1. What are the system requirements of my computer in order to access internet banking?

The CPU of your computer should be at least Intel Pentium II Celeron 300MHz or above, with 64MB RAM or above. Your computer is installed suggested internet browser - Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 or later, Mozilla Firefox 3.0 or later and operating system - Windows XP (Service Pack 2) or later, and connected to the internet by broadband. We recommend that you configure your computer screen resolution to 1024 x 768 with 256 colour in order to have optimal vision. If you require to use e-certificate, please use Windows XP (Service Pack 2/3) and Internet Explorer 6.0/7.0.

2. Is internet banking secured?

We take the following measures to protect your interests when transacting through internet  banking:
(a) When using internet banking via internet, all account and transaction information will be encrypted by SSL 128 bit encryption technology;
(b) Our bank website has a digital certificate issued by VeriSign Corporation;
(c) Only those who have a unique IBS number, credit card number or user name and a password may access the internet banking service. The account will be locked if incorrect password has been entered 5 consecutive times in order to protect our customers' interests;
(d) Internet banking system has an automatic log-off function. The service will automatically log-off to prevent unauthorized access to your account if your internet banking remains idle for more than 30 minutes. This function is also operative even your account has incomplete transaction which has been left unattended for 30 minutes.
(e) Firewalls are installed in our servers to prevent unauthorized access.
 

3. How can I use internet banking more securely and reliably?

In addition to the following precautionary measures, we recommend that you look up the security reminder regularly in the internet banking.

(a)Do not use the same password in accessing other internet services;
(b)Do not reveal your password to anyone else (including our bank staff and police);
(c)Create a password with a combination of letters and numbers. Do not use easily guessable password, such as your telephone number, date of birth, ID number or any personal associated numbers;
(d)Do change your password regularly, e.g. at 30-day intervals. If you suspect someone else has known your password, you should change it immediately; if you cannot change your password through internet, please contact our customer service hotline on 22699699;
(e)Check your account statements, and contact us immediately if there are any doubts about the account transactions;
(f)Never leave your internet banking session unattended. Do click [Logout] button to exit the service upon leaving your PC or completion of your banking transactions;
(g)Avoid using the same computer with others, or clear the history if it is unavoidable;
(h)For broadband users, we recommend that you install a firewall software in your computer to prevent hacker invasion;
(i)In order to prevent computer virus invasion, you should install anti-virus software and update its version regularly;
(j)Do not access our bank website through the hyperlinks embedded in emails.

Our bank or our agents/business partners will never ask you for your PIN or password by e-mail or any other means. If you have any queries, please call our customer service hotline at 2269 9699.
 

4. Does my internet browser need COOKIES / JAVASCRIPT?

Yes, you should activate COOKIES/JAVASCRIPT, so as to enjoy a full range of internet banking services.

5. What is 'Cookies' ?

'Cookies' are data files transmitted from website server to browser. 'Cookies' files can be read by website providers only, however, website providers cannot obtain users' hard disk data, email address or personal private information through 'cookies' files. When a user visits our website and accepts our 'cookies', we will have a record that this user has visited our website.

6. How can I make sure that the web site belongs to Bank of Communications?

At the status bar of the Internet browser, you will find a small 'lock' or 'key' icon. You double click the icon, the digital certificate information page will pop-up so that you may verify.

7. How to activate SSL function?

For Internet Explorer (IE) users:
(a)Select [Internet options] from menu [Tools];
(b)Choose the [Advance] option;
(c)Under the item 'Security', click the check box of SSL 2.0 and SSL 3.0;
(d)After clicking the [Confirm] button, SSL will be activated then
For Netscape users:
(a)Select [Tools] from menu [Communicator];
(b)Choose the [Security Info] option;
(c)Under the item 'Navigator', click the check box of SSL 2.0 and SSL 3.0;
(d)After clicking the [Confirm] button, SSL will be activated then.
 

8. Why does a security warning dialog box appears when I connect to the internet banking login page?

It is because part of our internet banking services functions adopt Java Applet. When  you have installed JVM in your PC, the above security warning dialog box will probably appear. If you suspect the current website being connected is not owned by Bank of Communications, Hong Kong Branch, you can verify the website's authenticity by viewing the web certificate issued by VeriSign when you double click padlock icon in the bar at the bottom of the IE windows of our internet banking.

9.  What is the liability for loss to customer by using internet banking?

Customers who have acted fraudulently or negligently and failed in safeguarding any device (e.g. digital certificate) or password against unauthorized access to internet banking will be liable for all losses.

10. Computer virus may pose a threat to online transactions. What precautionary measures I should take to minimize the risk of being infected by virus?

We suggest taking the following measures:
1. Don't open any unknown email and its attachment, delete the email immediately;
2. Install anti-virus software in your computer and have it updated regularly;
3. Activate the built-in firewall in the Windows;
4. Perform‘Windows Update' regularly or set the update mode to‘Auto'.