Anti-phishing

The security of your information is very important to Idea::Bank, so please carefully read the information below:

 

What is phishing?

Phishing is a fraudulent process by which clients of a company are determined to reveal personal or confidential data which are subsequently used to perform illegal transactions on a client's behalf, or simply put, phishing is a type of identity theft.

Phishing can be achieved by:

• e-mail: an electronic message is sent to customers, claiming to be from a legitimate source (the bank) and requesting the entry of confidential data in a link to a forged website, indicated in the message text.
• phone: a person claims to call on behalf of the bank and, citing technical problems (i.e. problems in the payment system), and requests confidential information such as your PIN code, account number, password.

 

Anti-phishing measures

• It is important to know that: Idea::Bank, directly or through a partner company (e.g. Mastercard, Visa, Romcard, etc.), will never ask for personal data and/or security elements from its customers (e.g. card number, expiry date, PIN code, password) by clicking a link sent via email or directly by phone.
• Protect your computer: use reliable and up-to-date anti-virus software. If you use Microsoft Windows operating system, keep it updated via the Microsoft website. Use the latest version of the Internet browser which includes all security updates. Take additional safety measures if you use computers at Internet cafes, libraries, or any other computer that does not belong to you and which you cannot control.

 

Referrals of phishing or other fraud attempts

In case you suspect that other people fraudulently used your internet banking account, or if you have been the victim of a phishing attack and have provided personal data or security elements, please notify us at: salut@idea-bank.ro or call us at Idea::contact center *4455 (no overcharge in national networks).

 

Internet banking

Use a secure operating system!

What is an operating system?

• It is a type of software that manages and coordinates the computer, required also for using the internet banking service.

 

What operating system should I use?

• In general, it is recommended to use modern computers and operating systems, for which updates are routinely provided to address any security issues. Regarding the Windows operating systems, their default settings determine the online download of critical updates provided by Microsoft and automatically install them.

 

Why should I update my operating system?

• The computer is generally used for important personal or professional activities. It is important to know that hackers are a real danger and protect your computer by updating its operating system. When a new vulnerability is discovered, the companies producing operating systems provide updates (“patches”) to remove that threat.

 

Use a secure Internet browser!

What is an Internet browser?

• Is the software you are using to access the Internet pages. Here are a few of the most popular Internet browsers: Internet Explorer, Firefox, Mozilla, Netscape and Opera.

 

What Internet browser should I use?

• Use the latest version of the Internet browser which is accepted by the website you want to access. The websites managed by Idea::Bank accept the latest versions of Internet browsers.

 

Use a firewall!

What is a firewall?

• It is a device or a software package that blocks unwanted access initiated from the Internet to your computer.

 

How does it work?

• In general, if you are not familiar to using it, the default values provided by the manufacturer are sufficient for effective protection. Advanced configurations determine the default behavior modification, allowing the specification of programs and applications that can connect to the Internet or which may receive requests from the Internet. In general, modern operating systems include a firewall in their installation package.

 

Do I need a firewall?

• Yes! Everyone should use a firewall. It identifies and prohibits potential attacks from Internet and blocks the access of unauthorized programs.

 

Use an anti-virus software!

Do I need an anti-virus software?

• Yes! Every time you connect to the Internet, you are exposed to the danger of viruses. We refer to software viruses that, in fact, are software applications (often only a few programming routines) created by Internet users for various purposes (identity theft, propaganda, commercial purposes, etc.). They attack you through the programs acquired from unverified sources, shady sites, e-mail attachments or simply spread from one computer to another through mechanisms provided by the users themselves.

 

I have an anti-virus software installed. Am I protected now?

• Installing such a software is not sufficient. An essential thing in the operation of anti-virus programs is the existence of a license for the automatic update of the list of signatures (list of known viruses). Given that every month thousands of new viruses appear, providers of anti-virus programs research and constantly update their software based on new types of malicious programs.

 

What will viruses do?

• Some are just annoying, but most viruses are destructive. For example, some viruses can cause computer malfunctions, can multiply and spread to other computers or allow hackers (people from the Internet acting in bad faith) to access files and personal information on your PC.

 

Do I have to pay for an anti-virus software?

• You can buy an antivirus program or you can download it for free from the Internet if you use it for personal purposes. It is important however to choose your antivirus software well, as its performance will affect the security and stability of your computer system. Before buying or installing an antivirus program, we recommend you to turn to a specialist or perform a brief research using search engines (Google, Live Search, Yahoo, Lycos, Ask, About, etc.), to read Internet discussion threads on rankings and relevant arguments in favor of one or the other of such programs.
• Do not use several anti-virus programs at the same time: you will not get double security and there is a risk that the programs are not compatible, mutually impairing their performance.

 

Use anti-spyware, anti-adware and anti-malware programs!

What is an anti-spyware program?

• Spyware is the name given to a category of computer software, usually attached to free programs (free games, file exchange programs, „chat” programs, etc.) that is used to collect marketing data (by analyzing what websites the user is looking at, e.g: fashion, shoes, tennis clubs etc.) and eventually feed to that user advertisements according to the marketing information extracted by the spyware. There are spyware programs which modify the behaviour of search engines (Google, Yahoo, MSN, etc.) to direct users to (expensive) websites that pay fees to the spyware producer. Some spyware programs use your computer's resources as part of a distributed computing system whose functioning is controlled by hackers.
• Adware is the spyware solution which does not extract data, but only displays advertisements.
• Malware is any program that has the effect of altering the operating parameters of a computer without the user’s permission.

 

Is it harmful?

• Yes. In the best case, it could slow down your computer and the Internet connection, but in the worst case it can copy confidential information such as the number and PIN code for your card, or the code or password used in the electronic authentication and make them available to hackers.

 

Is this a violation of privacy?

• Yes. Sometimes it is installed in parallel with another program (usually used to download music from the Internet) or it can be installed without permission. It is difficult to remove without an anti-spyware program.

 

How can I tell if my computer is affected by spyware?

• Typical symptoms are slowing down your computer and Internet connection speed, unexpected changes of the web browser and unwanted pop-up ads. Some spyware programs can remain undetected while they copy your information, so in order to be very safe you have to install an anti-spyware program and scan your computer regularly.

 

Do I have to use an anti-spyware software?

• In general anti-virus programs include protection against the most dangerous spyware. It is advisable to use an anti-spyware software that is specifically designed to protect against these attacks.

 

You have to be careful about your mobile phone!

What should I do to be safe?

• The mobile phone is actually a small computer. It is important to know that hackers are a real danger and use a mobile phone that: a) Has a modern operating system that is continually updated as recommended by the manufacturer; b) Does not contain “your username” and “password” for Internet Banking access.

Can I use the mobile phone Internet browser to access Internet banking?

• Modern mobile phones, with GUI and Internet access can be used to access Internet banking.

What do I need my mobile phone for?

• The Internet banking security system for individuals uses text messages received on your mobile phone.

I have a modern mobile phone that can connect to the Internet. What additional measures are needed to protect myself from hackers?

Since the Internet can be used by hackers to attack you, we recommend the following additional protection measures:

• Use the latest version of your preferred Internet browser;
• Install modern antivirus and anti-malware programs that are continually updated by the manufacturing companies;
• Do not open (do not click on) hyperlinks sent via SMS, MMS and e-mail that you receive from strangers or that seem suspicious;
• Do not open attachments from unsolicited email messages;
• Do not use the same mobile phone to access the Internet Banking service and to receive the SMS messages required for securing this service.

More information about online payment security can be find this Guide on Internet payment security.