Cyber crime

The ability to bank, insure, invest and disinvest through our mobile phones or personal computers offers great convenience and functionality. While reputable financial providers, Old Mutual included, will take the utmost care to protect and secure your information, fraudsters will always try to get their hands never let up on their efforts to access on your account, portfolio and other personal information.

Here’s what you can do to protect yourself against online criminals:

Your mobile devices

  • Use a password, biometrics (e.g. Fingerprint or facial recognition) and auto-lock screen on all your mobile devices.
  • Don’t write down or save your personal details, passwords and other sensitive information on any of your devices – it’s too easy to access if your device is stolen.
  • Be careful of which apps you download and which links you click.
  • Read and understand the permissions you are granting when downloading an app or accessing a website. It’s often long and tedious, but it’s a vital step in your online safety.
  • Install an antivirus programme from a reputable provider, and keep it updated.
  • Set up remote wipe and a tracker in case your device is stolen.

Connections

  • Modern phones can connect to other devices and network in multiple ways – Bluetooth, WIFI, NCS and more. If a specific connection method is not being used, switch it off.
  • After transacting online, always log out.
  • Don’t use public computers or free WIFI to transact online.
  • Clear your online cache regularly and be wary of accepting cookies.
  • Make sure your WIFI network at home or the office is secure.
  • Always change default passwords regularly.

    What to avoid

    • Publishing personal information such as your ID number, phone number or email addresses online – including in advertisements, social media and email.
    • Using names, dictionary words, existing PINs, birthdays and sequenced numbers.
    • Using the same password for all your devices.
    • Using the same email address for all your online activities

    Prevention Tips

    • Create different passwords for all accounts and change them regularly.
    • The longer the password, the harder it is to crack. As longer passwords are more secure, try to create a password with a minimum of 10 characters and include letters, numbers and symbols, e.g. Rac43deG:)
    • Avoid names, places, and dictionary words. Also, avoid using the names and birthdays of family members, friends and pets.
    • Use a pass-phrase. This could be the first letters of your favourite song; and mix it with numbers and symbols to make a strong password. For example, “’“Bridge over troubled water’” is number one for me. becomes ‘Becomes – BoTwiNo14me:)’
    • Maintain a healthy level of scepticism – don’t click unknown links or attachments.
    • Less is more – don’t share personal information you don’t have to.
    • Make sure that privacy levels on your social media accounts are set to the maximum.
    • If your password has been compromised, or if you suspect it has been compromised reset it immediately. Alternatively consider enabling two-factor authentication services especially with your bank and financial providers, and enable transaction and login notifications.
    • Don’t respond to calls, emails or SMS messages that request your personal information, even if they seem legitimate. Your financial provider will never ask for personal information on these channels.
    • If you receive sensitive or private information via email, save it and delete it from your inbox.