Security
Get the facts about the latest P&N Bank security features and policies. Find out how we can help you safeguard your account
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Security & Alerts
Agent Smith Android Malware
Australian Android users are warned not to download mobile apps from third party app stores following reports of malware known as ‘Agent Smith’ infecting 25 million Android devices globally.
How it works
Android devices are infected when the user installs an app, often a game app from a third party site, which contains this malicious software (malware).
The ‘Agent Smith’ malware then searches an infected device for other apps it can feed on, replacing them with malicious, cloned versions without the user’s knowledge.
‘Agent Smith’ is capable of replicating mobile apps like WhatsApp, web browser Opera and virtual keyboard SwiftKey.
Through the replicated apps, ‘Agent Smith’ displays fake advertisements that are used by cybercriminals to steal your money or personal information. By impersonating existing apps on a user’s device – and leveraging the permissions a user has granted to the real apps – cybercriminals could also hijack sensitive information like your banking password or other online logins.
How do I stay safe?
• If you think you may have downloaded an app containing ‘Agent Smith’, Android users can go to Settings, then click on Apps or Application Manager, scroll to the suspected app and uninstall it. If it can’t be found then remove all recently installed apps.
• Never download apps from third party sites or from links in emails, social media, text messages or websites. Use legitimate app stores such as Google Play for Android or Apple’s App Store.
• Don’t click on app adverts as they may contain malicious software – and consider installing a reputable ad blocker from a legitimate app store that will stop you seeing most ads.
• Keep your devices and apps updated with the latest software whenever updates are available – and set updates to install automatically wherever possible.
How to Stay Safe Online
Be aware of scams
These days scammers are becoming very sophisticated, particularly when it comes to online activity. It's important to stay up to date with the latest scams such as SMS phishing, email phishing and telephone scams soliciting your personal and banking information.
Find out more about these common banking scams here. Alternatively you can visit the Scamwatch website for the latest information.
Bank safely online
To protect your accounts and personal information, it's important you know how to protect yourself. Here's some precautions you can take while using online banking.
- Don't choose online banking passwords that are easy to guess, such as your name or birth date.
- Never tell anyone your log on information.
- Change your online banking password regularly.
- We will never ask you for login or account details via email
- Always log on to Internet banking via the P&N website.
- Never log in to Internet Banking via a direct link from an email or third party website
- Never leave an online banking session unattended.
- Always log out properly.
Bank safely when using mobile apps
Here are a few more things you should to remember to stay safe when banking via mobile apps:
- Never download apps from third party sites or from links in emails, social media, text messages or websites.
- Use legitimate app stores such as Google Play for Android or Apple’s App Store.
- Don’t keep your member number and password with on your phone.
- For security, your mobile session will close after a period of inactivity. To begin another session, simply log in again.
- Make sure you exit the app, or lock your phone when you’re finished.
- Get in touch with us immediately if you’ve lost your mobile device or you think someone may know your login details.
Read more about security and fraud protection here.