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Change default passwords on network devices
Your home or business networking equipment (such as ADSL modems, Local Area Network (LAN) and Wireless Access Points/Routers), by default, can be visible from the Internet. If you use default passwords, someone may have the ability to access your home or business networking equipment over the Internet and change settings that will compromise or bypass network security. To prevent unauthorized access, you should immediately change the default passwords on all home or business networking equipment.
What can I do to ensure my online account information is safe?
Online security starts with your web browser. When you access your FirstCaribbean Internet Banking accounts over the Internet, your browser is checked to ensure it meets our minimum security requirements. You can protect yourself online by using an up-to-date browser with the most recent security updates. To get online access, you will need a browser that uses a minimum 128-bit encryption technology. Currently, to access your FirstCaribbean Internet Banking online accounts, we recommend:
Microsoft browser version 5.5 or higher with 128-bit encryption technology
Netscape browser version 7.0 or higher with 128-bit encryption technology
You can download a browser for free using the links below.
Microsoft Windows
Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.5 or higher
Netscape Navigator 7.0 or higher
Below are some additional tips that will help protect your online experience.
- keep your account information and password confidential
- don't leave your account information or password in an open area where a passerby might see it
- before entering personal information on a web site, check that your web session is secure by looking for a small lock symbol in the lower corner of your web browser window. A closed lock indicates the web site you are on is secure. You can also look for the letters "https://" at the beginning of your web site address in your web browser. The "s" means that the web connection is secure.
- never leave your computer screen unattended while in the secure banking area of the site
- always sign off your online accounts and close your browser if you're going to step away from your computer
- don't send privileged account information (account number, password, etc.) via e-mail
- try not to use passwords that incorporate your name, telephone number, address or birth date or those of any close friend or relative
- change your password monthly; don't reuse the same password for at least one year.
- don't use a password you use for anything else
- don't use any part of your FirstCaribbean Bank Card number as your password.
- use a quality anti-virus program as often as possible
- avoid doing your online banking on public computers (for example, at libraries and Internet cafes)
- frequently check the most current information about your browser (can be found at your browser's web site) for changes and upgrades
- regularly check for security updates from your software/browser vendor(s)
Passwords
Passwords are used by computer systems and web sites to verify your identity. When you sign in to a banking site, you need to provide a password to get access to your accounts. If someone else knows or guesses your password, they can access the same accounts.
Always choose unique passwords that are hard to guess. Longer passwords are more difficult to figure out than shorter passwords, especially if you mix letters and numbers. You should also avoid choosing passwords that are obvious, such as family names, birthdays and telephone numbers that might be easy for others to figure out.
PASSWORDS tips:
- never share your passwords with others, including family members
- never give your password to a third party such as a payment service provider as this places your financial information at risk
- don't use obvious passwords like your name, names of family members, your address, or any other information that might be found in your purse or wallet
- try to avoid passwords that are real words
- make it difficult for others to guess your password by ensuring it contains a combination of letters and numbers
- avoid using the same password for several accounts or services — you should use a unique password for each web site and purpose
- change your passwords frequently
- if you think someone knows your password, change it immediately.
Remember to Log off
When you are finished banking, remember to log off. We recommend that you clear your browser cache after you log off, or close your browser and re-open it before browsing the Internet. This will ensure that any information that is cached or stored on your computer or in your browser is erased, preventing others from being able to view this information later.
Clear your browser's cache
Your browser cache maintains a copy of web pages that have been viewed recently. Once you have finished banking and have signed off of the FirstCaribbean Internet Banking web site you should clear your browser's cache, especially if you use are using a public or shared computer.
Make sure you have anti-virus software
Computer viruses and worms receive a lot of media attention because they can spread quickly and wreak havoc on personal computers and corporate networks. You should always use up-to-date anti-virus software that is capable of scanning files and e-mail messages for viruses. This can prevent your files from being corrupted or lost, as well as save you hours of frustration as you try to restore an infected computer system.
Do not open attachments to e-mails unless you trust the person or company that sent you the e-mail.
Use a personal firewall
Any computer or device connected to the Internet that is not properly protected is vulnerable to hackers. This applies to all cable modem, digital subscribe line (DSL) and dial-up users. The likelihood of a hacker entering your computer increases the longer your computer is on and connected to the Internet.
A personal firewall will help protect your computer. Firewalls create a barrier between your computer and the rest of the Internet. A firewall can be a hardware device, a software application or a combination of the two. Firewalls can prevent hacker attacks and block certain types of data from entering your computer or private network. They can also be set up to alert you if anyone tries to access your system.
Microsoft Windows XP includes a basic personal firewall, but you must activate it to be effective.
Microsoft Windows XP: Configure the Internet Connection Firewall
In addition, you can download a personal firewall or order the software in the mail from the following web sites:
Norton Personal Firewall 2004
http://www.symantec.com/region/can/eng/product/nis/npf/
McAfee Personal Firewall
http://ca.mcafee.com/root/package.asp?pkgid=103&langid=34
Install security updates
Most personal computers use the Microsoft Windows operating system. The makers of these systems regularly issue security updates to protect against new and emerging threats. You should download and install security updates regularly or configure your operating system to automatically check for new updates.
Windows: To download the latest Microsoft Windows updates, visit Windows Update
Beware of e-mail fraud
Be wary of e-mails that ask for personal information and never provide your personal passwords, personal information numbers or sign in information for FirstCaribbean Internet Banking.
Beware of identity theft
Take steps to protect yourself against identity theft, including protecting your personal information, memorizing your passwords and reporting thefts and losses immediately.
Look for privacy policies on other web sites
FirstCaribbean Internet Banking provide links to other web sites that are not operated by us or governed by our privacy policy or security standards. If you visit any of these web sites, you should read their unique privacy and security policies before entering data on those sites.
General dos and don'ts
Do:
- report lost or stolen bank cards immediately and notify any creditors who may be debiting money from you
- check your financial statements for any unauthorized transactions
- destroy cancelled cheques and store new cheques in a safe place
- sign all credit cards as soon as they are received
- cancel all inactive credit cards
- limit the number of credit/charge cards you own
- destroy pre-approved credit card applications, credit card receipts, bankbooks, bank statements with cheques and pay statements
- pay attention to billing cycles and contact your billing company if bills fail to arrive
- review your credit bureau files annually
Don't:
- leave your computer unattended when your are signed in to your accounts
- keep your bank machine PIN, online/telephone banking password or Social Insurance Number in your wallet
- leave mail lying around
- provide your credit card number to anyone other than a trusted third party
- leave your purse or wallet lying around in public places
- lend credit cards to anyone
- use software that automatically remembers your passwords - someone could take advantage of this if he/she used your computer
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