Banking safely online

Contact Details

• ANZ Internet Banking
  0800 368 524
• ANZ Mobile Phone Banking
  0800 269 6624
• ANZ Phone Direct
  0800 103 123
• ANZ Direct Online
  0800 269 347
• Find your nearest ANZ branch

Quicklinks

• Calculators
• Interest rates
• Fees and charges
• Foreign exchange rates
• Report a hoax or suspicious email online

Choose passwords carefully

Passwords will only keep outsiders out if they are difficult to guess!

• Don't share your password.
• Don't use the same password in more than one place - if someone should happen to guess one of your passwords, you don't want them to be able to use it in a number of places.
• Do not choose a password that is easily identified with you (for example, your date of birth, telephone number or your name or any part of it).
• A password should have a minimum of eight characters, be as meaningless as possible and use uppercase letters, lowercase letters and numbers, e.g. xk28LP97.
• Change passwords regularly, at least every 30 days. When you change your password, we recommend that you make it significantly different from passwords you have used previously.
• Do not give out your password to anyone! Be wary of unsolicited calls or emails requesting personal information or card numbers. Neither ANZ nor the police would ask you to disclose PINs or password information.
• Do not write your password down, even if it is disguised.
• To ensure you are the only person that knows your personal access information, access to your computer and banking information should not be written down or accessible to other persons, even if you believe it is disguised.
• Do not disclose your password to anyone, including a family member, friend or an ANZ staff member.

Password theft

If you suspect that your password has become known to a third party, contact the ANZ Internet Banking team on 0800 368 524 (international +64 4 473 0370) 24 hours a day, seven days a week to have your password reset.

Using ANZ Internet Banking in public places

Be wary of your surroundings and ensure no one is observing you when entering in your Customer Registration Number (CRN) or password.

• Never click on links embedded within emails, rather enter the URL directly into the location / address bar.
• Ensure that there is a padlock symbol in the bottom right corner of your browser.
• Never click the "save my password / details" option sometimes offered.
• Never change security details such as your password in a public place (e.g. libraries, Internet cafes).
• Do not leave your computer unattended or idle for long periods of time.
• Always log out from your Internet banking session when you have finished and close the browser.
• Try to use computers that have anti-virus software installed.

Computer viruses

A computer virus is a program that attaches itself to another program, but changes the action of that program so that the virus is able to spread. Viruses range from harmless pranks that merely show an annoying message, to programs capable of destroying or disabling a computer.

Anti-virus software is designed to better protect you and your computer against known viruses, worms and trojan horses. A trojan horse is a malicious program disguised as something harmless, such as a game or a screen saver, but in fact contains hidden code that allows an intruder to take control of your machine without your knowledge.

How to protect against viruses

• Ensure you have protection on your computer in the first place.
• Check for new Internet security protection software updates daily.
• Scan all the files on your computer periodically including incoming and outgoing emails.

For more information on protecting against viruses:

• Security software

Firewalls

A firewall is a piece of software or hardware that filters all Internet traffic between your computer and the outside world.

It works to either block or permit Internet traffic to and from your computer. You can use the firewall to better protect your home or business computer and any personal information it holds from offensive websites, spam and unauthenticated logins from potential hackers.

A firewall is seen to be essential for those that use their computers online, especially through the use of a cable modem.

Up-to-date security software

Security is essential in protecting your information on the Internet. To do this, check your software vendors' web sites on a regular basis for new security upgrades or use the automated patching features that some companies offer.

The programs and operating system on your computer may have valuable features that make your life easier, but can also leave you vulnerable to hackers and viruses. You should evaluate your computer security on a regular basis.

• Security software

Email viruses

Email is one of the prime movers for malicious viruses. Regardless of how enticing the "subject" or attachment may look, be cautious.

Any unexpected email, especially those with attachments (from someone you may or may not know), could contain a virus and may have been sent without that person's knowledge from an infected computer. Should you receive an email of this kind and you are doubtful of its legitimacy, delete it.

Security knowledge for all users of your computer

It's important that everyone who uses your computer, such as family members or employees, is aware of proper security practices. People should know how to update virus protection software, how to download security upgrades from software vendors and how to create a proper password.

Always log on to Internet Banking by entering the website address www.anz.co.nz into the address bar.

Never access the ANZ website from a link in an email then enter personal details. If in doubt, contact the ANZ Internet Banking team on 0800 368 524 (international +64 4 473 0370) 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Look for the security features

There are two ways to verify that you are logging on to ANZ Internet Banking the correct way.

One, the website address changes from http:// to https://.

And two, the "padlock" symbol appears at the bottom of your web browser.

The "padlock" symbol indicates that the page you are on has additional security. You can double-click the padlock symbol to view the certificate's details.

You can verify the authenticity of the "padlock"

Double click on the "padlock" symbol and ensure that the certificate:

• is issued to www.anz.com
• is issued by VeriSign
• has a valid start and expiry date.

Authentic certificate example:

If you receive a warning message (for example name mismatch, invalid date, untrusted certifying authority or failed to retrieve revocation list), please terminate the Internet session immediately and contact the ANZ Internet Banking team on 0800 368 524 (international +64 4 473 0370) 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Do not leave your computer unattended when online

When leaving your computer unattended, you should either shut it down or physically disconnect from the Internet connection. This lessens the chance that someone will be able to access your computer.

Be aware of your environment

Care should always be taken in unknown areas to prevent any other persons viewing your personal information, including when typing in your passwords or details of account numbers on the Internet. Take care to ensure that no-one can see you entering your user access and password.

Be cautious when accessing public computers or any computers you do not control.

If you receive a hoax email there a number of actions you should take:

Report a hoax or suspicious email online

Anti-virus protection

Computers without anti-virus protection or out-of-date anti-virus programs are vulnerable to future attacks by malicious software like viruses or trojans. Anti-virus programs are a simple and inexpensive way to protect your personal details from these threats.

A number of different vendors such as Symantec and McAfee can provide complete suites of Internet security software.

ANZ recommends that you do not use ANZ Internet Banking until you have up-to-date anti-virus protection.

Hoax / phishing emails from another financial institution

Hoax emails can imitate any organisation or financial institution. You may receive emails imitating organisations that you have no affiliation with.

If you receive a hoax email claiming to be from another organisation or financial institution:

• delete the email immediately
• scan your computer for viruses
• do not click on any links or open any attachments.

Report a hoax or suspicious email online