ELECTRONIC SERVICES CONSUMER AWARENESS PROGRAM

Source: BSP MORB Appendix 79 Annex C

To ensure the security of transactions and personal information in electronic delivery channels, consumers are oriented on their roles and responsibilities, as follows:

  • Do not disclose Login ID and Password or PIN.

  • Do not store Login ID and Password or PIN on the computer.

  • Regularly change password or PIN and avoid using easy-to-guess passwords such as names or birthdays.

  • Password should be a combination of characters (uppercase and lowercase) and numbers and should be at least eight (8) digits in length.

  • Do not disclose personal information such as address, mother's maiden name, telephone number, social security number, bank account number or e-mail address — unless the one collecting the information is reliable and trustworthy.

  • Regularly check transaction history details and statements to make sure that there are no unauthorized transactions.

  • Review and reconcile monthly credit card and bank statements for any errors or unauthorized transactions promptly and thoroughly.

  • Check e-mail for contacts by merchants with whom one is doing business. Merchants may send important information about transaction histories.

  • Immediately notify the BSFI if there are unauthorized entries or transactions in the account.

  • Before doing any online transactions or sending personal information, make sure that correct website has been accessed.The official website of Philippine Business Bank is https://www.pbb.com.ph. Beware of bogus or "look alike" websites which are designed to deceive consumers.

  • Check if the website is "secure" by checking the Universal Resource Locators (URLs) which should begin with "https" and a closed padlock icon on the status bar in the browser is displayed. To confirm authenticity of the site, double-click on the lock icon to display a security certificate information of the site.

  • Always enter the URL of the website directly into the web browser. Avoid being re-directed to the website, or hyperlink to it from a website that may not be as secure.

  • If possible, use software that encrypts or scrambles the information when sending sensitive information or performing e-banking transactions online.

  • Install a personal firewall and a reputable anti-virus program to protect personal computer from virus attacks or malicious programs.

  • Ensure that the anti-virus program is updated and runs at all times.

  • Always keep the operating system and the web browser updated with the latest security patches, in order to protect against weaknesses or vulnerabilities.

  • Always check with an updated anti- virus program when downloading a program or opening an attachment to ensure that it does not contain any virus.

  • Install updated scanner softwares to detect and eliminate malicious programs capable of capturing personal or financial information online.

  • Never download any file or software from sites or sources, which are not familiar or hyperlinks sent by strangers. Opening such files could expose the system to a computer virus that could hijack personal information, including password or PIN.

  • Log-off from the internet banking site when computer is unattended, even if it is for a short while.

  • Always remember to log-off when e-banking transactions have been completed.

  • Clear the memory cache and transaction history after logging out from the website to remove account information. This would avoid incidents of the stored information being retrieved by unwanted parties.

  • Read and understand website disclosures specifically on refund, shipping, account debit/credit policies and other terms and conditions.

  • Before providing any personal financial information to a website, determine how the information will be used or shared with others.

  • Check the site's statements about the security provided for the information divulged. PBB's Data Privacy Notice and Policy is available via this link https://www.pbb.com.ph/data%20privacy.htm

  • Some websites' disclosures are easier to find than others — look at the bottom of the home page, on order forms or in the "About" or "FAQs" section of a site. If the customer is not comfortable with the policy, consider doing business elsewhere.

  • Do not send any personal information particularly password or PIN via ordinary e-mail.

  • Do not open other browser windows while doing online transactions.

  • Avoid using shared or public personal computers in conducting financial transactions.

  • Disable the 'file and printer sharing' feature on the operating system if conducting financial transactions online.

  • Contact the BSFI concerned to discuss security concerns and remedies to any online e-services account issues.

 a) Automated Teller Machine (ATM) and debit cards