1. You confirm an action
It could be a payment, logging in (optional) or changing a PIN.
Keep your passwords strong and secure
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Make your passwords longer than eight characters.
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Write down clues to your passwords, not the password itself.
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Don't use the same password everywhere.
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Use a phrase you can remember, like EveryChickenLovesBeetles
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Don't save online banking or other financial passwords in your browser.
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Don't use birthdays, pet names or family names - they're easy to guess.
Use two-step verification for online security
Two-step verification - online + mobile
Enabling Netcode to your online banking for login processes is a simple way of adding an extra layer of security to your account. Netcode also keeps payments safe by using two different tools for one payment. It means a criminal would have to access both things to access your accounts
2. We text you a Netcode
To be sure it's you, we send a code number to your mobile. You can also request a Netcode token.
3. You enter the code
That confirms it's really you, and then we execute your request.
Clever tips for card users
Keeping your card safe
At ATM and EFTPOS machines
Watch out for sharks when surfing the net
Browse vigilantly
Look for a padlock on your browser, or a web address starting with "https", and don't use public Wi-Fi networks for buying online or banking.
Click carefully
Check link addresses before you click. Look for weird locations or names. The safest way is to type web addresses directly into your browser.
Shop securely
Only use reputable online shops. Check their reviews if you're not sure, and see if the online store has a return and refunds policy.
Keep your mobile safe from bad apps and hackers
Keeping apps safe
Apps on your phone often want access to your details. It's usually fine, but be cautious.
- Only install apps from official app stores like Google Play or Apple Store - not from email or social media links
- Check the app's user reviews
- Check the name of the publisher
- Only give a new app access to your contacts, camera, microphone or location if it's necessary
Extra tips and tricks
- Set your phone to lock itself after being idle for a few minutes
- Use a PIN, password or fingerprint to lock your phone
- Keep your phone up to date with system and app updates
Contact us
Call us
If you are concerned that there has been a breach in your ASB account security, contact us immediately.
Suspicious email or SMS message?
Forward any suspicious looking emails to phishing@asb.co.nz.
If you receive a suspicious SMS message please delete it.
If you’re concerned about either an email or SMS you’ve received, call us on 0800 803 804.
Clever tips for card users
Your credit cards and EFTPOS cards can be a target for thieves.
1
Passwords
Creating strong passwords
Hard-to-guess passwords are one of the best ways to keep yourself safe online.
Don’t use easily-guessed information like birthdays, pet names or family names – they’re easy to guess from social media.
Don’t use the same password for different web sites. Always use a different password for online banking or any site that lets you store credit card details.
Create your password using a phrase, instead of single words, like EveryChickenLovesBeetles
Make your passwords at least 10 characters long.
Saving passwords in your browser can be convenient, but don’t save passwords to money sites, like online banking.
Keeping track of your passwords
Remembering all of your online passwords can be difficult – but if you’re going to record them, do it in a secure way.
Never tell your passwords to anyone else. This includes trusted advisors like accountants.
Avoid having the same password for lots of sites.
If you’re storing your passwords and PINs on your computer, keep them in a secure file. For example, put a password on the file (ironic, I know).
Rather than writing down your passwords, try to write clues to them instead.
Your bank’s website is the only thing that should ever ask for your banking password. Avoid any other website or person who asks for it.
2
Take care with payments
Online shopping and bills payments have never been easier. But keep your payment details secure.
Use two-step verification
Two-step verification means you use two different things to approve a payment:
The first factor is something you know: your log in details and password.
The second factor is something you have: a plastic card, or in the case of online banking, your mobile phone.
At ASB we use Netcode to give you a second layer of security: when you make a payment, we send your phone a text with a code. Entering the code shows you have your phone with you.
Cheques
Cheques are still the most common source of fraud.
Write “Not Transferable” across non-cash cheques and cross out “or bearer” –otherwise it’s acceptable for someone else to write in their own name and deposit the cheque in their own account.
Record your cheque payments, dates and payees in your cheque book.
Never pre-sign blank cheques in your cheque book.
Credit and debit cards
Consider using a credit or debit card for making payments while overseas. You can always transfer money to your credit card to give it a credit balance if you’re worried about exceeding your limit.
Before you go overseas, contact your financial provider to let them know the international transactions on your cards are correct. This is to stop them being suspected as fraudulent transactions.
Other tips
Regularly review your bank statements to make sure they’re matching your spending habits.
If you’re using TradeMe, consider using services like “SafeTrader”.
4
Browsing online
The internet is amazing. But like any community, it has a few bad neighbourhoods and some shady characters.
Secure browsing is best
Always check you have a secure browser connection before entering credit or debit card details online. A secure web address starts with “https”, or look for a padlock or key next to the address once the site opens.
Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks (like internet cafes or libraries) for secure site like shopping or online banking.
Log out and close your browser window after you’ve finished using any Internet banking service. You should also logout if you’re leaving your computer - even for a short time.
Cookies
- Cookies are text files that are downloaded to your computer or mobile device when you visit a website. When you’re browsing, cookies gather information about how you use the website.
- Cookies can be useful as they help you have an enriched and more personalised experience online by allowing sites to track your preferences as you browse. From time to time, it’s a good idea to check that you’re comfortable with what cookies your desktop or device has collected.
- You can usually manage your cookies and browsing history via your web browser.
Buying online
- Only go to reputable online shops. If you’re not sure, look for information about the company and their goods and services, or check online reviews.
- Check that your online store has a return and refunds policy.
- Only enter your details when you’re sure you’ll be making a purchase.
- Don’t be fooled by fake sites.
- Links are easy to use, but be careful where they lead. Check the web address is correct - look for small errors.
- The safest way to access any web site is to type its web address directly into the browser and bookmark it.
5
Social media
Social media is a great way to keep in touch with friends and family – but be careful how much information you share with strangers.
Be selective about with who you connect with.
Once something’s online, it could be seen by people you didn’t expect. If you don’t want something to be seen, it probably doesn’t belong on social.
Use your social media site’s privacy settings to limit who can see your personal information and posts, like your family or close friends.
Beware of unusual posts from a friend, for example recommending a website they wouldn’t normally be interested in. Their profile might have been hacked.
Have a strong password, and change it regularly.
Don’t use the same passwords you use for your online banking.
Don’t publish personal information like your home address, phone number, birthday, driver’s license number, credit card number, tax file number or bank account details.
Sign out of your social network account when using a public computer - don’t just close the browser window.
Your phone camera may include GPS data on your pictures. That can show criminals where you live, or if you’re away from home.
Why don’t you try checking your ‘digital footprint’ now? Simply log out of all of your social networks and then look up your name in a search engine and assess the results.
6
Safety on mobiles
Keeping apps safe
- Apps on your phone often ask for access to your details. Most of the time it’s totally legitimate – but stay cautious.
- Only install apps from official app stores like Google Play or Apple Store.
- If an email or social media post suggests downloading an app, go to the official app store and search for it there. Don’t click the link directly.
- Check the user reviews of the app to see if it delivers on its promises.
- Double check the name of the publisher before you download the app.
- Don’t be too quick to give a new app access to your contacts, location or social media. Ask yourself if the access seems reasonable for the app’s purpose.
Extra tips and tricks
- Set your phone to lock itself after a short period of non-use.
- Use a PIN, password or fingerprint to unlock your phone - it only takes a second.
- Keep your phone’s operating system and applications up to date. System updates and app updates often come with bug fixes and better security.
- Apple’s “Find my iPhone” and Google’s device manager are free apps that can help you find your phone if it’s lost or stolen. You can also use them to disable the phone and wipe its data should it be stolen.
Don't over share on social media
Social media is a great way to keep in touch with friends and family - but be careful how much information you share with strangers.