They say— “Sharing is Caring”! We people have especially grown with the mindset of Indian parents having taught us to share our belongings since the very beginning of our lives. Be it, our tiffins during school days to lunch boxes at office, we have been brought up in a manner that sharing gives us immense joy and happiness. But like every other thing in this world which comes with some strings attached, sharing should also be restricted to the things that provide us pleasure instead of panic!
Yes! We are talking about the panic that could arise because of sharing your private passwords and bank OTPs. These days, it’s been common to receive fraud calls from the bank asking for your OTPs, which if shared by you innocently can result in the fraudsters seizing all the assets from your account. These are basically ‘phishing calls’, as the Bank never calls you asking for any sensitive data. Malicious actors may either entice you or threaten you and ask for sensitive information. You must be aware of such fraudulent telephone calls and exercise utmost caution if they are leading to information involving your financial transactions.
In lieu of these fraudulent activities taking a toll on your hard-earned finances, SBI hereby comes up with their “Awareness” program on safe usage of the IT products rolled out by them. Your safety is their prime responsibility and in this direction, here are certain tips initiated by SBI Computer Security 2017 on how to safely use IT relating to various channels: —
While using Debit Cards –
- Take utmost care of your ATM PIN; do not share with anyone. Make sure to change your PIN at regular intervals and do not scribble your ATM PIN at any place.
- Keep the PIN a little complex rather than simplifying to easily guessable codes like 1212, 4545, 1112, etc.
- Do not provide your card to waiters at restaurants. Go yourself to the Payment Counter and get the card swiped in your presence.
- While doing “online” transactions, be sure of the Security of the Internet Connection. To the extent possible, do not use Public WIFI or other Free WIFI.
- You needn’t get allured by free offers and swipe/part with your card data.
- Do not share “mother’s maiden name”, “your pet’s name” kind of vital information given by you as answers for “Security Questions” for resetting of passwords.
- Use ON/OFF facility provided for managing Debit Card’s international usage.
While using INTERNET BANKING Channel –
- Keep your User ID and Password confidential and do not share with anyone. Keep a STRONG PASSWORD – simple passwords that are easy to remember are also easy for the cyber criminals to crack; Make sure you change the Password periodically. Keep your login and profile passwords distinct from each other.
- Do not use INB using insecure internet, like Public WIFI or any Free WIFI in Coffee shops, Airports etc.; execute all your financial transactions on secure channels only.
- Register your mobile number in the Bank accounts for SMS Alerts.
- Do not keep more than required limits for beneficiaries for money transfer.
- Never share OTP/CVV and Password with anyone.
- Logout properly and immediately on completion of your session/task!
- Check your statements and transaction history regularly to keep a track of your current assets.
Just like the road safety rules for driving, riding, walking, etc, safe usage has also become a part and parcel of our routine life. While using Computers and Information Technology, SAFE USAGE OF I.T. (as per safety tips from SBI) is equally and highly recommended to protect ourselves and not be vulnerable to any kind of fraudulency. So, pay attention and stay safe Symphonites!
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These fraudulent calls have really become a nuisance. Every few days I receive one of them, and despite blocking their numbers, they keep coming back. But, anyway, with a little precaution they’re easy to spot out. After all, our safety is in our hands. Thanks for the post. I hope people who are unaware of such activities would learn from it. A lot of people are ‘not at all technical’ and get caught in such traps.
I have received such a phishing call already.
Thanks for the infos.
useful information about net banking safety region
Very useful tips, Maitreni. Cyber security is very crucial these days.
Do check out my latest if you find the time to. 🙂
Very informative post, Thanks a lot.