Recent news on Spywares reported that some companies are promising faster internet access if the user channels his web communication through these companies' servers and/or installs special programs onto their computer. In doing so, these companies are provided with opportunities to monitor your web behaviour.

Some of these companies are even able to decrypt, thus exposing your online communication including encrypted information containing confidential details such as user IDs, passwords, account particulars keyed in even at secured websites!

At finatiQ, we are committed to provide the highest level of security to our customers. Hence, we strongly advise that you do not access finatiQ Internet Banking through such web services or when any such dubious computer software which can be malicious, has been installed in your computer.

• Spyware is a software that gathers user information while on the Internet and reports them to third parties.
• Adware is a form of Spyware used by marketers to track Internet user’s surfing habits and interests for the purpose of customizing future advertising material. Adware can monitor information such as the type of sites visited, nature of articles read or the types of pop-ups and banners a user clicks on. This information collected is then used to customize future advertisements targeted at the user, or can be sold to a third party for the same purpose.
• Spyware and Adware not only slows down the system performance of a computer, they also use memory and system resources that can cause system crashes and instability.
• Such programs may also have the ability to monitor keystrokes, scan files on your hard drive, change the default home page of your browser, and relay information about your web visits to unauthorised/disreputable third parties who can potentially manipulate the information.
• Hence, Spyware and Adware programs are considered as potential forms of identity theft as they have the ability to invade your online privacy by gaining access to your passwords, PINs, credit card details and other personal transaction information.

With the proper precautions, you can help protect your finatiQ accounts and personal information from harmful programs:

• Be wary of banners, ads and pop-ups while surfing the Internet.
  Refrain from clicking on them no matter how enticing they may appear.
• Avoid downloading programs and email attachments from unknown sources.
  Downloads may contain hidden programs that can compromise your computer’s security. Also, never download or open email attachments from unknown senders.
• Keep your computer operating system and Web browser current.
  If your computer is more than five years old, its operating system (e.g. Windows 98, OS 7 etc.) may not offer the same level of protection as newer systems. System manufacturers such as Microsoft and Apple provide frequent updates to help make your system more secure. You may check their respective websites accordingly for further information.
• Install and update your computer with the latest anti-virus software.
  Commercially available virus protection software helps reduce the risk of contracting computer viruses that can compromise your security. These programs offer the protection against the latest threats – provided you continuously keep the program updated.
• Install up-to-date anti Spyware program to regularly scan your computer, locate, quarantine and delete any Spyware/Adware in your computer.
• Review terms and conditions when you install free programs or subscribe to services from the Internet.
• Never divulge your password to anyone, not even to someone who claims to be a staff of finatiQ.
  Your password is personal and highly confidential. Our staff will NEVER ask for your password either via emails, in person or over the telephone.
• Change your password on a regular basis.