Free anti virus software to combat online theft

In an effort to combat potential online identity theft and fraud, Absa is urging Internet Banking and online shopping users to use comprehensive security software or anti-virus software to protect against cyber criminals.

Although Internet Banking and online shopping offers convenience, it is the customer’s responsibility to ensure that they adopt safe and secure methods for purchasing online believes Christo Vrey, Managing Executive of Absa Digital Channels.

“Absa’s over one million Internet Banking clients are able to request or download, free of charge, the latest Trend Micro Internet Security Pro 2009 – a best-of-breed security software suite valued at hundreds of rand.”

There is also a Mobile version of the Trend Micro product to secure Cellphone Banking clients’ mobile devices from any Web- or SMS-based threats.

“Absa’s internationally-recognised Internet Banking security has allowed us to securely process over R700 billion over the past 12 months. However, all customers are urged to take the steps necessary to ensure their own security,” Vrey advises.

In addition users are also encouraged to follow a number of basic online security protocalls, including keeping access information secure, ignoring spam, ensuring that they see a lock and key icon at the top or bottom of the internet browsing window and refraining from using public terminals such as internet cafe’s for online banking.

Measures that Absa, and indeed a number of other major banks, have put inplace include a two phase logon system, a PIN number and alpha-numeric password, a virtual keypad on the screen, mandatory login alerts via SMS and one time passwords (RVNs) for certain transactions.