Password Protection

Password sent to you must be replaced by a Password of your choice at the time of first log in. And this is a mandatory procedure.

Passwords are your first line of defense against unauthorized access to your account. Hence, it is imperative you chose a password which is hard to crack. Here are some tips in selecting a strong password:

v      You must have a PIN or Passcode Feature on your cell phone

v      Don’t Use any password you have used before / or currently using in any other registrations

·         Your password should have a minimum of 8 characters

·         Avoid choosing passwords that can be easily identified such as name, family name, date of birth, telephone number, etc

·         You should use a unique password for each Web site and purpose

·         Do not use a password that contains part of your User ID or Account/ Card

·         Always memorize your password and do not reveal it to anyone.

·         Use combination of English lower/upper case characters, numerals and symbols (such as #, !, *, %) .

·         Use a phrase or a series of letters and/or numbers that you can easily remember but that would be hard for others to guess

·         Remember to disable the AutoComplete function on your browser, as this will make your User id & password automatically available to anyone having access to your system. To disable this function in MS Internet Explorer browser:

·         Open Internet Explorer and click on "Tools">>"Internet Options">>"Content"

·         Under "Personal Information", click on "Auto Complete"

·         Uncheck "User names and passwords on forms" and click on "Clear Passwords"

·         Click "OK"

SAIB wants to help you to protect yourself against fraudulent e-mail. E-mail fraud is one of the more common and damaging methods used to scam customers on the Internet today. By educating yourself and following some simple tips you will be less likely to fall victim to one of these schemes

What is Phishing?

Phishing involves an e-mail message being sent out to as many e-mail addresses that a fraudster can obtain, claiming to come from a legitimate organization such as a bank, online payment service or online retailer. The e-mail requests the recipient to update or to verify their personal and financial information, including date of birth, login information, account details, credit card numbers, PIN numbers, etc. Some of the email messages include a threat that failure to update or validate will result in, for example, the account being frozen. The objective is to induce unsuspecting recipients, who happen to be customers of the legitimate organization being imitated, to respond to the email and to provide the information being requested.

The e-mail will contain a link that takes you to a spoof web site that looks identical, or at least very similar, to the organization’s genuine site. In some cases, when the link in the email is clicked, the genuine site is accessed, but is overlaid with a smaller window with the spoof site, making it more believable.

Tips to Identify Phishing mails?

·         Whenever you use a link to access a website, be sure to check for the URL of the website and compare it with the original. We recommend that you type in the URL yourself whenever you access our online banking website or bookmark/store the URL in your list of ‘Favorites’ 

·         These emails generally ask for sensitive account information like Usernames, Passwords, Credit Card or Debit Card Numbers over the email

·         The emails may include content, which is bound to make you react. For example, the email may have content which would state, "Please click here to update your Account Information in order to keep your Bank Account active". SAIB will never send such emails

·         Such e-mails may contain spelling mistakes. Even the links to the counterfeit websites may contain URLs with spelling mistakes, to take you to a fake website which looks like that of your bank

·         The e-mail may attempt to convey a sense of urgency or threat. Example: “Your account will be closed or temporarily suspended if you don't respond” or “You'll be charged a fee if you don't respond”

·         Check for the Padlock icon - There is a de facto standard among web browsers to display a Padlock icon somewhere in the window of the browser.
For example, Microsoft Internet Explorer displays the lock icon at the bottom right of the browser window. Click (or double-click) on it in your web browser to see details of the site's security

What do I do if I receive a Phishing e-mail?

If you receive an email that appears to be suspicious, do not reply to it or click on the link it provides. Immediately report the matter to us by calling SAIB customer care center on 16668 If you suspect that you have become a victim of a fraudulent e-mail and have already divulged some sensitive information, please contact us immediately on 16668 .

Personal Computer Usage

Make sure that you keep your operating system and Internet browser updated with patches from the vendor's website. These patches correct security risks that were discovered after the time the software was initially released. Some additional tips you can keep in mind are:

·                   Log off from Online Banking upon completion of your session - Use the “Logout” button to sign off so that the session closes. Do not shut the browser window to log off. This will prevent the viewing of previous pages of your online session via your computer

·                   When you are away from your computer, lock it, shut it down or disconnect it from the internet to prevent access from unauthorized users

·                   Install all security updates offered by your software provider(s)

·                   Avoid downloading programs from unknown sources. Some sources may have hidden forms of spy ware or viruses that could compromise the security of your computer

·                   If you are using Internet Explorer, disable the 'Auto Complete' function on your browser to prevent your browser from remembering any passwords

Padlock Symbol

To ensure the site is running in secure mode prior to inputting any sensitive information, look out for this yellow padlock symbol  at the bottom right. Double click the padlock to ensure that the site certificate belongs to service provider/company that you are visiting.

Do not give your password, card number or other personal information if the page you are entering the information on is not displaying this padlock image.

Cyber Café Security

It is best to avoid using Internet Banking ((or any other internet services that require passwords)) at internet cafés, libraries or any other public sites to avoid the risk of information being copied and abused after you leave.

But if you are accessing any website (including www.saib.com.eg) from a cyber cafe, a shared computer or from a computer other than that of your own, ensure that:

·          You do not store your User Id on the computer

·          No one can see as you enter information, especially when using the screen keyboard

·          You do not leave the computer unattended while connected to SAIB Online Banking

·          You do not provide your account information if the screens you see are unfamiliar

·          You clear the browser's cache memory and history after each session so that your account information is removed

As an added security measure, you can also change your password after you have used a PC at a cyber café. However, it is advisable to have the password changed from your personal PC at the office or home.

To clear the browser cache memory (for Internet Explorer):

• On the browser toolbar, go to “Tools”

• Click on Internet Options

• On the “General” tab, click on “Delete Cookies” & “Delete Files”

• Click on OK

• Your cache memory is cleared!

To clear the browser history (for Internet Explorer):

• On the browser toolbar, go to “Tools”

• Click on Internet Options

• On the “General” tab, click on “Clear History”

• Click on OK

• Your browser history is cleared

Keep your User ID & password secured.

Password given upon registration must be replaced by a Password of your choice at the time of first log in. And this is a mandatory procedure. When creating passwords, remember the following things:

§  Keep them to yourself: No one at SAIB will ever ask you for your Internet Banking password

§  You must keep your User Id and Password secure and take steps to prevent unauthorized use of them.

§  Make them hard to guess, must not select a Password which represents your birth date or a recognizable part of your name.

§  Vary them: Try to use different passwords for different services

§  Change your passwords regularly

§  Never write them down

§  You must not tell or disclose them to another person or allow them to be seen by another person (including family or friends).

§  SAIBank may from time to time provide guidelines for ensuring the security of a Password.

SAIBank will then disable your old Password then the system will send you a new one.

SAIBank may cancel your User Id or Password at any time without notice if it believes it is being misused.

Always Log Off.

      Remember to log off from Internet Banking and close your browser when you are finished with your online banking. This will clear all traces of your visit from the computer's memory.

Anti-Spyware/Anti-Virus protection

·         Use Anti- spyware program.

Spyware is the term used to describe programs that run on your computer which monitor and record the way you browse the internet and the sites you visit. It can also be downloaded without your consent or knowledge and used to see personal information that you have entered online, including passwords, telephone numbers, credit card numbers and identity card numbers.

Again, be sure to visit the genuine site as there are many fake products claiming to protect your computer but which may actually infect it with viruses.

Anti-spyware programs currently available include Adware, Microsoft Defender (free), Spyware Blaster, Spy Sweeper and, Sunbelt Software Counter Spy. Again, be sure to visit the genuine site as there are many fake products claiming to protect your computer but which may actually infect it with viruses.

·         Install Anti-virus software.

You may already be using anti-virus software but to be effective, the software should be updated on a regular basis with the latest virus definition files. If you are unsure how to do this, you should refer to the programme's 'Help' function.

Any file with no extension or a double extension, e.g. wow.jpg.pif is almost certainly a virus and should never be opened. Also, never open an e-mail attachment that contains a file ending with .exe, .com, .bat, .pif and .vbs as these are commonly used with viruses.

There are many effective programmes to choose from, but the most common commercial products include McAfee, Trend Micro, Sophos, Symantec and F-Secure. It is also possible to obtain free anti-virus protection from Microsoft Security Essentials, Grisoft AVG Anti-Virus, Antivir, ALWIL Avast and ClamWin. However, be sure to visit the genuine site as there are many fake products claiming to protect your computer but which may actually infect it with viruses.

Other Considerations

There are other points you may take into consideration to protect your SAIB online banking.

·         Secure your wireless Network.

A wireless network allows you to connect your computer to the internet without having to use a cable. It typically contains a wireless router, which uses radio signals to transfer data to computers within the network. Wireless routers come preset to very insecure settings to help users connect to them for the first time – but this also means that other people could access your internet account quite easily. For this reason, you should always consult your manual or online guide to find out how to connect more securely through your wireless network – usually by creating a password and disabling unnecessary features.

·         Don’t use administrator mode.

It's a good idea not to use your computer in administrator mode because anyone who gains access to it will then have almost unlimited rights to see stored data or download software – including viruses. It's far better to make a user account and log in with that for day-to-day use.

·         Use a personal Firewall.

A personal firewall is another small programs that helps protect your computer and its contents from outsiders on the internet. When installed and correctly configured, it stops unauthorized traffic to and from your computer.

There are many effective programs to choose from. Common commercial examples include Windows Firewall and Check Point Zone Alarm (free), McAfee Personal Firewall and Norton Personal Firewall.

·         Disable The Autocomplete Function within Your Browser.

The 'AutoComplete' function on your computer stores information that you have previously entered, e.g.: addresses and passwords. Typically, the browser's own 'Help' function will tell you how to do disable the function.

·         Be Alert to potential Fraud.

Be aware that there are fake websites designed to trick you and collect your personal information. Sometimes links to such websites are contained in e-mail messages purporting to come from financial institutions or other reputable organizations. Never follow a link contained in an e-mail – even if it appears to come from your bank.

·         Be careful when you go online.

Avoid using Internet Banking (or any other internet services that require passwords) at internet cafés, libraries or any other public sites to avoid the risk of information being copied and abused after you leave.

·         Use the virtual Keyboard.

It is much safe when you use the virtual keyboard shown on the logging page to avoid key loggers.