Unique passwords 
Unique passwords typically contain at least eight characters, in addition to symbols and numbers. It is important to use different user IDs and passwords for your financial accounts to those used for regular online accounts such as email or social networks. 

3D technology
Byblos Bank debit and credit cards have 3D secure technology built in, making online shopping extremely safe. Each time you make an online purchase from a secure site, you will receive an OTP on your mobile.

Memorable numbers
Never use birthdays or house numbers for PIN numbers, passwords or user ID’s. 

Odd emails
Byblos Bank will never approach you to ask for personal information. Any email from Byblos Bank that requests the submission of personal details and financial details is almost certainly suspicious and you should not respond to them in any way. 

Attachments
Attachments or software links from unknown sources should be ignored. Never download anything from a source that you do not recognize or trust. This includes special offers and ‘too-good-to-be-true’ deals on social media platforms – even if they are from friends. The mantra ‘if it seems too good to be true it probably is’ is worth bearing in mind. 

Share cautiously
The more we share, the easier it is for criminals to access our accounts or steal our identity. Spend time to go to the security settings on all your social media sites, even those that might seem innocuous such as Instagram or Snapchat. Always protect your telephone number, email address, date of birth, your location and any other personal information. Don’t make it easy for the fraudsters. 

Click with care
Most safe websites will begin with a lock and a green ‘https ’. This is particularly the case with online retailers or financial services companies. It would be highly unusual for such companies to not have a lock and ‘https’. If you are paying online with your credit or debit card, pause to think and double check. 

Requests to click links to enter personal details or calls for immediate action should be avoided. They are almost always hackers, thieves, viruses or scams. Never click and never respond. 

Smartphone lock safety
It may seem boring to have to unlock your screen after only a few minutes of inactivity – but smartphones have screen locking features for a very good reason. Many phones now utilize fingerprint scanners, iris scanners and facial recognition software, in addition to passwords and PIN numbers. Use the highest level of security available to you and, where possible use more than one form of authentication. 

Never store sensitive information on your phone
PIN numbers, passwords and security questions can be difficult to remember – but it is crucial to remember them in your head. Never save such information on your phone – you may think they’re well-hidden, but fraudsters know where to look. 

Applications
Check through the privacy settings and policies of apps before you download them and before you give them permission to access your personal details. Review which apps have permissions in your smartphones permissions settings and make sure that you understand what information an app wishes to access. Only ever download apps from trusted places.

Stay up to date
Your PC and smartphone manufacturers are constantly finessing and updating their software. This includes security features. Whenever your device alerts you to an update, do not ignore it. Updates, whilst annoying, usually include the latest security patches, which are your last line of defense against viruses and malicious programs. Remember: you have spent hard-earned money on your smartphone and PC – take a few minutes to accept updates.