The security of our customers is our top priority.

Security starts with you

Protecting your computer, tablet or smartphone, as well as your personal data, depends on you!

Remember the main security rules you should adopt when using your computer, smartphone, tablet, Internet and homebanking channels.

Secure access to your accounts depends on you.

You probably use the Internet to shop online, book travel and hotels, etc. It's therefore very important that you know how to identify the dangers and ensure that your computer, the information it contains and your personal data remain secure. Always be alert and do not underestimate the importance of security!

Cyber attacks (phishing, malware and other types of fraud) are becoming increasingly common and are carried out covertly, using the names of people or brands we trust to make fraud appear more believable, for example:

• Emails, claiming to be from EDP, CTT, Autoridade Tributária (Portuguese tax authority) or other entities, that direct users to websites that look and act just like the real ones, "inviting you" to download a file/document and, unbeknownst to you, installing malware.
• Messages, supposedly from Microsoft employees , reporting that anomalies have been detected on your computer and that your software license has been canceled. By then requesting remote access to your computer, they can copy personal files and install malware without you even knowing.
• Requests for your credit card details or details about your smartphone (number and/or operating system) when accessing homebanking, through fake pages that look identical to the real website that users usually visit.
• In other situations, you may also be asked to download something purporting to be a security enhancement file or application on your computer or mobile phone, something that should always be viewed suspiciously and prudently.

All of these situations are attempted fraud, so stay alert and do not follow any instructions given to you in these contexts. If you are unsure, contact your bank via the support lines provided.

Precautions for emails, SMS messages and other forms of contact

Be suspicious of any email, telephone call or SMS that requires "immediate action" or creates a sense of urgency or serious risk. If you are unsure, contact your bank.

Be suspicious of emails claiming to be from your bank that start with introductions such as "Dear Customer" or any greeting other than those that your bank usually uses in communications.

Be suspicious of grammatical errors or typing errors in the messages you receive through any usual communication channels.

Hover your cursor over suspicious links in emails. This will show you the real address to which you will be directed if you click on the link. If the link is different from that written in the message or contains a different name or country code from the issuing entity, it may be a sign of fraud.

Do not click on suspicious links in emails or SMS messages. If you are unsure, you can copy the link address (URL) from the message and look it up using a search engine. The address may already have been identified as fraudulent/malicious.

Be suspicious of attachments in suspicious or unknown emails. Only open attachments that you are expecting to receive.

The fact that you have received an email from a friend does not mean that it was your friend who actually sent it. Your friend's computer may have been compromised by malware, which is programmed to email all of your contacts. If you receive a suspicious email from a friend or colleague, confirm it by calling the phone number you have for them, never the number included in the message.

Stay alert to emails that promise easy money or businesses that seem too good to be true — these offers may be a way for attackers to use your account for illicit purposes.

You should also avoid clicking on messages, images or advertising content that appears to be or is of dubious origin.

Precautions for logging in to websites and browsing the Internet

Never use personal, confidential or sensitive information, or information that allows you to perform banking operations, to log in to websites through links. Always enter the full address of the website you want to navigate to in the browser search bar.

Do not use obvious access codes/passwords (12345, 111111, date of birth, etc.) to log in to banking websites. You should change your codes regularly.

Access codes/passwords are personal and non-transferable, so they should never be provided/made available to third parties, not even to other account holder(s).

Whenever you log in to banking websites, check that the address starts with https:// and that there is a padlock symbol next to the address or in the toolbar.

Please contact your bank if you notice that the details requested on the homebanking login page have changed without prior notice.

Set limits and create rules for using the Internet. For example, implement access restrictions to prevent children from installing or running programs without your knowledge.

Avoid clicking on links or downloading applications from unknown sources.

Precautions for your equipment (computer, smartphone or tablet)

Install antivirus software and keep it up to date at all times. Failing to update your antivirus software is almost the same as not having it.

Use a firewall on your computer. This is a program that allows you to control incoming and outgoing Internet traffic on your computer, making it more difficult for malware to infect your computer.

Be aware of the security updates that credible software providers offer and install them according to the instructions provided. This is particularly relevant for updating the browser you use to access the Internet (Google Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Internet Explorer, Opera, etc.) and your computer operating system (Windows, Google Chrome OS, etc.).

Make it difficult for others to access your smartphone without your permission and protect it with a password. These devices can easily get lost or stolen.

Only install apps provided by trusted vendors (Apple App Store/iTunes, Google Play™, Huawei App Gallery). Always check what permissions are requested.

Only join known Wi-Fi networks.

We also suggest that you teach your children that not everything should be shared on the Internet and social media, and that computers/smartphones should be used responsibly.