CYBER SECURITY AWARENESS

1. Malware

Malware, spyware and adware are harmful software that steals your money or your identity. Unrequested and undetected, it succeeds in installing itself on your computer. Malware influences the normal device processes and steals information. Scammers use malware to steal money from your account and to commit identity theft.

 

How to protect yourself from malware

• Use anti-virus/anti-malware software. Install and maintain an updated, quality antivirus program.
• Be choosy. Think before you download any files or programs. Ask yourself if you can trust the source and whether the site is genuine.
• Update your devices as recommended by trusted sources. Things are always changing, so it's important to keep your operating system (e.g. Windows), Internet browser, applications (e.g. Adobe Acrobat, Java) and firewalls up to date.
• Stay safe online. Always use websites and programs that you can trust. Be sure of what you're agreeing to before clicking.
• Be alert. NEVER open spam email messages containing attachments or click links on suspicious websites.
• Keep yourself updated. Regularly check security alerts and advisories to obtain the necessary information to protect your device. This helps to prevent you from becoming a victim of common security threats such as banking fraud and identity theft.

 

2. Internet Banking Safety

• Always type the URL address  https://www.citizensbankbd.com/ or https://ibank.citizensbankbd.com/cloudnet/  in your browser to log in internet banking account.
• Before entering your username and password, Observe the lock icon located next to the browser’s address bar in the left-hand corner.
• Make your password unique, containing a mix of different character types: letters in upper and lower case, numbers and special characters.
• Use a strong password for your internet banking account and change your password several times a year.
• Do not share your password with others.
• Have a different password for each online account.

• Do not blindly click on ‘pop-up’.
• Kindly ensure you read the service requested for OTP before you key in the OTP number.

• Please check your account and bank statement regularly.
• For a safer internet banking experience, always download the latest version of your internet browser.
• Always ensure to log off internet banking sessions. Do not directly close the browser.
• Don’t save the password.
• Clear your browser’s cache after each session regularly, so that your account information is removed.
• Change your password frequently.

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3. OTP (One-time Password) Fraud

A one-time password (OTP) is a unique, 6-digit code that provides a layer of identity authentication before you perform transactions via the Citizens Bank internet banking website. Your OTP can only be used for ONE transaction. Scammers will attempt to get your online banking and personal information such as username, password and mobile number. The scammer may contact you via email, social media, phone call, or text message and trick you to give your OTP number for them to complete the internet banking transaction.

How to protect yourself from OTP fraud?

• Do not reply to any SMS or WhatsApp messages asking for your OTP number.
• Do not share your OTP number with anyone. Always keep your OTP number to yourself.
• Your OTP number can only be registered to you and not someone else.
• If you might have given your OTP number to someone, contact Citizens bank immediately.

 

4. ATM Safety

• Do not use the ATM if someone is standing next to you and can view your screen.
• Use your body and hand to shield the keyboard when entering your PIN.
• Please sign at the backside signature panel of the card just after receiving the card.
• Memorise your PIN and don’t write it down or don’t share it with anyone.
• After completing your transaction, please remove your card, cash and any printed documents such as receipts or statements.
• Do not leave your receipt behind – take it with you. Compare your ATM receipts with your monthly statement. It is the best way to guard against unauthorized use of your card, and it makes record-keeping easier for you.
• Never disclose your security details such as account number or PIN to anyone, even if they claim to be from the bank or the police.
• Change your PIN frequently.
• In cases of lost or stolen, please immediately report lost or stolen Card information to our Card Helpline Number. +8809612767676 or email us: cards@citizensbankbd.com

 

5. Phishing Scam

Phishing scams happen when scammers attempt to trick you into giving out personal information such as your online banking password, your bank account number, your credit card number, and your ATM PIN. The scammer may contact you via email, social media, phone call, or text message and trick you to update your banking details or direct you to a fake website to submit your personal information.

How to protect yourself from phishing scams?

• Do not share your ATM card number, PIN, username, password and one-time password (OTP) number via email/pop-up window / non-secure webpage/ SMS and unknown phone.
• Do not reply to emails such as lotteries or funding through email from CZB. Discard such emails if you ever get them.
• Do not reply with links or download attachments from unknown sources.
• Always think twice before clicking on any link attached to the email.
• Be cautious of unsolicited emails that demand immediate action such as  “your password or PIN has been compromised, click the link immediately to reset”. Always take time to investigate the legitimacy before you act in such cases.
• Do not submit your personal information directly to the untrusted media.

 

6. Browser Redirection Advertisement Scam

Beware of clicking on suspicious ads that lead to fake online banking websites

Scammers can create advertisements and lead you to a fake identical website. After you have been tricked by a fake website, you may unknowingly share your internet banking or personal information with the scammers.

How to protect yourself from browser redirection advertisement scams?

• Always type in https://www.citizensbankbd.com/ when you want to login into your Citizens Bank.
• Do not search for citizensbankbd from your browser.
• Ensure the link at the address bar is secured.

 

7. Money Mules

A money mule is someone who transfers or moves illegally acquired money on behalf of someone else.

How does a scammer use a mule account?

• Scammers will contact the potential victims via emails, chat rooms, websites or social media and persuade them to receive money into their bank account.
• They will trap victims with a lucrative scheme and monetary rewards in exchange for using the victims’ bank accounts or ATM cards.
• Scammers will then transfer the illegal money into the victims’ bank account (mule account).
• The victims are then instructed to transfer the money into another mule account.
• When the fraud is detected, the mule account holder will become the target of the authority and investigation.

 

How to protect yourself from money mules

• Do not allow your account to be used or handled by any third party or unknown persons.
• Do not share your account bank details i.e. Internet Banking User Name and/or Password, ATM Card, PIN Number or OTP with anyone.