New technology continues to make our lives easier but it also gives criminals more opportunities to steal our personal and financial data and ultimately our money.
In general it's safe to use, just make sure you're aware of the risks and what you can do to protect yourself.
What is Banking Malware?
Malware means malicious software such as viruses and Trojans. Banking Malware is a term used to describe a programme that can embed itself into your computer or your phone to take information about you.
How does it get on to my device?
Malware is often hidden in attachments, free downloads and under links usually on unsafe websites, unwanted emails and texts, infected software and apps and social media posts.
What does it do?
It remembers which keys you press on your keyboard to steal your passwords and access your online accounts.
Some malware specifically attacks your internet banking. If this happens you may be asked to provide more information than usual so keep an eye out. In other cases pop-up messages can appear asking you for your online banking details.
Always remember, a genuine financial institution will never ask you to enter your password or memorable information in a pop-up. They will also never ask you to provide your card PIN.
If you suspect anything is wrong, close your browser and report it to both your bank and Action Fraud.
How worried should I be?
Be wary rather than worried. There are some frightening statistics out there but if you take the time to read our top tips you should be safe.
How do I protect my devices?
- Install anti-virus software and update it regularly.
- Think before your download files or programmes. Ask yourself whether you can trust the source and whether the site looks genuine.
- Before making payments online, make sure the webpage is secure. To be sure you’re navigating to a genuine site, type the web address into your browser rather than clicking a link.
- Install updates regularly. Not just for your anti virus software and firewalls but also other key systems such as your operating system (eg Windows), and Internet browser, applications (eg Adobe Acrobat, Java). If any of these programs are out of date your system is vulnerable to an attack.