Dean Thompson (Dr Dean), ANZ Security Services Manager talks about his views on the latest online threats and what you can do to protect yourself and your family.

'Phishing'? Sounds a bit strange, what is it?

"Phishing is the practice where a fraudster who is pretending to be from a legitimate organisation, eg a bank such as ANZ, sends misleading emails requesting personal and financial details from unsuspecting people. Phishing is usually associated with spam where thousands of messages are sent out (the bait) in the hope that a few people will be caught (hooked) and supply their financial and personal identity details (lured or phished).

What does a phishing email look like?

Phishing emails vary greatly - from professional sounding messages to those that contain multiple grammar and spelling errors. Often the email subject header may include lines such as "Bank Security Notice" or "Protect your account from online fraud". The emails usually suggest that security details and passwords need to be updated by logging into an authentic looking, but fake, website. The purpose of these websites is to obtain log on details to access bank accounts.

Remember, ANZ will never send emails asking for personal details.

Does it look and smell a bit phishy?

"You should trust your instincts and delete any emails that seem suspicious. You can also follow some simple rules to help you protect yourself:

• Always type 'www.anz.com' into your Internet browser to log on to Internet Banking and never click on links inside emails.
• Change your Internet Banking password on a regular basis.
• Never respond to an email that asks for personal or financial information, even if it claims it's from ANZ.
• Always call ANZ, send a SecureMail via Internet Banking or visit in person if you wish to update your financial and personal details. Never send this information via email.
• Regularly check your home computer for viruses and spyware to ensure that your system is not being scanned for personal details without you knowing.
• Contact ANZ immediately if you feel you have been a victim of phishing.
• Keep a close check of your financial statements to see whether there are any unexplained transactions.
• Be extra cautious when accessing Internet Banking from a public location. Make sure you do not select to save your password, and ensure you are completely logged out of Internet Banking before you leave your computer.

More information about how to identify online scams can be found on ANZ's "Protect Your Banking" site on anz.com. You can also forward any emails directing you to click on a link to Internet Banking to my team by emailing inetbank@anz.com."

What does ANZ do to protect you from scams?

"We have been working hard to be a leader in internet banking security, and we're always monitoring the industry for new trends and technologies that help make banking more convenient and simple.

When using Australian ANZ Internet or Mobile Phone Banking, ANZ has a number of security measures and sophisticated technology in place designed to protect you against any unauthorised transactions and identify suspicious activity. In the unlikely event that you become a victim of fraud, ANZ will reimburse you for any unauthorised transactions within five business days provided you have complied with the Electronic Banking Conditions of Use. If ANZ detects fraudulent activity, we contact the customer and temporarily freeze their Internet Banking access in order to prevent further fraudulent transactions."

ANZ is committed to enhancing Internet security from many angles. This includes working with police and authorities to combat fraud and, importantly, growing customer awareness about the steps they can take to protect their own banking.

The latest & greatest...

"In the past, typical phishing scams have involved a fraudster posing as an organisation, eg a bank emailing customers asking them to "verify their account and password details", usually under the pretence that their account is going to close in the next 24 hours or the bank is just updating its security systems. Sometimes, hoax emails can also be disguised as an online survey or cash giveaway. Recently, fraudsters have been interested in obtaining other information about individuals, for example, date of birth, phone numbers and maiden names. Fraudsters then use this information to impersonate someone (steal their identity). If your identity has been stolen, you may only find out months later when you discover a credit card bill is outstanding or when you're denied credit because of a default on your credit report. You should contact ANZ immediately if you think your identity has been stolen and also check out the kit to prevent and respond to identify theft provided by the Federal Government."

"If you use common sense in your online habits, banking online with ANZ is both convenient and secure. I regularly bank online - so that in itself tells you something".

This article was written to provide you with an insight into Online Security and how you can protect yourself online.

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