TECHNOLOGY experts from SA’s four big banks have bunkered down to discuss how to prevent further internet attacks of the type which has drained at least R530000 from Absa accounts. Technicians from Absa, Nedcor, First National Bank and Standard Bank met to share their opinions, but agreed that they were already taking adequate measures to ensure secure internet banking. They would, however, step up their educational efforts to help customers learn how to protect themselves, said the Banking Council yesterday. Heightened consumer awareness was crucial in combating crime, said the council’s strategy and communications GM Claire Gebhardt-Mann, especially when fraudsters targeted home computer users because of their inability to penetrate the banks’ security. “Educated computer users who apply good practice are the new line of defence against criminal activity.” The other banks insist that their users have not suffered any internet attacks. The nine cases under investigation targeted Absa clients in Bellville in Western Cape, but Absa has not revealed any other link between those customers which may explain why they were the targets. Police have also disclosed little about the probe or whether the perpetrator left a strong electronic trail. One security expert said he believed that the hacker had left quite a strong trail in his effort to physically obtain the money, while some of it was used to buy laptop computers. Full Story
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