We take security seriously at Newcastle Building Society, but we have no control over the environment in which you access our services. Therefore, you may also need to take precautions.
It is important that you take precautions to ensure that your User ID and Password is known only to you.
Everything we do in life carries risks, and we often learn from our mistakes a few simple security measures can help to prevent incidents in the first place. Security usually requires technology and human intervention. The following guidelines should help:
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Change your password immediately after you receive it
You will be sent a password when you open your account - the system will require you to change this when you log on for the first time. You can change your password at any stage, by selecting the Maintenance option from the Menu Bar and then choose the 'Amend Password' option. You will be asked to enter and confirm your new password which should be strong (see advice below).
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Use strong passwords
This is a basic precaution but one which many people ignore. As part of the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) top tips for staying secure online, the NCSC suggest a good starting point is combining three random words to create a password (for example applenemobiro). You can make them more complex by using mixture of upper case and lower case, and adding numbers and symbols). They also encourage people to use password managers, which can create strong passwords for you (and remember them).
You should avoid creating passwords from significant dates (like your birthday, or a loved one’s), or from your favourite sports team, or by using family and pet names. Criminals know that people often rely on these details to create passwords and they may be able to find them within your social media profile, for example.
You should also use a different password for each important online account (for example your email account, Society and other banking accounts).
If you suspect that someone may know your online savings account details ensure that your password is changed and contact us on 0345 734 4345 as soon as possible. Our operating hours are 8am–6pm, Monday - Friday. The safest place to keep your password is in your head.
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Use 2-step verification
Wherever possible, you should protect your most important online accounts (such as email, banking, social media and online shopping) by making sure you have 2-step verification turned on for each of them.
2-step verification, which is also known as two-factor authentication (2FA) or multi-factor authentication (MFA), helps to keep cyber criminals out of your accounts, even if they know your passwords.
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Protect your security details
Whenever you operate your account online, you are required to enter your User ID code and password. It is very important that you protect this information. Do not divulge this or other information which is used to identify you, such as a PIN or memorable data, to anyone else, under any circumstances. This includes via e-mail, as e-mail is not a secure unless it is encrypted.
Take care to ensure that nobody observes you when you are using this information to gain access to your account.
Avoid writing your password/PIN or memorable data down or storing this information on your PC, laptop or mobile phone (unless you are using a secure password management system).
Change your password IMMEDIATELY if you suspect that someone else knows it.
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Contact us immediately if you suspect your security information is known to someone else
If you lose your User ID/password/PIN, or suspect that the information has been discovered by someone else, please contact us on 0345 734 4345. Our operating hours are 8am–6pm, Monday – Friday. Once we have established your identity, you will be issued with a new unique User ID code and password. These will be sent to you under separate cover, by post.
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Be aware of security issues when accessing your account
Here are a few simple security issues to be aware of:
- Ensure you are not overlooked when logging on to your account, especially if you are accessing your account in a public area.
- Do not leave your PC unattended when you are logged on to your account.
- Ensure that you log off correctly when you are finished.
Close your browser after logging off. This is particularly important if you are accessing your account from a shared environment, for example a library.
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Install Anti-Malware software
Use anti-malware software on your PC to minimise the risk of infection by malicious software, such as viruses, spyware and ransomware. Make sure it is set to automatically scan all new files, such as those downloaded from the internet or stored on a USB stick, external hard drive, SD card, or other type of removable media. Additionally, make sure your anti-malware software is set to receive updates automatically. It is often included for free within the operating systems that run Windows and Apple computers and new computers often come with a trial version of a separate anti-malware product installed. Contact your local computer retailer for advice on anti-malware software.
Remember that new malware appears every day - Ensure that you use software which is routinely updated every time you access the Internet.
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Install a personal firewall
A personal firewall acts like a security guard, checking all data sent to or being sent from your computer. It will only permit access (in or out) to those who you have authorised. It will block anyone who it thinks should not be permitted, and will usually advise you that it is doing so, giving you the opportunity to permit access on a one off, or permanent basis. You may need to make a few adjustments to your rules at first, for example If you deny everything, you'll receive warning messages on a very frequent basis. If you permit everything, there's little point in the guard being there! Personal firewalls are often purchased as part of a software security package, or you can download free software. However no software firm can be specifically recommended by Newcastle Building Society.
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Keep your Operating System and apps up to date
You should apply updates to your operating system and apps, such as browsers as they are available. Updates often include improvements or security updates that help to keep you safe online.
If you run Microsoft Windows, run the Windows update feature regularly or even better, leave the default settings of Automatic Update enabled so that the Operating System is automatically kept up to date for you.
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Use Caution opening e-mail attachments
In most instances, your anti-malware software will delete harmful files, but the best course of action is don't open them in the first place, if you are at all suspicious. Take caution before opening attachments, as criminals may try to convince you into opening attachments that contain harmful content, such as viruses or ransomware. For example, they may pretend to be from a genuine website sending a receipt or invoice for example eBay or PayPal.
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Use caution when accessing web sites from links in e-mails you receive
Some fraudsters use this method to 'con' you into disclosing security information. You may receive an e-mail which appears to have been sent by an organisation which you deal with. A link within the e-mail directs you to a fake site, which closely resembles the site you wish to visit. The fraudsters use the scam to trick you into revealing your security information, which may then be used, in some instances, to transfer money from your account. This is called Phishing.
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Take care when dealing with suspicious calls
Some fraudsters use telephone calls as a method of gaining security information, and sometimes money, from genuine people. Some may call pretending to be from a bank, building society or other financial organisation. However, they will ask questions to gain information in order to commit fraud and other crimes. We will never ring and ask you to provide your online account details and we will never ask you to transfer money to an unknown account. If you are suspicious of a call, do not provide any details. Tell the person you will ring them back on a number you trust and belongs to that company and end the call as soon as possible. If you receive a suspicious call from someone pretending to work for Newcastle Building Society, please contact us to report this on 0345 734 4345.
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Take care when downloading and installing programs
There are lots of free programs available, and we all like a bargain, but consider what you're downloading before you do it. Downloads may contain a virus, or cause your computer to act in an unexpected way. Ask yourself if it's worth the risk - how much do you need it, and do you trust the source? Programs with hidden malicious content are called Trojan horses.
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Take regular backups of important files and folders
If you store a lot of data on your home computer, it is important that you take regular backups of anything that you don't want to lose, in the event of your computer breaking down. Backups are a copy of your data, which can be stored on USBs, CD's, external drives or portable memory storage or even simply a paper print out. USB memory sticks are very cheap and fast, efficient method of backing up your important files.
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