Five simple things you can do to stay safe online

For many of us, our phone and computers are a key part of everyday life.

There’s not much we can’t do on our smart devices, from shopping and booking experiences, to browsing social media, transferring money and filling out forms.

With so much information shared online each day, it’s important you’re aware of how you can protect yourself and your data from scams and fraud.

We have a range of security measures in place to make sure your accounts and personal information are protected from unauthorised access. Your privacy is also protected by BCU Bank’s Privacy Policy.

Here are five things you can do to improve your online safety.

1. Don’t share too much

Sharing personal information online can be tempting, but be careful of just how much you share. You wouldn’t leave money lying around, so treat your personal information the same. Make sure your personal details are not accessible on social media or other online platforms.

Have you ever been tempted to answer those quizzes that tell you your superhero name is the name of your first pet and your street name? If you answer these, you could be giving away more than you realise. This information is often used in security questions and putting this information online could make it easier for a scammer to access your accounts.

2. Strong is good, especially for passwords

When creating passwords, use passphrases that are difficult for others to guess. Aim for at least 16 characters, using a mix of letters, numbers and symbols. For high-risk accounts, like banking, online payments and social media, make sure you use a different password for each account.

We know it can be tough to remember all those passwords but, without stating the obvious, please give the ‘Password123’ a miss, and avoid using your birthday, phone numbers or your name as a password.

It’s also good a good idea if not already prompted, to change your online banking and other important passwords regularly, and make sure you aren’t storing them somewhere people can easily access them.

3. Be mobile savvy

Technology is always evolving, and so are scammers.

To make sure your phone is up to date with the latest software, regularly update your operating systems, anti-virus software, browsers, apps, and plug-ins. This will add an extra layer of protection to your mobile device.

Never keep your member number and password stored in your phone and make sure you exit the app or lock your phone when you’re finished banking to keep your details safe and secure.  If you’re using the BCU Bank app, you will automatically be signed out after a period of inactivity, but it’s always best to log out as soon as you’re finished.

Get in touch with us straight away if you’ve lost your mobile phone or you think someone may have got a hold of your login details.

4. Look out for untrustworthy messages or emails

Remember to think before you click on links or open an attachment, use different work and personal email addresses, and don’t share your email address online.

Keep an eye out for scam phone calls. Common scams include callers claiming to be from your bank and asking for banking details or stating that incorrect funds have been transferred into your account. BCU will never ask for you to transfer money to correct an error.

Another common scam is SMS phishing that uses an SMS to deliver a link or attachment to a mobile device. BCU will never send an email or SMS including a link directing you to login or requesting you to enter your account details, so pay close attention to who is contacting you.

We will also never ask you to download software, tell us your SMS security code to authorise a transaction, or for your PIN or internet banking password. 

5. Make sure you download mobile apps from the official Google Play and Apple App stores

Always use the official Google Play or Apple App to download new apps. Never download an app directly from a link in an email or off a website, as these can often be malicious.

When we promote the BCU Bank app, the link provided will always take you to the official app store.

If you ever have any questions or concerns about your privacy, please contact us on 1300 228 228 or at mail@bcu.com.au.