Create a secure online browsing experience

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You can enjoy the benefits of living life online, by simply staying in control of who can access your information when you’re connected to the internet.

Set up the basic computer security

Choose a reputable Internet Service Provider (ISP) to provide your internet access.
Keep your operating system up-to-date by switching on automatic updates and install them as soon as they become available. Check out Microsoft Download Centre or Apple security updates pages.
Always type the address of the site (the URL) you want to visit in the browser’s address bar, especially when you want to shop and bank online.
Keep your computer’s security software up-to-date, including anti-virus, anti-spyware, anti-spam and firewall products.

Review your browser settings

Use a supported browser

It’s best to use the latest version of a web browser, as these will have the latest security features.

If you’re banking or shopping online, it’s worth checking if the site supports the browser you’re using to make sure you’re getting the highest level of security encryption.

Here’s a list of our technical requirements to help you use our site and bank safely online.

Get warnings when accessing secure and unsecure web pages

Only access secure sites when shopping or banking online. You can set up your browser settings to prompt you every time you leave a secure site. Go to your browser’s Help menu to find out how.

Clear your history, cache and cookies

To help your browser work better (and for security) you should clear your cache periodically. Also, for privacy reasons, you might want to clear your cache, cookies and history manually. This is always recommended if you’re using a computer in a shared public space like internet cafes, hotels or airport lounges. Go to your internet browser’s security or safety settings to choose options to clear your cache.

Make sure you’re in the right place

The safest way to access a site is to type the address into your browser. Following a link may lead you to a fake website designed to trick you into entering personal details.

Look for the green padlock and https (the s is for secure) in the URL address bar when using shopping or banking sites. See the image below to help you identify a secure website.

If you’re visiting a new website for the first time, and have received the website address via email or SMS, search for the website on Google, to check that the website is legitimate.

Check the spelling

Fake websites often have slight spelling errors in the address. For example, having the number 1 instead of the letter I.

Use good password management

Disable the option on your web browser to automatically remember user names and passwords. You can check your browser’s help menu for instructions.

Never share or write down a password, and make sure the password you choose is strong and would be difficult to guess. Read our comprehensive list of tips on good password management.

If you ever have to use NAB Internet Banking in a public space or on a shared computer, you might want to use Password Lock. This lets you lock your password before you log out of an internet banking session and requires you to contact us to unlock your password before you can access internet banking again.

Take care in public spaces

If you can, avoid using shared computers in libraries, airports, cafes or hotels if you want to work, bank or shop online.

Never leave your computer unattended or unlocked and make sure you’re not observed entering passwords and personal data.

People may peer over your shoulder to read information on your laptop or other device. This is called shoulder surfing and this is how they can steal confidential or personal information while you work or bank online.

Avoid using public WiFi networks

These networks can pose a risk as data can be intercepted by criminals on unsecured networks.

Avoid logging into networks with generic names (for example Netgear) or networks with the same name as you’d log into at home and use VPN (Virtual Private Network) software to protect your activity.

If a wireless network asks you to install software in order to connect, don’t accept. Cancel these requests even if they look legitimate.

Look for potential signs of malicious activity when connected to public WiFi like prompts to:

accept new digital certificates
install new software of updates.

A great way for older Australians to stay safe

Older Australians can find all the skills and knowledge they need to stay safe online with Be Connected. It is an award-winning Australian Government initiative empowering older Australians to thrive in a digital world. The Be Connected website is a one-stop shop with more than 150 online learning modules and 350 learning activities - and it’s all free. Visit www.beconnected.esafety.gov.au to find out more.

Information, resources and tools

Australian Government | Australian Cyber Security Centre and Stay Smart Online

The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) brings cyber security capabilities from across the Australian Government together into a single location. It’s the hub for private and public sector collaboration and information sharing to combat cyber security threats. ACSC’s Stay Smart Online provides topical, relevant and timely information on how home internet users and small businesses can protect themselves from, and reduce the risk of, cyber security threats such as software vulnerabilities, online scams, malicious activities, and risky online behaviours.

Australian Government | ReportCyber

ReportCyber is a secure reporting and referral service for cybercrime and online incidents which may be in breach of Australian law. The ReportCyber website provides a cybercrime reporting mechanism as well as helpful information about cybercrime.

Australian Competition and Consumer Commission | Scamwatch

Scamwatch provides information to consumers and small businesses about how to recognise, avoid and report scams using publications, videos and other online resources.

https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/

Australian Government | Office of the eSafety Commissioner

The Office of the eSafety Commissioner provides online safety education for Australian children and young people, a complaints service for young Australians who experience serious cyberbullying, and address illegal online content.

https://esafety.gov.au/

Australian Government | Attorney-General’s Department

The Attorney-General’s Department website provides helpful information and resources about your rights and protections in regards to identity security, freedom of information and cyber security. The Department has developed a range of resources to assist people protect their identity and recover from the effects of identity crime.