about us

Online
Safety

NBS client - Josh

Keeping yourself safe online.

The internet makes it easy to manage your money from just about anywhere. Unfortunately, it is also a prime hunting ground for fraudsters.

But if you are sensible about your browsing, and aware of the potential risks, banking and buying online can be just as safe as walking into a branch or store. Here are some tips, guideline and things to look out for to help keep you safe online.

If you think you have been targeted by an online scam? Please phone us on  0800 101 700 or call into your local NBS branch. We take security seriously and will do everything we can to help. 

 

We wish to remind our clients that NBS will never ask you by email for your secure banking information (account, passwords, or PIN details) or ask you to log in to your account from an email. NBS will always ask you to log in through our website and you should do so by typing www.nbs.co.nz directly into your browser address bar.

  • Choose a secure password and always keep it safe  
  • Here are some password tips to avoid:
  • Easily guessed letter or number combinations
  • Don't use passwords from other websites
  • Exclude personal information like birthdays, family and street names
  • Keep your passwords separate and unique for different applications
  • Never write down your password or give it to anyone.
  • NBS will never ask you for your Lifestyle Net password

  • It is also a good idea to change your online password regularly.
  • Just log in to Lifestyle Net, select from the 'Settings' menu to change.
  • Always log out after banking online
  • If you think someone knows your password, phone us immediately on 0800 101 700

 

  • Only enter personal information on secure websites - If you are making financial transactions online, you should look for the letters "https://" at the beginning of the web address.
    You can also look for a padlock icon in your browser window. These things show that the communication between your browser and our system is being encrypted.
  • Be careful about the information you send via email. You should always be careful sending personal information via email. Emails are also a common way to spread viruses or to trick you into revealing your personal details or internet banking information. This is commonly called phishing.
  • Keep your computer secure - When you connect to the internet, you open your computer up to various potential issues. But these simple solutions can help you keep it safe.
      • Make sure the online shop is reputable
      • Read the fine print relating to any transaction before you provide your card details
      • Take particular care when entering promotions such as “free trials”
      • Before completing your purchase, check the online store has a return and refund policy
      • Only enter your details if you are ready to make a purchase
      • If you purchase something online, print out a copy of the transaction for your records
      • For your safety and security, you may be asked to provide your card security code. This is the three-digit number printed on the signature panel on the back of your card (CVV)The intended purpose of the CVV is to provide added security when making purchases over the internet - it helps to verify that you’re in possession of the card, as the code should not be known to anyone other than you as the card holder.

Viruses and worms are malicious pieces of software that can attach to your computer and cause all sorts of problems. They can get in through email attachments, you could inadvertently download them from a website or even through software you install.

 Good anti-virus software will help protect your computer against this threat. Even if you already have anti-virus software installed, you need to regularly update it to stay safe. There are several reputable anti-virus software products in the market. We recommend doing your own research and talking to an expert to help you choose the best solution for you.

Spyware is another type of file that can find its way onto your computer and tell other people what you are doing online. In its worst form, spyware can be used to access personal information such as bank account details. Like anti-virus software, you should always use up-to-date anti-spyware software to help keep your information safe.

A personal firewall is your first line of defence between your computer and the outside world. Modern versions of popular desktop operating systems typically have personal firewall settings. Check that they are turned on if you do not have another firewall product.

One of the most important ways to keep your computer safe is to make sure it has all the latest security software updates. These updates are usually free and they are released regularly to fix holes in the computer's operating system.


Internet browsers (e.g. Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Safari and Google Chrome) release security patches, these are important patches you need to apply. You should also update any other applications installed such as Adobe Reader or browser components like Java or Adobe flash, to make sure you have the latest security patches.

Be extremely wary of using other computers or publicly accessible Wi-Fi networks to access online banking. It is impossible to know if they have up to date protection and it is also easy for other people to watch what you are doing.

We work hard to keep your banking safe - but here are a few things you can do.

  •  Keep your AccessDebit Mastercard in safe places
  • Do not share your PIN numbers, User number, KeepSafe questions or passwords
  • If you lose your AccessDebit Mastercard, contact us immediately
  • Check your bank statement regularly to make sure they match the transactions you have made
  • Never store PIN numbers, User number, KeepSafe questions and passwords in an unsecured file on your computer
  • Remember NBS will never ask you by email for your secure banking information
  • Never email your AccessDebit Mastercard or bank account details or share them with someone you don't know over the phone

AccessDebit Mastercard

  • Always sign your new card as soon as you get it
  • Destroy any old documents or receipts that display your card number
  • Always choose a safe PIN
  • Use different PIN numbers for different cards.
  • Destroy expired cards
  • Make sure you get your card back after using it
  • Never let anyone else use your card

Shopping Online

  • Always check for a secure browser connection before entering your card details online
  • Never use your card number as a form of identification
  • Only enter your details if you are ready to make a purchase
  • If you purchase something online, print out a copy of the transaction for your records
  • Before purchasing online, check the online store has a return and refunds policy