How to stay Secure

• Computer Security
  • Ensure your computer is up to date, and critical updates are installed regularly or automatically if the software supports it.
    
    
  • Maintain an active and updated antivirus and anti-malware software program. Just remember that no software can substitute common sense!
    
    
  • Install a firewall on your computer to further protect you while browsing the internet.
    
    
  • Use strong and unique passwords to login to your computer/device.
    
    
  • Do not allow someone you do not know to access your computer remotely.
• Mobile Device Security
  • Configure your mobile device for auto-lock after a period of inactivity.
    
    
  • Enable biometric (e.g. fingerprint, face) authentication to unlock your device and sensitive applications.
    
    
  • Use a strong password or passphrase along with biometric authentication. Avoid simple PINs or passwords.
    
    
  • Avoid leaving your device unattended in public places and always keep it in a secure location.
    
    
  • Regularly update your mobile device’s operating system and applications to latest versions.
    
    
  • Disable app permissions that are not strictly necessary (e.g. access to location, contacts, or microphone).
    
    
  • Log out of mobile banking applications after completing your transactions.
    
    
  • Only download applications from authorized or official app stores to avoid installing fraudulent applications. Remember that fraudulent applications often pretend to look like real applications.
    
    
  • Take advantage of the multi-factor authentication functionality provided by the Bank.
    
    
  • Avoid rooting/jailbreaking your mobile device. Malware can use this to circumvent the security restrictions of your phone and steal your data.
• Internet Security

  Stay alert when browsing. Avoid public Wi-Fi for banking, verify URLs, and use secure connections.  

  • Verify Secure Connections: Always check that “https” and a padlock icon precede the website address before entering banking and personal information. If you don’t see these, the connection might not be secure, and your data could be at risk. 

  • Direct Access to Bank Websites: Access the Bank’s official websites securely by typing the address directly into your browser instead of clicking links in emails or SMSs. Visit: 

  • https://www.bankofcyprus.com/ 

  • https://online.bankofcyprus.com/ 

  • Avoid Public Wi-Fi: Refrain from using public Wi-Fi to access your Internet Banking or . Utilize your mobile device network to connect to the Internet.  

  • Limit Personal Information Sharing: Avoid sharing excessive personal information on social media platforms to protect your privacy. 

  • Secure Your Home Network: Use a strong and unique password for your home Wi-Fi network. Change the default administrator password of your router to a strong, unique password. 

  • • Protect Smart Devices: Change default passwords on all smart devices (IoT) connected to your home network to prevent unauthorized access. 
• Password Security
  • Keep your online banking credentials confidential.
    
    
  • Never write your online banking credentials anywhere that someone else can obtain and use them.
    
    
  • Use a unique and strong password for each site you access. Avoid reusing the same password across multiple sites.
    
    
  • Regularly update your password and avoid using predictable patterns and sequences. Use browser password generators to generate strong passwords.
    
    
  • Avoid saving your login credentials on public, shared, or untrusted devices.
    
    
  • Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible to add an extra layer of security.
    
    
  • Use a trusted password manager or browser's password storage to store and manage complex passwords securely.
    
    
  • Do not save your login credentials on public or shared devices.
• Account Security
  • Always log out of your online banking account after completing your activities, especially when using shared devices.
    
    
  • Regularly review and reconcile your transaction history to ensure all transactions are recognized.
    
    
  • Enable account notifications via email or SMS for activity on your banking accounts to quickly identify suspicious activities.
    
    
  • Ensure your contact information is always up to date. This will allow us to quickly notify you in case of suspicious activity.
    
    
  • If you receive a notification about banking activities you do not recognize, contact the Bank's call center on 800 00 800 or +357 22 1280000 if calling from abroad immediately, or report it to our abuse department at info@bankofcyprus.com and abuse@bankofcyprus.com