Internet Security Tips

Staying secure online is an important part of protecting your personal and banking information. The tips below can help reduce the risk of fraud, unauthorised access and suspicious activity when using online services.

Keep your passwords strong and private

Use a strong password that is difficult to guess and avoid reusing the same password across different accounts. Do not share your password or other security details with anyone. The National Cyber Security Centre recommends using strong, separate passwords and turning on extra account protection where available. 

Use extra account protection where available

Use 2-step verification or other additional authentication where available. This adds another layer of protection and can help keep your account secure even if your password is stolen. The National Cyber Security Centre specifically recommends turning on 2-step verification to help protect online accounts. 

Keep your devices and apps up to date

Install the latest software, browser and app updates on your phone, tablet and computer. These updates often contain important security improvements that help protect your devices from cyber criminals. The National Cyber Security Centre lists installing the latest software and app updates as one of its top tips for staying secure online. 

Be careful with unexpected messages and links

Take care with unexpected emails, text messages, links, attachments and phone calls asking for personal or banking details. Do not click on links or open attachments unless you are satisfied they are genuine. Government guidance says you should not give out private information, reply to suspicious texts, download attachments or click links if you are not sure they are genuine. 

Check websites before entering your details

Always make sure you are using a genuine website before entering security or banking information. Take a moment to check the website address carefully and be cautious of misleading or suspicious websites. Government guidance highlights the risk of misleading websites, emails and phone numbers that imitate trusted services. 

Keep your devices secure

Protect the devices you use for online banking and other online services. The National Cyber Security Centre provides guidance on securing devices and protecting personal data as part of staying secure online. 

If you think your details may have been compromised

If you think your personal or banking security details may have been compromised, contact us immediately using the details on our Contact Us page. If you receive an unexpected message, call or request for your security details, do not respond until you have checked that it is genuine.

Changes to this page

We may update this page from time to time to reflect changes to our services, security information or related guidance. The latest version will always be available on our website.