printPrint Page

Protect Yourself

Your Security Online

It is important to protect your PC from attack by unauthorised third parties while you are using the internet.

  • Trojan (virus/worm) - a type of software that can be downloaded onto your PC, without your knowledge. Once there, it can collect information from your computer system and may transmit it elsewhere. Information transmitted may include passwords, account and credit card details, email addresses and other personal information. Your PC can become infected by several methods, including:
    • Opening email attachments, which have originated from unknown sources
    • Accessing unknown/unreliable websites. Often links to these sites are contained within unsolicited emails
    • Downloading and installing software from unreliable websites
    • Installing software from other unreliable sources
  • Spyware - a specific type of Trojan, which monitors internet browser activity. There are several different types of spyware, however, some more harmful than others. Some spyware is used for advertising purposes and is relatively innocent. Other, more dangerous types can gather and transmit personal information.

You should protect your PC by using one of the many commercially available internet security software packages. These are readily available in computer stores, on-line for download, or may even be pre-installed on your PC. These packages will usually contain the following components (but you may have to source some of these separately):

  • Anti-virus software - protects your PC against viruses, trojans and worms. Ensure that this is regularly updated, e.g. daily/weekly
  • Personal firewall software - protects your PC against hackers. Ensure that this is configured and enabled. Anti-spyware software - protects your PC against spyware. Ensure that this is enabled and scans are run regularly
Back to Top

Your Security at ATMs

The following guidelines will assist in guiding you safely through an ATM transaction:

Choosing a cash machine

  • Put your personal safety first. Be aware of others around you. If someone close by the cash machine is behaving suspiciously or makes you feel uncomfortable please choose another machine
  • If there is anything unusual about the cash machine or there are signs of tampering, do not use the machine and report it to the bank or premises owner immediately

Using a cash machine

  • Give other users space to enter their PIN in private. We recommend standing about two metres away from the user in front of you until the person has completed their transaction. Some cash machines may have a safety zone marking out this area on the ground around the machine.
  • Be aware of your surroundings, if someone is crowding or watching you, cancel the transaction and go to another machine.
  • Do not accept help from 'well-meaning' strangers and never allow yourself to be distracted
  • Stand close to the cash machine and always shield the keypad to avoid anyone seeing you enter your PIN

Leaving a cash machine

  • Once you have completed a transaction, discreetly put your money and card away before leaving the cash machine
  • If the cash machine does not return your card, report its loss immediately to your bank (Bank of Ireland customers should ring 1890-365-365)
  • Dispose of your cash machine receipt, mini-statement or balance enquiry with care. Tear up or preferably shred these items before discarding them
Back to Top

Fraudulent Emails and Websites

A number of banking organisations and their customers have recently been the target of hoax emails and web pages which are aimed at gathering customers internet account details. To date the instances have been small but we would always advise caution with your personal details. Bank of Ireland's policy is to never ask you for account details or confidential information via email.

If you are sent such an email or access a screen requesting ATM or card PIN details report immediately to our Online Banking Help Desk on 1890 365 200. Do not reply to it and do not follow the instructions specified, regardless of how genuine the website may look. As an additional precaution it is advisable to have the latest anti-virus Software installed on your PC.

If you have any queries regarding this topic or are concerned that you may have inadvertently provided your details to a third party, please contact our Online Banking Helpdesk at 1890 365 200 Fraudulent Emails and Websites Opening Hours 9am to 7pm, Monday to Friday (excluding Bank/Public Holidays) or email us at 365security@boimail.com

Back to Top