With national heart awareness month upon us, many health professionals will be using this opportunity to highlight heart disease and the impact that it has on society.
Stress is a major contributor to poor health because of the demands that it places on one’s cardiovascular system. It is often referred to as the silent killer, seemingly harmless, except for the odd spike in blood pressure and the tremendous strain that it places on the heart.
Just think back to that sinking feeling when you got to the bank on Saturday as they closed the door.
Innovative, convenient technology
Online banking has changed this all-too-familiar situation and made life a lot simpler.
Because of the internet, one can surf online for just about anything.
Online banking gives you the freedom to bank whenever and wherever you like and it’s extremely convenient, which makes our lives much easier and stress-free.
No more rushing to the bank to beat closing time or worrying about making a payment at a moment’s notice.
With internet banking you can transfer funds and view account balances and statements.
Online banking has effectively freed us from the frustrations associated with visiting a bank.
Techno-savvy criminals, however, are constantly looking for new ways to access bank accounts, despite the fact that the industry invests millions every year on the best systems and procedures to prevent this.
Keystroke logging
Computer keyboard loggers record (or log) every keystroke entered on a computer. The criminal then retrieves this information and uses it to access your accounts.
Key loggers can be software or hardware. Software key loggers are difficult to detect and for this reason most banks recommend that you update your antivirus and anti-spy software regularly and not open suspicious emails or attachments.
Hardware key loggers look like small cylinders with a length of cable on either end. This is installed between your computer and the keyboard cable, although a much smaller unit can be installed in your keyboard. Again, it is for this reason that banks advise you to secure your computer and limit physical access.
SIM swopping
Some banks send codes or passwords to their clients’ cellphones for login and transacting purposes.
This technology has attracted the attention of fraudsters who use a technique called SIM swopping which allows them to intercept this sensitive information.
They impersonate you and persuade your cellular service provider to assign your existing cellphone number to a new SIM card, which means that they will receive all your calls and SMS notifications and transact on your account.
Victims are often not aware of this until it is too late. If you notice that your cellphone has lost its signal or you are not receiving calls and SMSes, it could be that a SIM swop had been done.
Phishing
When you are lured into sharing your banking details and confidential information with someone, either with an email requesting information or encouraging you to visit a fake website, it’s called phishing.
Never respond to emails asking for your account details as your bank will never ask for these via email. If you receive suspicious or unidentified emails with attachments, do not open them. Note that criminals may also contact you telephonically when phishing for your details.
Get connected
Visit various banks or browse their websites and see what they offer, just as you would with any other bank product or service.
If you have still not registered for online banking because you feel intimidated by the technology, relax, it’s easier than you think. So register today and enjoy hassle-free banking.
Yolandé van Rensburg is head of corporate communication at Capitec Bank