Safe and sound.
Creating a secure login is an important step in protecting your personal and sensitive information when accessing online accounts.
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is an additional layer of security that helps protect your online accounts beyond just a password. Keep reading to learn how it works and why it’s important.
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Contact us on 1300 728 728 during business hours or 0467 953 309 (8am - 6pm weekends & public holidays) and report your situation.
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You can report your card as lost or stolen 24/7 in our App, through Internet Banking, or by phoning 1300 728 728.
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Don't delay - as the quicker you let us know, the faster we can help protect you.
How do I secure my password?
Create strong, unique passwords.
- Choose a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
- Consider using passphrases—combinations of unrelated words that wouldn’t make sense to anyone but you—orangehockeydrawerflask anyone?
Avoid easily guessable information.
- Your birthday, your address, your middle name—this kind of information is too easy for scammers to get their hands on.
- Choose unique phrases that aren’t easily associated with you.
Use a trusted password manager.
- A password manager program can keep multiple passwords on hand for you—a far safer option than that notebook floating around in the bottom of your bag.
- The program can generate and securely store complex passwords for you.
- Some of the popular password managers used are: LastPass, 1Password, and Bitwarden.
Regularly update your passwords.
- Change your passwords regularly, ideally every few months. A reminder in your phone or calendar helps make sure you do!
- Avoid using the same password across multiple applications. That way if a scammer does get their hands on it, they can’t access everything.
How two-factor authentication works.
Your password plus something else.
When you activate 2FA for an account, it’s password plus. You need not just one, but two forms of verification to access your accounts. This involves something you know (like a password) and something you have (like a code sent to your phone generated by an app).
Choose your plus one.
• The texting sidekick: A one-time code is sent to your mobile phone via text message.
• The inbox guardian: A one-time code is sent to your email address.
• The code creator: Use an app (such as Google Authenticator) to generate a unique code that changes every few seconds.
Why two-factor authentication is important.
• Enhanced security: 2FA adds an extra layer of protection against unauthorised access.
• Manages the risk of password vulnerabilities: Since passwords can be stolen or guessed, 2FA helps reduce the risks associated with password-based authentication.
• Safeguards sensitive data: For accounts containing sensitive information, financial or personal, 2FA helps reduce the risk of unauthorised access to some of your data.
Making the best use of two-factor authentication.
Sounds great, how do I set it up?
• Many online services and platforms offer 2FA as an optional security feature. To enable it, go to your account settings, look for the security or privacy section, and follow the instructions to set it up. Easy!
• You’ll usually need to provide a backup method (like a secondary phone number or email address) in case you lose access to your primary authentication method.
Making two-factor authentication even better.
• Use an authenticator app whenever possible—they are generally considered more secure than SMS or email 2FA methods.
• Many services provide backup codes that you can use if you lose access to your primary authentication method. Store these codes securely in case of emergency.
• Some services allow you to manage trusted devices for 2FA. Regularly review and remove any devices you no longer use or recognise.
Setting up 2FA on Internet Banking and the Summerland Bank App.
To enable 2FA on Internet Banking;
- Login to Internet Banking.
- Navigate to settings.
- Click on Secure SMS Management.
- Click on register.
- You will then be sent an secure SMS code automatically.
- Enter in the code on Internet Banking and click register to complete the process.
For the app;
- Open the Summerland Bank application.
- Click login on the app.
- Pop in your customer number and password.
- A 2FA code will be sent to you automatically.
- Then enter this back into the app to set up your app pin.
If you do not have access to secure SMS, we do offer a VIP Token option. If you’d like to find out more click here.
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Staying scam aware.
Scammers use various tactics to steal money or information, posing as trusted contacts, sending deceptive messages, or resorting to threats. To stay scam safe, don’t trust claims without verification, avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading attachments, and cut contact if threatened.
Remember: Stop. Think. Protect. Pause before sharing information, question if the message is authentic, and act quickly if something feels wrong.