is comfortable with banking online with only 4% being concerned about security, but users need to be aware that the responsibility for security does not rest with the bank alone," says Roland le Sueur, head of FNB Internet Banking.
Le Sueur says the popularity of Internet banking is growing rapidly because it offers unrivalled convenience and speed. "With the necessary precautions in place, Internet banking is a highly secure method of transacting."
One of the aims of FNB`s multimedia Online Security Week will be to educate users of Internet banking services about their role in maintaining security.
"Those using online banking must ensure their computers are not the weak point that fraudsters can exploit to target their accounts," warns Le Sueur.
Online banking customers are advised to make sure they are accessing genuine banking sites by looking out for the secure site lock icon at the bottom of the screen before entering personal details and attempting to log in.
"It is also critical that all the software on users` PCs is up-to-date to block all known vulnerabilities and to conduct their banking in a private environment, away from prying eyes," advises Le Sueur.
FNB offers a dedicated research and development division for the early identification of new Internet threats and has introduced measures such as the DigiTag device for second level authentication.
[VIDEO]"Unfortunately, some customers don`t believe there is a need to take these kinds of precautions, which are perceived as an inconvenience, but the DigiTag is relatively inexpensive, compact, easy to use, and provides an extra level of protection against the security risks associated with the Internet," explains Le Sueur.
The DigiTag is a keyring-sized electronic unit that generates a random unique access code for every login, providing an extra level of security even if a user`s ID and password are compromised.
"While banks do all they can to ensure the safety of customer funds, we believe the most powerful tool in the fight for better Internet security is knowledge and therefore FNB`s Online Security Week is aimed at making customers aware of the threats and how to protect themselves," says Le Sueur.
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