Bank Association Gives Security Tips For Online Banking

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 12 (Bernama) -- The Association of Banks in Malaysia (ABM) today offered security tips to ensure the customers' personal identification numbers (PINs) are not compromised in Internet banking.

In a statement here Thursday, the association said banks offering Internet banking services would not request customers to reveal or verify their PINs for whatever reason via e-mail or a hyperlink through the e-mail or by phone.

"Should you receive such an e-mail or a suspicious phone call asking you to to enter your logon details, you should not, under any circumstances, reveal your PIN and you should advise your bank immediately," it said.

ABM said customers must ensure they were in legitimate website before starting online transactions.

"They must not input any sensitive information that might help provide access to their account, even if the website appears legitimate," it said.

It said customers must always enter the URL of the website directly into the web browser to ensure it begins with "https".

"You should also look for a closed padlock symbol on the status bar of your browser.

"Verification of the website digital certificate is recommended," it said.

Customers must always log-off the computer when their banking transactions are completed, it said.

"Without the PIN, the fraudster will not be able to access the customers' Internet banking accounts.

"If in doubt, customers are advised to first contact their respective banks for verification," it said.

-- BERNAMA