Security Tips

Don't use personal information
Do not use passwords that can be easily guessed, e.g. Children's names, birth dates, telephone numbers and so forth.

Keep your passwords private
Never write down your passwords nor disclose them to anyone.

Make it difficult
Your password should have a minimum of eight characters, be as meaningless as possible and use uppercase letters, lowercase letters, symbols and numbers i.e. 3Lpn58g4!!.

Change passwords regularly
Change your password at least every 30 days.

Password-protect your computer
Use a password on your computer to prevent unauthorized individuals from accessing your information.
If your password has been used or accessed by anyone contact the NBK Call Center immediately at +9611759700.

Never use public computers
Avoid using NBK Online Banking or any other internet sites which require the use of passwords at airports, internet cafes, libraries or other public places.

Disable the “autocomplete” function on your browser
The “Aautocomplete” function remembers data you have inputted, sometimes even passwords. The next person to use your computer could potentially gain access to all this information. The “Help” function on your browser will tell you how to do disable the “autocomplete” function. When your computer asks you if you would like “Save this password” you should always reject the offer to save your sensitive banking information.

Review your account statement online carefully and frequently
Make a habit of reviewing your banking information on NBK Online Banking on a regular basis. This is one of the best ways to notice and stop fraudulent activity.

Logging into NBK Online Banking

• Ensure when you log on to NBK Online Banking your connection is secure and always from a trusted computer
• Always log on to NBK Online Banking by entering the website address online.nbk.com.lb/ into the address bar
• Never access www.nbk.com from a link in an email
• Never leave your computer or phone unattended while you are logged onto NBK Online Banking
• If you are leaving your computer, make sure you log off from NBK Online Banking

Updates and patches
From time to time, vulnerabilities are discovered on systems running on your computer. These weaknesses are regularly exploited by hackers to gain unauthorized access to those computers that have not been patched. Make sure to update your operating system and systems regularly to avoid these vulnerabilities.

Anti-virus software
Download anti-virus software to keep your computer and banking information safe. You may already be using anti-virus software but to be effective, the software should be updated on a regular basis with the latest virus definitions. 

A personal firewall is another program that helps protect your computer from outsiders on the internet. When installed, it stops unauthorized traffic to and from your computer. 

Upgrade your browser now!
There’s nothing worse than being in the middle of a transaction online and finding yourself unable to complete the process half way through. Such interruptions and technical issues can be avoided by simply upgrading your browser!

NBK Online Banking and NBK Salary Portal customers that use Internet Explorer to access these online services will need to ensure to upgrade their Internet Explorer (IE) browsers to IE 9.

This action should be taken by all customers, including NBK Corporate and Business Banking Customers for the best experience across NBK online services.

Phishing
Phishing refers to fraudsters attempts to “fish” for your personal details by using fake emails and claiming to be from NBK and so forth. In these emails, the customer is requested to provide their personal or financial information. Customers are led to believe the request is from NBK or a real company when in fact it is an attempt to collect customer information for the purpose of committing fraud. Once the fraudsters have collected financial information via phishing, they can abuse this information and steal funds from those accounts. They then recruit innocent individuals by placing different ads on the Internet. These recruits are known as “mules.” The bank accounts of the mules will be used to accept money transfers from fraudsters. Mules will be asked to withdraw the money from their accounts and forward it, minus their commission, to the fraudsters. The fraudsters may be able to stay anonymous but there is a trail to the phishing mules which can be followed by the authorities.

Be very careful about job offers which involve the acceptance and release of funds to a bank account in return for commission. Mules recruited by phishing fraudsters are money laundering and are likely to face criminal prosecution.
If you receive an email requesting you to re-register or re-enter sensitive details, delete it immediately and contact NBK Lebanon on +961 1 759700.

Viruses and worms
A computer virus is software that attaches itself to another program to survive and reproduce and can only run if the infected program is running. This can tie up resources such as disk space and memory, causing problems on any computer.
An email virus is the latest type of virus which is transported through email messages and usually attaches itself to all contacts on the victims email address book.

A worm is similar to a virus and infiltrates security holes on your computer. Once a security hole is found, the worm will attempt to replicate itself from computer to computer.

Trojans
A Trojan is a harmful program that can infect your computer. Some Trojans will claim to clean your computer of viruses but instead introduce viruses that make your computer vulnerable to attacks by hackers. 

Some tips on how to avoid Trojans:

• Never open unknown emails or attachments
• Install software from trusted sources only
• Scan your computer on a regular basis
• Use a firewall to monitor traffic to and from your computer while you are connected to the internet
• Install anti-virus software and keep it updated
• Download and install security patches for your operating system as soon as it is available 

Electronic fraud
Refers to email scams from fraudsters to obtain your banking and personal information and here is how it works:

You will receive an email appearing to be from NBK or another legitimate company in or out of Lebanon. The email may claim a number of different things such as: 

• There is a problem with your account
• Ask you to enter a contest to win a prize
• Ask you to subscribe to a service that will provide you with prizes and etc. 

You are then asked to provide your personal and financial information by completing an online form. The form requests a variety of information such as:

• Your credit card numbers 
• Your account number
• Your passport, civil ID number, etc.

Once you provide this information the fraudsters will have the necessary information on you to conduct a fraud.

Spyware and adware
Spyware is a type of software that secretly collects your personal and user information while on the Internet.

Adware is a type of spyware used to track visitors' habits and interests on the Internet. Adware can monitor the types of sites you visit, the articles read or the types banners you click on and so forth. Many times this information is sold to a third party for the purpose of marketing.

You can minimize your chances of downloading spyware onto your computer by:

• Never clicking on banners no matter how enticing they may appear
• Reading the terms and conditions when you install free programs or subscribe to services from the Internet
• Use up-to-date anti-spyware programs on a regular basis to scan your computer

Identify real NBK emails from fraud ones and be the first to know about all our exclusive and special offers catered just for you! All you have to do is add NBK’s email to your safe senders list and know first-hand about our exciting offers.

Add newsletter@digital.nbk.com to your contact list now to join the excitement and benefit from our offers!

SPAM filters and ISPs
Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) or email client may be using spam filters to block emails and this can affect the receipt of emails from NBK.

If you believe this is happening, please consult the help section related to your email program below or contact your ISP directly to see how to reduce or remove the settings that filter or block email. This will ensure that correspondence from NBK will be accepted. 

If you are using Apple Mail:

1. On the toolbar at the top, click on the ‘Mail’ icon.
2. From the dropdown menu select ‘Preferences’, then click ‘Junk Mail’.
3. In the ‘Junk Mail’ pane, under the ‘exempt from junk mail filtering’ section, ensure ‘sender of message is in my contacts’ is checked.
4. Open the email message.
5. Click the dropdown menu on the sender details.

​If you are using Yahoo

1. Open the email message.
2. Click on the ‘Action’ dropdown menu.
3. Click on ‘Add sender to contacts’.
4. The name and email address from email are pre-populated in the Add Contact pop-up. Verify that the information in these fields is correct.
5. Click ‘Save’.

If you are using Google mail

1. Open the email.
2. Click on the ‘More’ in the dropdown menu next to the reply button.
3. Click on ’Add Sender to Contact List’.

If you are using Windows Live / Outlook

1. Click on the 'Settings' icon.
2. Click on 'Options'.
3. Click on 'Safe and blocked senders'.
4. Go on 'Safe Senders' and add our domain (newsletter@digital.nbk.com) to the list.

If you are using Outlook 2010

1. Open the email message.
2. From the dropdown menu select 'Junk'.
3. Select 'Never block sender'.
4. If prompted to confirm, click 'OK'.

If you are using Outlook 2007

1. Open the email message.
2. On the toolbar at the top, click on ’Safe Lists‘, then on ’Add Sender's Domain (newsletter@digital.nbk.com) to Safe Senders List’.

NBK is committed to providing you with a secure online experience – we offer complete confidentiality when it comes to your personal and financial information. We have placed a number of industry standard security measures to make NBK Online Banking a safe and secure online banking service.

NBK Secure Shopping
In an effort to continuously upgrade our services, NBK now offers a secure online shopping service!

If you are constantly worried if your credit card will be affected by fraud from your online purchases, NBK Secure Shopping is here to minimize this fear! NBK Secure Shopping is an online added security layer that protects credit cardholders’ online purchases from fraudulent use of their credit card. Learn more about NBK Secure Shopping.

Encryption and firewalls
Encryption prevents unauthorized users from accessing your account information on NBK Online Banking. NBK uses the highest level of encryption to protect your NBK Online Banking information.

When logging onto NBK Online Banking look for the padlock icon. A closed or locked padlock indicates a secure connection.

Look for: https:// at the beginning of the URL address. The "s" means secure.

Automatic time-out
NBK Online Banking uses a default timeout mechanism of ten minutes. After this time, the system automatically "logs" you off and ends your session. You will then need to log in again to access NBK Online Banking.

Account activation and additional security

• Account activation – To ensure your security and safety online, you will need to activate your account in order to conduct third party transfers, local and international transfers and bill payments online.
• One Time Password for beneficiary creation –Now, creating new beneficiaries or updating them on NBK Online Banking got better by the use of verification code, the most advanced security tool while transferring online.
• SMS notification – You will receive immediate SMS alerts on transfers and beneficiary creation.

• Check the validity of the debit/credit cards you plan to use
• Below is the list of banks you can safely use as identified and approved by NBK Fraud Division Unit
• This list is subject to change
   

• Ensure that you have sufficient credit card limit that covers all your expenses
• Prepaid and credit cards always come in handy when you’re traveling
• It’s also important to have more than one payment method in case of emergencies

Remember to activate the following:

• SMS service – For instant transaction and balance updated notifications on your mobile (if you change your SIM card you will not benefit from this service)
• NBK Mobile Banking app – A handy tool that will provide you with all your transaction details on spot as well as other banking services

Local currency payments
If you have used your NBK Credit Cards abroad during your travels, you have most likely been asked if you would you like to be charged in local or home currency? The answer is local!

To avoid extra charges, always request to pay in the local currency of the country you are visiting.

• Do not keep all of your credit and/or debit cards in one place
• Always check the ATM for any suspicious devices; if you notice any, refer to another ATM immediately
• Do not accept any help from strangers
• In case you lose or face any trouble with your credit and/or debit card(s), call us immediately
• Regularly track your spending through NBK Online Banking or Mobile Banking
• Download and install security patches for your operating system as soon as it is available 
• Some transactions only appear on your account when the receipts are received from the merchant

• Change your PIN regularly
• Check all your credit and debit card(s) statements
• If you suspect any strange activity on your account, report to NBK immediately 

 When making a deposit, ensure that:

• Cash is only handed over to tellers who will in turn acknowledge the deposit by giving you a stamped and signed receipt
• You keep your copy of all related paperwork for future references
• Deposits made by third parties are immediately confirmed
• That you do a regular review of your account statement for accuracy

Identity fraud is where a dishonest person will gather your personal details in order to conduct a fraud which will financially hurt you. These fraudsters can obtain your personal information in a number of ways, via telephone scams or on the internet.

The following can be used to assume your identity:

• Your date of birth
• Your address
• Your ID number or other identification numbers
• Your mobile phone number
• Your banking information

To protect your identity we recommend the following:

• Immediately report any loss or theft of your important documents such as your ID, passport, driver’s license, credit card etc.
• Keep your financial and personal documents in a safe and secure place.
• Do not keep your ATM PIN number in your wallet
• Never provide personal information on the phone or emails to anyone who calls or emails you

Check fraud occurs when a fraudster uses a stolen or counterfeit check to pay for goods and services.

Tips to protect yourself from check book fraud:

• Never accept Check from anyone you do not know or trust
• Be informed that there's a chance that money credited to your account from a check could be reclaimed in case the check is stolen or counterfeit and can result in a criminal case.
• Never pre-sign Check and leave them un- issued. All Check should be signed and immediately issued.
• Keep your check book in a safe place.
• Any missing Check should be reported to the bank immediately
• Always check your bank statements regularly
• Bank statements should always secured in a safe place
• Ensure the reachability of your phone for confirmation

Fraudsters call you using internet by modifying the caller ID and impersonate as NBK staff. They then try to seek your card numbers, PIN, account number, online banking password and other account related information giving various reasons such as updating their system records, etc. To mislead you.

You may also receive a fake call from unknown number stating that you have won a lottery or a cash prize on your card or phone number. The fraudster then will ask your card number and Pin for confirmation, which then will be used for conducting fraud. The fraudster may also ask you to transfer some amount of money towards processing fee to claim the prize and you will never hear from him thereafter.

Tips to protect yourself from phone fraud:

• Establish the identity and motive of the caller before engaging in further conversation with the unknown caller
• Be wary of any suspicious calls seeking your personal sensitive information
• Do not disclose or reveal any personal sensitive information related to your banking services such as card numbers, PIN or WOL passwords etc. NBK will never ask you for any personal sensitive information
• Always check your account balances and monitor your account statements to identify any unauthorized transactions
• Report any SMS alert received for an unauthorized transaction not done by you
• What do you do if you have fallen victim of a fraud?

Report the incident immediately to NBK even if you have already disclosed personal sensitive information relating to your card, account or online banking.

At points of sale (POS): You can use your debit/credit cards to pay for goods and services at retails outlets on POS terminals.

Ensure that:

• Your card and the POS machine are always in sight while making the payment
• If possible, ask the sales teller if you can swipe/insert the card yourself
• Your card PIN is kept secret and known only to you
• You report lost or stolen cards immediately by calling the NBK Lebanon at (961-1) 759700 or CST# 01738800.
• You regularly check your account statement and transactions
• You report any SMS alert received for a transaction not done by you by calling the NBK Lebanon at (961-1) 759700 or CST# 01738800.

You can use your debit cards to deposit/withdraw cash and other services at the ATM.

Ensure that:

• You familiarize yourself with the ATM machines to be able to identify unusual sightings.
• Your PIN should be changed regularly at any NBK ATM (Debit Cards only)
• There is no evident tampering done with the ATM before use
• There are no unfamiliar devices attached to the ATM
• There are no persons peeping over your shoulder for your PIN
• You always cover pin pad with your hand as you enter your PIN
• Save receipts –  Remember to take your receipts and shred them before discarding. It is best not to ask for receipts at all
• You never accept assistance from strangers while using the ATM or handling the cash.
• You take your card and transaction slip with you
• You do not write the PIN on the card or saved in a device, or kept in your wallet
• You report any SMS alert received for a transaction not done by you by calling the NBK Lebanon at (961-1) 759700 or CST# 01738800.
• You report lost or stolen card immediately including the situation where your card is stuck inside the ATM by calling NBK Lebanon at (961-1) 759700 or CST# 01738800.
• You regularly check your account statement and transactions