Are you worried about information security? Read our 10 tips for secure transactions

The amount of data collected about us is constantly increasing, and we are leaving crumbs of data about ourselves whenever we go about our everyday business. Data collection has enabled many services that make our lives easier, but sometimes it is also a cause of concern: is my data safe, and how can I protect myself? Read our specialists’ tips for keeping yourself secure and for protecting your data.

There are many factors involved in protecting confidential information and using services securely, and every one of us can influence them. We are continuously working to ensure that our customers can use our services securely – whether online or in our branches. There are also some small steps you can take to protect your data.

1. Never reveal your user IDs or PIN to anyone.

The bank and the authorities will never ask for your OP's user ID. They are intended for your personal use only. Also, we will never ask you for your payment card details by SMS, email or other messaging applications. We will never send links to websites where you are expected to sign in with your OP's user ID or enter your payment card details. If someone contacts you and asks for your OP's user ID or card details, the person is likely to be trying to get information for criminal purposes.

2. Make sure that you are on OP’s website or use OP-mobile.

Enter the address of OP's digital services (op.fi) on the brower’s address bar. Therefore, do not sign in to OP's digital services using a link or a search engine, such as Bing or Google. They may direct you to an imposter website. Before using OP’s services, make sure that you are visiting the correct address. 

You can also use OP's mobile apps on a phone or a tablet with a peace of mind. The applications are developed and monitored by OP, and they form a secure connection directly to OP’s information systems. By using a mobile bank, you can also avoid being directed to imposter websites.  

See instructions on how to check the website certificate and address

Read more about OP-mobile

3. Never confirm payments or transactions which you didn’t select for confirmation yourself.

Transactions you perform with your user IDs are confirmed either with Mobile key or a key code list. Confirmation requests are always sent in real time when you are using your user IDs. Check that the information in the confirmation request matches the transaction you are performing at the time. If any of the information does not match, is wrong, or you are not using your user ID at the time, do not confirm the transaction.

4. Keep your user IDs and password safe.

Do not save them in an easily-readable form or in a place where someone else could get hold of them. Read any confirmation messages you receive with care. Do not confirm transactions that you have not selected yourself.

5. Make sure that the software and protection on your computer and mobile devices are up to date.

Only install applications that you use and need on your computer or mobile device to reduce the number of applications you need to protect. Do not install on your devices any software whose security you can’t reliably determine – particularly if you receive a sudden installation request from an unexpected party.

If possible, we recommend that you enable on your mobile devices a setting that will automatically update applications whenever a new update is available. As regards applications installed automatically by your computer, check regularly if there are any updates available. Always install updates as soon as they are available.

6. Monitor your account transactions and credit card charges.

Sometimes, invoicing errors occur by accident, so it is always a good idea to be attentive.

7. Think about suitable spending and withdrawal limits (transaction limits) for your payment cards and accounts. 

A good spending/withdrawal limit is one that is not too restrictive in light of your day-to-day card or account usage but can prevent significant misuse. 

 

8. Remember to take good care of information on paper.

Dispose of paper invoices and other documents containing your personal data with care. Do not put them in the paper recycling bin. If you have a postbox, keep it locked.

9. If you suspect that your information has fallen into the wrong hands, consider a voluntary credit stoppage. 

Asiakastieto and Bisnode offer paid services, such as voluntary credit stoppages and a service for monitoring your own information. However, keep in mind that not every service provider checks customers’ credit records when making contracts such as hire purchase agreements. For such service providers, you can set up a purchase stoppage by contacting the service provider’s customer service team.

10. Check your insurance coverage.

The legal expenses insurance included in Pohjola Insurance’s home insurance covers the costs of legal representation and court proceedings in the event of identity theft. In addition, the OP Platinum and OP Duo cards include Identity theft protection, which helps you detect identity theft and uncover the damage it has caused.