Car Insurance- Always make sure you have the latest anti-virus and firewall protection on your computer (this must be updated regularly). Suncorp recommends you do not use Internet Banking until you are sure your anti-virus protection is up-to-date and your firewall is enabled.
- Regularly scan your computer with your anti-virus software.
- Avoid using shared computers (eg. at an Internet cafe) as you may be unable to check whether the anti-virus software is up-to-date.
- Ensure your Operating System (eg. Windows 2000 or XP) and Internet browser are updated regularly with the latest security patches. To update Microsoft operating systems, go to http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com.
- Avoid spyware becoming installed on your computer - either as a hidden part of another program that you install such as file sharing or peer-to-peer software, or by another person who uses the same computer. Spyware may compromise your privacy and pose a threat to the security of your Internet Banking activities. Anti-spyware software can be used to scan for and remove spyware. It is often effective to use more than one anti-spyware product on your computer.
Anti-Virus, Firewall and Spyware Information
It is important that the computer you use to access the Internet and Online Banking has up-to-date and adequate anti-virus, firewall and spyware protection.
Anti-Virus Information
An anti-virus program is software that detects and deletes computer viruses. Anti-virus software can also prevent viruses from infecting your computer in the first place.
The software can also check for computer viruses when you download files from the Internet, receive emails and insert disks into your computer.
There are many effective anti-virus programs to choose from. Some locations where you can find out more about anti-virus programs are:
Firewall Information
A firewall is a program that helps protect your computer and its contents from outsiders on the Internet. It prevents unauthorised access to and from your computer.
There are many effective firewalls to choose from. Some locations where you can find out more about firewall products are:
Spyware Information
Spyware (sometimes called 'adware') is any program on your computer that is intended to perform a task of tracking or recording activities or operations on a computer with or without your knowledge.
Spyware can operate in many ways. At its mildest, spyware (usually in the form of cookies) is a simple tool used by advertisers to track users' Internet-surfing preferences. At its worst, spyware is used to covertly monitor keystrokes, scan files, install additional spyware and trojans, reconfigure browsers, snoop email and other applications and much, much more. Some of today's spyware can even capture screenshots or turn on webcams.
Follow these tips to help prevent your computer from becoming infected with spyware:
- Use up-to-date anti-virus software on your computer as this can protect you from some of the more common malicious programs that are often a component of spyware.
- Ensure you install and enable a firewall on your computer before connecting to the Internet.
- Download and regularly use a spyware removal program (you may find that using more than one anti-spyware program at once has a greater effect of reducing spyware).
- Use discretion and common sense when using the Internet. Don't click on online advertisements or go to sites you suspect may be suspicious.
There are numerous anti-spyware programs to choose from, and they are often packaged with the latest anti-virus software. Some locations where you can find out more about spyware tools are:
