How to boost online security for your business

To help your business stay safe online, NAB’s Security team share their top five cyber security tips.

Protect your business from cyber attacks

A cyber attack could have a devastating effect on your business. You could lose money to theft or fraud, or your valuable data could be compromised. It takes time and money to recover from a breach and to notify any relevant authorities and institutions. You could also suffer the longer-term effects of damage to your reputation.

It’s vital that you have the right online security measures in place to protect your business from cyber security attacks. Here are five internet safety tips to help you protect your business and stay safe online.

1. Make sure your systems are secure

• Have up-to-date anti-virus software installed on all computers.
• Take advantage of NAB’s free six month anti-virus offer for customers.
• Ensure automatic updates are enabled for your operating system and programs.
• Remove administration rights from computers that don’t need it.

2. Protect your business data

Back up your data regularly, store it offsite and test the backups frequently.

3. Be vigilant about managing passwords and access

• Use strong passwords with letters, numbers and symbols.
• Use a different password for each of your accounts.
• Ensure employees have their own login credentials to your business systems.
• Use different computers to create and approve transactions.

4. Add extra layers of security when using NAB Connect

The following controls will reduce the risk of human error and unauthorised transactions.

Segregation of duties

This enforces the need for a transaction to be created and approved by separate people in your business.

Dual authorisation

Each transaction must be approved by two or more people in your business.

Security tokens

These provide each NAB Connect user in your business with unique one-time passwords for logging in and creating and approving transactions.

5. Be on the lookout for emails with suspicious features

When it comes to online scams, some of the most common red flags are emails:

• sent from an unknown sender
• containing links or attachments
• generically addressed - for example, "Dear valued customer…"
• containing unsolicited or irrelevant content
• with spelling or grammatical errors
• conveying a sense of urgency.

If in doubt, call for help

If you receive a suspicious email from NAB, report it to phish@nab.com.au without clicking on any links or attachments. 

If you have a NAB account and believe it's been compromised, or you notice anything unusual, don't proceed with any transactions. Contact the NAB Connect Client Centre immediately on 1300 888 413. Report that you may be a victim of internet crimes and that your computer may be infected with malicious software.

NAB can also help you to keep track of the latest phishing emails - emails that attempt to gain sensitive information - on our latest security alerts page.

For more information on how to stay safe online visit our security hub or speak to your banker. There you'll find security tips for you and your business. NAB also offers online safety training specifically tailored to small businesses including expert advice on how you and your staff can keep your business safe.

For further information on internet security, you can also catch up on the latest government information on cyber security, opens in new window and read the latest cyber security guide, opens in new window.