Internet users need to take precautions against identity theft by protecting their logon details as well as using the technology available to secure themselves says Roland le Sueur, Head of First National Bank (FNB) Internet Banking.
Le Sueur says security is the responsibility of vendors such as banks and retailers and the user, and both need to take precautions to ensure that they are not compromised.
"We have really made an effort to make security convenient. Last year we added two new security features, the free SMS notifying the customer when they are logged on and for every transaction that has been made, and the money back guarantee for fraud, providing the customer proves they did not make the fraudulent transaction.
"Our latest security feature is the Digitag, which has added extra security to the log-on process."
Le Sueur says customers also need to protect themselves, not only when doing their Internet banking but when paying for anything on the Internet.
He says users need to protect their details by choosing passwords that aren`t easy to guess and changing them often. It is also important that users memorise them and refrain from leaving them written down in a wallet or some equally obvious place.
"Internet users also need to be careful about sharing personal information or letting it circulate freely. When one is asked to provide personal information, question how it will be used, why it is needed, who will be sharing it and how it will be safeguarded," he says.
Users should also take advantage of technologies that enhance security and privacy such as digital signatures and data encryption, he says.
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