What are the threats?

Phishing, Pharming, Vishing – all relating to the misuse of personal data. Using these methods, hackers try to gain sensitive personal information from a bank client (data about a payment card, its number, PIN code, login name and password to any service etc..) through fake e-mails and the installing of untrustworthy applications onto your mobile device which will direct you to fake websites.

What is phishing?

Phishing is an attempt to obtain sensitive information from you. The attacker, trying to obtain the data in this way, relies on the inattentiveness of the “victim“. They try to persuade you that an e-mail, SMS message or phone call is from your bank and they need you to verify, update your identity or enter other data (e.g. credit card numbers or access codes). The message contains a link to a fake website.

Phishing can be also part of an application which you have installed on your mobile device. A hidden virus is installed into the computer without the users knowledge and damages the programs, changes settings and may send sensitive data without you knowing it.

How to protect yourself against phishing

  • Always use verified connections for electronic banking services
  • Pay attention to unwanted mail. Do not respond or delete the message without reading it
  • Do not click on links in the messages for access to electronic banking services, but instead type the address directly into the browser
  • Check the security indicators (padlocks, protocol https://, security certificate SSL, etc.) when connected to internet banking

What is a pharming?

Pharming is based on a DNS (Domain Name System) item change. The user will visit a website which is not the original bank website, but instead just a fake one. It is created by hackers to obtain confidential client data. The design of the website is similar or even nearly the same as the design of the official website. The visitor may not realize that he has just opened a fake internet website.

What is a vishing?

Vishing is a fraudulent approach using a phone call, by which the attacker tries to obtain confidential data from the client (personal data, access password for Internetbanking, payment card numbers, etc.) This method is often used as tracing is harder.

The attacker will send you an SMS with some short information that there was a suspicious transaction found on your account. Part of this SMS messages is also a phone number, from which the attacker will contact you or you should immediately call this number. Subsequently, the attacker will introduce himself as calling from your bank. To gain your confidence, he will ask about about the verification code of the received SMS. The data will later, or even immediately, be used to fraudulently gain access to the funds in your account. The attacker finishes his call with the information that due to the swift action of the bank the suspicious transaction was not executed and your money is safe.

How to protect yourself against vishing?

Weigh up who are you providing any information to about yourself, your payment cards and phone numbers. Never provide passwords, SMS key for payment confirmation, nor any complete data about the payment card.

What is malware?

Malicious software (so-called malware) disrupts computers and may perform hidden activities in your devices (e.g. send information from your computer to the attackers). In many cases, people install the software without being aware of it by simply clicking on a link on a website or in an e-mail message.

How to protect yourself against malware

  • Install reliable antivirus software and update it regularly
  • Do not click on unknown links which will direct you to download software
  • Check the performance of your device and any unusual activity

What are computer viruses?

The purpose of these small applications is to cause problems, remove data and files on your computer. They spread between devices, mostly via the internet or by e-mail. They may be activated by clicking on any link on the Internet, which you think might be picture or a website.

How to protect yourself against viruses

  • The best protection is to have the most up-to-date antivirus software and virus definitions
  • Do not open files from unknown people. Even your close friends could spread viruses without being aware of it
  • Be careful when downloading files from the internet and pay attention to the credibility of the information source

What is spam?

These are unwanted messages (e-mails, SMS) which you receive. These could be different offers for new products and services with many advantages. They are annoying, but they don’t pose a risk to security, if you don’t respond to them.

How to protect yourself against spam

When working with your e-mail box, use the anti-spam filter. This filter may be provided by the provider of your e-mail box. The majority of fraudulent e-mails can be detected with the correct use of the antispam filter and block such e-mails.

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