Ways to enhance your online security

How to protect your bank accounts, cards, and personal information.

Enable PTSB Protect in the PTSB app

PTSB Protect is an extra layer of anti-fraud protection to the PTSB app to further protect you (version 10.2 or above). 

This opt-in feature offers much needed protection against criminals who trick customers into sharing security information by sending deceptive messages with links - something PTSB will never do.

Once enabled, it automatically scans incoming text messages on Android for known fraudulent links and warns you before you click. It requires no ongoing effort once switched on. Learn more about PTSB Protect.

Set up transaction notifications in the PTSB app

You can enable real-time transaction notifications in the PTSB app. This means you are alerted to every payment on your account the moment it happens, significantly reducing the window in which fraud can go undetected. You must enable push notifications in your device's settings for the PTSB app to function correctly.

Freeze your card instantly in the PTSB app

Freezing your card immediately if it is lost or stolen is one of the fastest ways to stop unauthorised transactions. Learn more about freezing your card.

Never use public Wi-Fi for banking

Public Wi-Fi networks (even password-protected ones) can be intercepted. You should switch to using your mobile data when accessing the PTSB app or Open24 Online Banking outside the home.

How can I protect my passwords and accounts?

• Use a password manager to generate and store unique passwords for every account. This removes the risk of password reuse across services.
• Your Open24 Online Banking password should be unique and not a variation of any password used elsewhere.
• Enable two-factor authentication on the email account linked to your Open24 Online Banking. Email access is the most common route for criminals to take over your account.
• Never share your Open24 Online Banking password, Personal Access Number (PAN), or One Time Passcode with anyone - including someone claiming to be from PTSB.

How can I keep my mobile phone secure?

• Lock your device using Face ID, fingerprint recognition, or a strong PIN.
• Only download apps from the official Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
• Review app permissions carefully. Applications should only be granted access to device features they genuinely require.
• If your phone is lost or stolen, contact your mobile network provider immediately to suspend your SIM card. This prevents criminals from intercepting One Time Passcodes sent to your number. 
• Keep your phone's operating system and the PTSB app updated to ensure you have the latest security patches. You can check if you have the latest app version by visiting the App Store on iOS or the Google Play Store on Android.
• Got a new mobile phone? It's important to make sure you remove your personal information from your old phone, once your new phone is set up. Follow our "new phone security tips" step-by-step guide. 

How can I tell if a call, text, or email claiming to be from PTSB is genuine?

• PTSB will never call, email, or text asking for your PIN, password, card CVV, or One Time Passcode. Any contact requesting this information is not from PTSB.
• PTSB will never ask you to transfer money to another account for security reasons, carry out a test transaction, or authorise a payment via an OTP in response to an inbound call.
• Caller ID can be falsified. A call or text that appears to come from a genuine PTSB phone number may not be genuine. PTSB customers can verify any number using the PTSB Phone Number Validator before calling it back.
• Genuine PTSB text messages use sender ID 50331 for Yes/No verification texts. PTSB will never send a text with a link asking you to log in to your account. Use the PTSB Phone Number Validator to check if a PTSB phone number is genuine.