Key Loggers

What is a Key Logger?

A key logger programme captures and records a user's keystrokes. Key loggers are one of the most dangerous forms of malicious software (malware) as they can potentially record all passwords and personal information you type into your PC to access the internet sites you visit (e.g. Internet Banking).

There are two types of key loggers, 'software' and 'hardware' key loggers.

How do Key Loggers work?

Software Key Loggers

• A software key logger is installed on your computer either by hacking into your computer and installing it on the physical machine or encouraging you to run an email attachment that, when executed will install the key logger.
• Once installed on your computer, the software key logger records details of all your keystrokes.
• Details of the keystrokes are saved and transmitted to the attacker by email or uploaded to a website.

Hardware Key Loggers

• A hardware key logger is a physical unit(s) that is installed within your keyboard or its cable. An individual needs physical access to your computer so they can replace the existing keyboard or cable with one containing the hardware key logger.
• The hardware key logger records your keystrokes and stores them on the piece of hardware.
• The attacker will then retrieve the unit to access the information which has been stored in it. Hardware key loggers can look similar to common computer equipment. Be especially cautious when you see new peripherals or cables attached to your keyboard.

What should you do if you discover a key logger?

• Immediately disconnect your internet connection.
• DO NOT use your computer until it has been checked by a computer expert and the key logger is removed completely.
• Contact us immediately if you feel your security details have been compromised by a key logger.

AIB Bank (ROI) 0818 724 724 or +353 1 771 2424
First Trust Bank 028 9034 6034 (08.30 to 17.00 Mon to Fri),
Allied Irish Bank (GB) 028 9034 6060 (08.30 to 17.00 Mon to Fri).

Pop Up Windows

What are PopUp Windows?

Pop-up windows are the small windows or adverts that can appear suddenly over or under a browser window. Pop-up windows can be used to obtain personal information from an unsuspecting user.

Please note pop-up windows can be legitimately used by some websites/offerings such as "Verified by Visa" and "MasterCard SecureCode". For more information on these offerings by VISA and Mastercard please click on the links below.

How do Pop-up windows work?

• Unwanted pop-up windows appear suddenly while browsing the internet.
• To combat the easy dismissal of pop-up windows (i.e. clicking the 'X' at the top of the pop-up window) the creators of malicious pop-ups have devised buttons / controls in the pop-up window that look like a "close" or "cancel" option.
• If the user chooses these fake "close" or "cancel" buttons it may cause an unexpected action to begin such as opening a new pop-up window, or allowing for the download of spyware, viruses or a trojan.
  Pop-up windows may also appear when you are accessing a legitimate website that never had pop-ups before. These pop-up windows can appear when the computer accessing the website is possibly corrupted by a virus or Trojan. The malicious software operating in the background may open a pop-up window asking you for personal or security information. However, this is rare.

Beware!

• Stay vigilant and NEVER input personal or internet banking details into unusual pop-up windows.
• Remember we will never display a pop-up window on our websites that you have not requested by clicking on a link - all of our pop-up windows are user-initiated.
• If you notice a suspicious pop-up window when accessing Internet Banking contact a Customer Service Adviser immediately at the following numbers:

AIB (ROI) 0818 724 724 or +353 1 771 2424,
First Trust Bank 028 9034 6034 (08.30 to 17.00 Mon to Fri)
Allied Irish Bank (GB) 028 9034 6060 (08.30 to 17.00 Mon to Fri)

Verified by VISA / Mastercard SecureCode information links:

Intenal Link

• AIB & Verified by Visa/MasterCard

External Links:

By clicking on the link(s) below you are going to an external website. Your use of the external website is subject to the terms of that site.

• Verified by VISA
• Mastercard SecureCode

Worms

What are worms?

Worms are independent programs that reproduce by replicating themselves across computer systems.

How do worms work?

• Worms can either damage data directly or more commonly degrade system performance by using up the computer's resources
• Worms operate as a standalone program and are spread through the weakness in operating systems

Beware!

• Ensure updates from the provider of your operating system are applied to your computer, to protect against any known vulnerabilities.
• Ensure you have up-to-date anti-virus and anti-spyware software.
• Never open emails/attachments or run programs that have been sent from an unfamiliar source.

Money Mule

What is a 'Money Mule'?

A 'money mule' is a person who is used to transfer money that has been fraudulently obtained usually as a result of a phishing scam or Trojan/virus.

How are 'Money Mules' recruited?

• 'Money mules' are recruited in many ways e.g. spam email, adverts on genuine recruitment websites, newspapers and instant messaging.
• 'Job titles' often include 'Irish representative', 'shippng manager', 'financial manager' or 'payments clerk'.
• 'Money mules' can be unaware of any illegal activity and accept the 'job offer' in good faith.
• The 'money mule' is offered the chance to earn easy money for a few hours work each week, which usually requires internet access and a bank account.

Beware of Money Mules by:

• ALWAYS checking the details and background of the company offering you employment .
• DO NOT allow your bank account to be used for anything other than personal banking.
• If you receive an offer for work of which you have not initiated, especially if the company is based overseas, advise the Gardai/Police.
• DON'T put yourself at risk of committing a criminal offence by becoming a money mule.

Phone/Fax Fraud

What is phone/fax fraud?

Phone calls and fax are another method by which a fraudster can attempt to gain access to your bank account details, credit card information and Internet Banking login information.

How does phone/fax fraud work?

• You receive a phone call from an individual/automated voice recording claiming to be from a bank or credit card company (such as Visa or MasterCard).
• The caller/automated voice recording requests your Internet banking login details or credit card details.
• The caller/automated voice recording persuades you that these details are required in order to 'update your account details', 'validate your account', 'unlock your account'.
• If you provide your details the fraudster has access to your accounts.

Beware!

• If you receive an unexpected telephone call claiming to be from us validate the call, ask the caller exactly where they are calling from and what exactly the call relates to.
• If you are suspicious, advise the caller that you will call them back using the relevant organisations published telephone number (e.g. detailed on their letterheads or telephone directory) to validate the call was legitimate. DO NOT call the organisation back on the number listed on your 'Called Display' or on number the caller has advised you.
• Remember, we will NEVER phone or fax you requesting your internet banking login details or code card information.
• Contact us immediately if you receive a suspicious phone call or fax.

AIB (ROI) 0818 724 724 or +353 1 771 2424,
First Trust Bank 028 9034 6034 (08.30 to 17.00 Mon to Fri)
Allied Irish Bank (GB) 028 9034 6060.(08.30 to 17.00 Mon to Fri)

Modem Hi-Jacking

Modem Hi-jacking is a problem mainly associated with an Internet dial-up connection. It involves a small software program called a "dialler" that changes your Internet dial up settings. This program then disconnects you from your chosen Internet Service Provider (ISP) and reconnects you to the Internet through an international or premium rate number.

If you are a broadband user you will not be affected by this, as long as you have disconnected the internal dial-up modem from your phone socket and don't use this modem to make fax or voice calls.

Protection

• Avoid going to websites of questionable content
• Do not click on any pop-up windows
• Do not download or run any programs received from an unsolicited email or from an unfamiliar website.
• Ensure your operating system is kept up-to-date
• Turn off your dial-up modem when not in use
• Make sure you can hear your modem. Some people have a volume control on their modem and have it turned down - and so cannot hear it re-dialling
• Check your telephone bill frequently