Educating Internet users about the importance of online security is still vitally important, says Roland le Sueur, head of First National Bank (FNB) Internet Banking.
FNB is running its third annual Online Security Week from 8 March to 13 March to educate Internet users about the overall importance of security in general Internet use and in Internet banking in particular.
"Online Security Week aims to inform new and old Internet users about the importance of security, especially when purchasing from online retailers or conducting Internet banking," he says.
FNB has seen a 100% increase in the number of new customers signing up over the past 12 to 16 months. It has also recorded a 77% increase in the number of transactions and a 71% increase in the value of transactions from December 2002 to December 2003, says Le Sueur.
This is despite a security scare that hit online banking last year. According to the World Wide Worx`s "Online Banking in South Africa 2004" study, the number of online bank accounts in SA grew by 28% to 1.04 million last year.
Le Sueur says Internet banking is therefore no longer an `alternative` banking channel, but now has a firmly established place within a specific customer base. As it continues to grow, education is of vital importance.
"It is of paramount importance that customers are aware of security measures and feel comfortable with Internet banking. Banks need to ensure customer confidence in the security measures they offer."
Le Sueur says FNB has, over the past year, added three new security services - inContact SMS, which provides a free SMS to the user when they logon and make transactions, the free money back guarantee and its DigiTag digital security solution.
Le Sueur says that while most of users are aware of the importance of protecting one`s details, it is still something that needs to be emphasised.
"The Internet in SA is accessed most at work, then at home, followed by other environments With users therefore likely to do their banking in various environments, it is important that they protect their details and be wary of using computers that are not protected by latest anti-virus or anti-keylogging software."
Le Sueur says users need to protect their details by choosing passwords that aren`t easy to guess, change them regularly, refrain from leaving them written down or sharing them with others.
Le Sueur says that when asked to provide personal information, one should question how it is be used, why it is needed, who will be sharing it and how it will be safeguarded.
Related story:
New level of security for FNB
Share
