Protecting Yourself

Online and Email Safety 

• Do not share your login access codes for Online Services with any third party.
• Do not access your bank, brokerage or other financial services information at Internet cafes or other public spaces.
• Limit financial information on your laptop or hand-held device.
• Never leave your computer unattended while using any online banking or investing service.
• Do not respond to emails appearing to be from your bank, government office or other entity that request personal information such as User IDs, Passwords, Personal Identification Number (PIN), Taxpayer Registration Number (TRN), etc.
• Delete email messages that appear to be spam or contain suspicious attachments.
• Do not open unexpected attachments from known or unknown sources.
• Report suspicious activity on your accounts immediately to the appropriate parties.

Login Safety and Password Protection 

• Avoid using an automatic login feature that saves your Password.
• Always sign off or log out of Online Services when you are finished. Do not just close or shut- down your browser.
• Enable the "time out" feature that locks your computer when unattended.
• Never share your Password or PIN with anyone.
• Never write your Password or PIN where others may find it.
• When selecting a Password and Secret Questions and Answers, don't use information easily linked to you such as your date of birth, middle name or any information that can be easily guessed.
• Change your Password frequently for greater protection, we recommend at least every 90 days.
• Use both numbers and letters in your Password and avoid reusing the same Passwords.
• Avoid using Passwords that are names of people, sports teams, cities or common phrases found in dictionaries.
• Never write your Password or PIN where others may find it.

Virus Protection, Spyware and Firewalls 

• Update your virus protection software regularly.
• Use Spyware detection and elimination programs.
• Use a firewall, especially if you have a high-speed or "always on" connection to the Internet, such as DSL or cable modem.
• Check to make sure that your virus definitions and anti-Spyware are up-to-date.
• Perform frequent scans on your computer to help detect viruses.
• Keep your operating systems and software up-to-date by applying the latest security patches.

Security Savvy: Dos & Don'ts

• Do not download files from strangers or unknown sites.
• Do not click on email links from unknown senders.
• Delete any personal information stored on your computer before you dispose of it. You can do this by using a "wipe" utility program, which overwrites the entire hard drive. 

Card Protection

• Ensure the Personal Identification Number (PIN) you select is unique and not easily identifiable (e.g. birth date, phone number, etc.). If you own multiple cards, differentiate your PIN numbers across cards.
• Memorize all PINs, such as your ATM or debit card PIN and online passwords. Do not keep such numbers in your wallet or purse.
• Use secure sites when shopping online - If you are shopping online, don't provide your personal or financial information through a company's website until you have checked for indicators that the site is secure, like a lock icon on the browser's status bar or a website URL that begins "https:" (the "s" stands for "secure"). Unfortunately, no indicator is foolproof; some scammers have forged security icons.
• Monitor your card transaction activity on your bank statements. For added protection, monitor frequently online.
• Sign cards immediately - Upon receipt of your card, ensure that you sign the back signature panel.
• Report suspicious behavior quickly - To report suspicious card activity, or lost/stolen cards, please contact NCB's 24hr customer service at 1-888-NCB-FIRST (1-888-622-3477).

ABM Safety

In order to ensure your safety when using an ABM day or night, we ask that you use good judgement and observe the following guidelines:

• Vary the hours of your visits to the ABM.
• Avoid using machines at nights if the area is isolated.
• Never approach an ABM after dark if the lights at the site do not appear to be bright enough.
• Exercise caution when using ABMs located near the entrance and exit of shopping malls.
• Survey the area of the ABM as you arrive. Be suspicious of persons loitering. Do not approach the ABM if you see such persons.
• Never approach the ABM if you have any doubts or fear.
• Where possible, have a trusted person accompany you to the location.
• Do not leave your vehicle engine running or your keys in the ignition when using an ABM.
• Take note of persons waiting in line to use the machine. Watch out for behaviour such as persons who continue to change their place in the line.
• Do not enter the booth if you are suspicious. Only when you are satisfied should you unlock the door and enter the booth. Lock the door quickly behind you.
• Never allow anyone inside the booth while doing your transaction.
• Memorize your Personal Identification Number (PIN). Avoid writing your PIN anywhere.
• Do not disclose your Personal Identification Number (PIN) to anyone.
• Shield the ABM keyboard with your body so others cannot observe you as you enter your Personal Identification Number (PIN).
• Count/check money while facing the machine to avoid persons seeing what kind of business you transacted. Never leave the booth with your wallet and/or cash in your hand.
• If you are followed from an ABM, go to a busy area or where there are other people. If you are driving, go to the nearest Police Station.
• Don't accept "help" from anybody hanging around the ABM as they may try to trick you into getting access to your PIN, e.g they may say they were having trouble using the machine also and you just need to enter your PIN again.
• Use ABMs which are under video surveillance or inside of a bank lobby. They're less likely to be tampered with. Thieves have to take more risk installing "skimming devices" where there are security cameras.
• Skimming devices generally will stick out a few extra inches from an ABM. If something looks suspicious, find another ABM. Don't fall for a poor fitting device (or a sticker or sign that says "Swipe Here First" or "Use This Machine Only").