MyState uses a range of innovative security techniques to help provide the best Internet Banking security. We are committed to Internet Banking security and continue to develop security enhancements to meet new standards.

How does MyState help protect your personal information?

Encryption

We use 128-bit SSL (Secure Socket Layer) data encryption technology to help provide the best protection for your Access Code, account details and any other information exchanged with Internet Banking.

A closed padlock symbol displayed in your browser confirms your Internet Banking session is encrypted. You can click on this padlock to view details of the digital signature.

MyState Internet Banking also contains a VeriSign Secured seal on the login page. If you click on this seal a window will appear verifying your Internet Banking session is encrypted.

Extended Validation SSL Certificate

Extended Validation SSL Certificates were created in direct response to the rise in Internet scams, making it easier for people transacting online to know that the site they are using is genuine.

MyState's Internet Banking meets the stringent requirements required to obtain one of these certificates. We were the first financial institution in Tasmania, and one of the first in the world, to implement this technology.

If you are using a modern web browser that supports this technology, when you access Internet Banking you will notice the following:

the address bar will turn green
the security status bar will confirm that the secure certificate was issued to MyState
the security status bar will also tell you that MyState Internet Banking has been identified by VeriSign for Extended Validation.

So, when you see green in the address bar you can be sure that you are on MyState Internet Banking - verified by an independent company.

For more details on Extended Validation Certificates, visit VeriSign.

Secure access codes

For increased security your access code must:

NOT consist of consecutive numbers (e.g. 123456, 987654)
NOT consist of repeated characters (e.g. 222222)
NOT resemble your date of birth (e.g. DDMMYY)
NOT resemble your customer number.

Passcodes - 2nd level authentication

MyState Financial believes this technology is the best 2nd level authentication currently available to protect customers.

Automatic blocking

Your account will be automatically blocked after 3 failed login attempts.

Automatic time-outs

Your Internet Banking session will be automatically timed-out after 10 minutes of inactivity.

What can you do to help?

As with any form of electronic banking, it pays to be vigilant when accessing your financial and account information via the Internet or phone. Follow these guidelines to help increase your Internet and phone banking security:

Always type your financial institution's website address into your browser - never use a link to your bank or credit union that has been sent to you in an email - it might be a phishing website.
After accessing Internet Banking close your web browser after logging out.
Never leave your computer unattended while logged in to Internet Banking facilities.
Keep your Access Code and Passcode confidential - do not share your codes with anyone and never write your codes on or near your telephone or your computer.
Change your Access Code and Passcode regularly to ensure you are protecting your accounts. We suggest every six months or anytime you believe someone knows your codes.
Examine your periodical statements as soon as you receive them. If you identify any electronic transactions that have occurred without your authority, immediately report them to MyState by calling 138 001.
Install software that protects your computer from viruses and unwanted programs, and make sure it is kept up to date.
Check the website address carefully. Scammers often set up fake websites with very similar addresses.
Never enter your personal, credit card or online account information on a website that you are not certain is genuine.
Never send your personal, credit card or online account details through an email.
Try to avoid using public computers (at libraries or internet cafes) to do your Internet Banking.
Do not use software on your computer that auto-completes online forms. This can give Internet scammers easy access to your personal and credit card details.
Choose passwords that would be difficult for anyone else to guess.

More Information

The following external websites offer additional information regarding electronic banking security:

SCAMwatch - SCAMwatch is a website run by the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC). The aim of SCAMwatch is to provide information to consumers and small business about how to recognise, avoid and report scams.
Stay Smart Online – This Australian Government initiative provides information for Australian’s on the simple steps they can take to protect their personal and financial information online.
ASIC Moneysmart website – ASIC Enforces company and financial services laws to protect consumers, investors and creditors.
Australian Bankers' Association – General information about the banking industry and industry standards.

Any advice on this website does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs and you should consider whether it is appropriate for you. Please read our disclosure documentation before acquiring any product. Loan applications are subject to MyState's credit approval criteria. Terms and Conditions, Fees and Charges apply, and are subject to change.