Online Security

The internet has brought enormous benefits, from enabling individuals to communicate, shop, and bank online to making it easier for businesses to trade across borders. 

Unfortunately, however, it is also a breeding ground for criminals intent on making money. It provides opportunities for them to:

• Infect your computer or mobile and tablet device with malware and steal your identity
• Send you spam and scam emails
• Trick you into visiting fake websites and handing over personal information
• Hack into your wireless network and intercept your data, such as passwords and usernames
• Take over your computer and use it to attack other people’s computers

Protect yourself online

There are a few simple steps you can take to protect yourself online, whether you are a business owner or a private individual. There is always more that you can do, but we suggest you follow the guidelines below as a minimum.

Password tips 

When creating passwords, remember the following things:

• Keep them to yourself. No one at DNBC will ever ask you for your internet banking password
• Make them hard to guess 
• Vary them. Try to use different passwords for different services
• Change your passwords regularly
• Never write them down

Malware attacks

• Malware is software used to disrupt computer operations, gather sensitive information, or gain access to private computer systems.
• Customers’ systems are compromised to make fraudulent transactions.
• Customers will experience slow computers, unusual screens with requests to input codes, and screens stating that the user will need to wait for a certain time before logging back in.
• Malware can be inadvertently downloaded by clicking on links within a phishing email, compromised websites, and by downloading pirated software.

Examples:

• During login, customers may receive a “Please Wait” screen.
• The computer may seem to be very slow.
• Pop-up screens will request the user to input the security code and screens request that the customer pushes the yellow button. (claims of token validation, security challenge, or resynchronization)
• Screens request that a second user logs onto the same computer for validation.

Phishing

• Phishing uses scam emails to convince users to click on a malicious attachment or link. Emails may create a sense of fear, urgency, or opportunity to encourage recipients to click on a link or open an attachment that then infects their machine with a virus or malware. This then allows criminals to steal information or money, disrupt business operations and/or destroy data.
• While many fraudsters act randomly, some target specific groups of employees or customers. This is called spear phishing. One example is CEO fraud, where criminals impersonate senior executives and instruct colleagues to transfer money to them.
• Another tactic is payment diversion fraud. Criminals will send an email claiming to be from a supplier. It says its bank details have changed so funds should be transferred to another account instead. Don’t reply to these emails.

Voice Phishing (Vishing)

• Vishing is the term used to describe tactics used by fraudsters to “fish” for personal information (such as online payment security credentials) over the phone.
• Fraudsters may contact customers pretending to be from DNBC Financial Group. They may direct you to perform actions which may enable unauthorized payments to be sent to the criminal. This could include providing security codes generated or your eTAC Code in transactions.

DNBC Financial Group will never request information over the phone that could be used to make a payment, such as asking you to provide security device codes or requiring you to divulge any of your security details.

SMS Phishing (Smishing)

• Smishing is a variation of Phishing that uses SMS messages instead of e-mail
• Fraudsters may contact customers using SMS pretending to be from DNBC Financial Group. They may direct you to perform actions which may enable unauthorized payments to be sent to the criminal.
• This could include providing security codes generated from your token.

DNBC Financial Group will never request information over the phone that could be used to make a payment, such as asking you to provide security device codes or requiring you to divulge any of your security details.

Risks to your business:

• Data theft
• Financial loss
• Fraudulent payment platform redirection

How to help keep your business safe:

• Raise awareness of the potential impact of Phishing within your organization and implement a policy for reporting suspected cases.
• Never share financial or company information with people you don’t know.
• Don’t be rushed into making a quick decision.
• Never click on links in emails, or open or download attachments, unless you are sure they are safe.
• Be careful about the information you share on social media as this can provide fraudsters with many small pieces of information that make a bigger picture.
• Forward any suspicious emails to [email protected]

If you’re suspicious about an email you’ve received purporting to be from DNBC Financial Group, please contact your DNBC Financial Group representative or our Customer Support department for further verification.