Safe Banking & WiFi Security

What to do for secure banking:

1. Never use public WiFi for banking: Coffee shops, airports, and hotels have unsecured networks where criminals can see your data
2. Always type your bank's web address directly: Don't click links in emails or texts, type "yourbank.com.au" into your browser
3. Look for the padlock symbol: Make sure you see "https://" and a lock icon in your browser's address bar
4. Log out completely when finished: Don't just close the browser, click the "Log Out" button
5. Use your business mobile data instead: If you must bank while out, use your phone's data connection instead of public WiFi
6. Set up account alerts: Get text messages or emails for all transactions over $100

Business banking security protocols:

1. Designate specific computers: Only do banking from your office computer, not laptops or phones
2. Use a dedicated browser: Keep one browser just for banking, don't use it for anything else
3. Enable two factor authentication: Your bank should offer this, we'll cover how to set it up: read more here
4. Check statements daily: Review your business accounts every morning for unauthorised transactions
5. Use business only accounts: Never mix personal and business banking on the same devices

Securing your business WiFi:

1. Use WPA3 security: This is the latest WiFi security standard, check your router settings
2. Create a strong WiFi password: Use a long, complex password that's different from your other passwords
3. Hide your network name: Don't broadcast your business name as your WiFi name
4. Set up a guest network: Give visitors a separate WiFi network that can't access your business systems
5. Change default router passwords: Your router comes with a default admin password, change it immediately
6. Update router firmware regularly: Check for updates monthly or enable automatic updates

Using public WiFi safely:

1. Avoid it for sensitive work: Don't access banking, customer data, or confidential files on public WiFi
2. Use your mobile hotspot instead: Turn your phone into a WiFi hotspot for your laptop
3. Check the network name carefully: Criminals create fake networks like "Free_WiFi" to steal data
4. Turn off auto-connect: Don't let your devices automatically connect to any available network
5. Use HTTPS websites only: Make sure you see the padlock icon before entering any information

What to do for safe mobile banking:

1. Use your bank's official app: Download it directly from the App Store or Google Play, not from links
2. Enable phone screen lock: Use a PIN, password, or fingerprint to lock your phone
3. Don't save banking passwords: Type them in each time instead of saving them in your browser
4. Log out after each session: Don't stay logged in to banking apps
5. Keep your phone updated: Install security updates as soon as they're available
6. Don't bank on shared devices: Never use someone else's phone or computer for banking

What happened: In 2024, a Western Australian man was charged after setting up fake "free Wi-Fi" networks at airports in Perth, Melbourne, Adelaide, and on domestic flights. These rogue "evil twin" networks mimicked legitimate Wi-Fi hotspots to trick users into connecting.

The trick: Once connected, unsuspecting passengers were redirected to fake login pages that stole personal information such as email and social media credentials, which were stored for later misuse.

What saved them: Airline staff noticed the suspicious Wi-Fi during a flight, leading to authorities seizing devices from the suspect’s luggage and charging him.

Source: The Guardian: WA man set up fake free Wi-Fi at Australian airports and on flights to steal people’s data

Lesson: Always verify public Wi-Fi networks before connecting. Avoid accessing sensitive accounts like online banking over unsecured networks.

Essential security measures:

• Strong passwords: We'll show you how to create unbreakable passwords: read more here
• Two-factor authentication: Add extra security to your banking: read more here
• Secure network setup: We'll cover advanced network security later: read more here
• Employee training: Teach your team safe banking practices: read more here