How do you protect yourself against Internet fraud?
We are all concerned with the security of Internet banking transactions. It goes without saying that BNP Paribas Fortis must make its PC banking Business platform as secure as possible. For this purpose, a real arsenal of antifraud measures has been put in place: firewalls, scanners, filters, encoded and protected data exchanges, a personal security module for each user and so on. However, you can also take steps to ensure secure PC banking Business use. This means adopting suitable behaviour on the Internet and making your equipment and, if applicable, your networks secure. Allow us to reiterate a few essential rules.
Make your computer and Internet connection secure.
- Always try to use the most recent operating system possible on your computer (for instance Windows 7, Vista, etc.). Change this when the supplier no longer provides updates and maintenance.
- Meticulously carry out all (security) updates of your operating system. You can also automate the procedure.
- Always use the most recent version of your browser (Internet Explorer, etc.). Here too, perform all security updates systematically.
- Install an antivirus program worthy of its name on your computer. Viruses can seriously damage your computer. Moreover, they can impair the security of your PC banking Business sessions. Make sure you regularly update your antivirus software and perform a regular scan of your computer.
- Do not use illegal programs.
- If you work in a local network, that is, if you have several computers online via the same connection, ensure optimal security in order to keep full control over the data flows between devices (computers, printers, etc.) connected to the network. Make each device secure separately: it only takes one unsecure computer to infect the entire network.
- Ensure a firewall is activated on your computer(s) – and network if you have one – to control the incoming and outgoing information flows at all times.
- If you use a wireless Internet connection, remember to make it secure.
Be a vigilant PC banking Business user
Check the website
Do not automatically work on the assumption from the principle that you are on an official BNP Paribas Fortis website. Fraudsters sometimes use falsified sites that in certain cases can be confused with the original ones. Fortunately, you can quickly check a website's authenticity:
- double-click on the small padlock in the bottom right corner of your browser (or the top corner in the most recent browsers).
- Does the site's address end with "bnpparibasfortis.be"? Is the address spelt correctly? In that case, you are definitely on one of our sites.
- To avoid having to check each time, save the address "www.bnpparibasfortis.be" in your browser's favourites or create a link and only use this to launch PC banking Business.
Using your security module correctly
Your security module – your card reader linked to your access card – guarantees the security of your connection and your PC banking Business transactions. Use it with the greatest care.
- Your access card is personal. Let no-one but yourself use it. Never leave your card in the card reader when you are not using PC banking Business.
- Do not write your access card's PIN down anywhere and do not tell it to anyone. BNP Paribas Fortis will never ask you for your PIN, be it by telephone or email or even via its website.
- When we ask you to sign a transaction in PC banking Business, always scrupulously check the details of this transaction's before signing it, particularly if you have not entered it yourself.
- If you are asked by telephone or email to enter your electronic signature using your security module, under no circumstances accept. As already specified: you will only be asked for an electronic signature in PC banking Business to identify yourself or sign transactions. Moreover, you will only be asked for such a signature if you yourself or one of your staff initiated the transactions to be executed.
Also consider
- As a precaution, always close your PC banking Business session by clicking on the "Disconnect" button in the top right corner of your screen.
- Do not use PC banking Business in a internet café: you can never be sure the computer in question is free of any malware.
- Only visit sites of known, trustworthy operators. In particular, avoid sites or networks that illegally distribute programs, music, films, etc.
- Be extremely vigilant if unannounced or unusual events occur during a PC banking Business session. For instance:
- a standby screen suddenly appears;
- you are asked, supposedly for security reasons, to identify yourself a second time or confirm your login by means of an additional signature;
- screens are written in a language other than the usual one of your Business PC banking sessions.
- BNP Paribas Fortis never asks for confidential information without reason and all the more so by telephone or email. We only do so by letter or as part of a meeting with an adviser you know.
- Beware of telephone calls or emails supposedly intended to inform you of fraud or problems with your cards, accounts or transactions and possibly asking you to provide certain confidential information to resolve the matter. Under no circumstances should you answer this type of question, and you should inform our Helpdesk or your relationship manager at the earliest opportunity.
Suspicions? Doubts? Do you have any questions?
Do you think that PC banking Business is not responding as normal? Do you have the impression that something is out of the ordinary? Do you think there is something wrong with the way confidential information is requested? Turn off your computer immediately and contact our Helpdesk or your relationship manager.