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Cybersecurity secures the way, data privacy keeps your information safe and fraud stops here.
Cybersecurity, fraud prevention, and data privacy are closely connected pillars of digital safety. Cybersecurity protects systems and networks from threats like malware and social engineering tactics like phishing, vishing, smishing and quishing which may lead to data being leaked. Fraud prevention tackles deceptive or criminal activity aimed at financial or personal gain. Data privacy safeguards sensitive information, respects customer privacy, and ensures compliance with regulations. Together, these disciplines form a powerful shield: Cybersecurity helps block unauthorised access, fraud prevention stops exploitation, and strong privacy practices build customer trust. Only by combining all three individuals and organisations can effectively defend today’s evolving digital threats.
To report an incident, contact your local Absa fraud hotline available below
Top cybersecurity tips
Protect your money. Protect your story.
- Always verify unexpected requests for personal information or money.
- Never share your one-time PIN (OTP) codes or credit card information with anyone.
- Beware of fake promotions asking for personal details.
- Don't trust unsolicited calls claiming urgency from your bank.
- Confirm that a link is legitimate before clicking on it.
- Always verify unexpected "wins" or lottery messages before taking any action.
- Avoid using public Wi-Fi for financial transactions.
- Research investment opportunities before investing.
- Be wary of job offers that ask for upfront fees for training, equipment or licenses.
- Use official apps only for all transactions.
Everything you need to know about cybersecurity
Criminals can trick you into sharing sensitive information or make you think that your accounts have been blocked or hacked. Learn about the different types of scams that they use and how you can report suspicious or unusual activity.
Stay alert to phishing emails, vishing scams (voice calls) and smishing (SMS messages). Always verify before sharing sensitive information, and ensure that your devices and connections are secure.
Common scams and their meanings:
Quishing
Quishing is a scam where criminals use fake QR codes to trick you into visiting fraudulent websites or downloading harmful files when you scan them.
Phishing
Phishing is a form of fraud in which criminals use deceptive links in emails to manipulate individuals into disclosing sensitive data, including passwords, OTPs and credit card details.
Vishing
Vishing, also known as voice phishing, is a type of phone fraud through which attackers pose as legitimate organisations to manipulate victims into disclosing sensitive information, including passwords, OTPs and credit card details.
Top data privacy tips
Your story deserves privacy—not data theft
- Share personal information only when it's necessary.
- Be selective about what you post on social media. Once shared, it’s hard to control.
- Avoid posting real-time locations or daily routines online.
- Review a company’s privacy notice before sharing your information.
- Choose organisations that comply with and prioritise data privacy laws.
- Ask how your personal information is collected, used, stored and deleted.
- Limit who can see your personal details by reviewing privacy settings regularly.
- Review app and website requests for access to your photos, contacts, location and microphone.
- Delete apps you no longer use to reduce unnecessary data sharing.
- Avoid sharing images of identity documents, cards or official letters online.
- Keep physical documents that contain personal information secure.
- Shred documents with personal details before disposing of them.
- Be mindful of what personal details appear in photos or screenshots you share.
- Periodically review what personal information about you is publicly visible online.
What can I do to protect myself?
Although we have various security measures in place to protect you, your awareness is the key to avoid being a victim of phishing attacks, so bear the following in mind when you receive an email claiming to be from Absa:
- Absa will never send you an email with a link or attachment that redirects you to what looks like a login page requesting your username, password and, at times, your smartphone and Banking App passcodes.
- Never login to your bank’s website through a link in an email, even if the email appears to have come from your bank. Type the web address into your browser yourself.
- When you are on a secure banking website, a locked padlock symbol will appear in your browser window. This means that you are in a secure environment for banking or making online payments.
- Never download remote access software or give anyone access to your desktop, laptop or cellphone.
If you think that your banking profile might have been compromised, contact us immediately.
Top fraud tips
Don’t let fraud into your story
- Avoid requests to transfer your money from your account to a presumed safe account.
- Keep your OTP codes and credit card details private at all times.
- Decline requests to download applications you’re not familiar with.
- Treat all unexpected banking-related calls with suspicion until verified.
- Always verify links before you click, particularly in emails or texts.
- Verify travel deals with travel agencies on their registered number or official website.
- Avoid verifying transactions that were not initiated by you.
- Be sceptical about high-return investment opportunities. If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.
- Cross-check unexpected wins, prize messages and lottery notifications.
- Be cautious of job offers that require upfront payments for training, equipment or licences.
Disclaimer
This content is provided for educational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or professional advice. Absa Bank Limited and its subsidiaries and affiliates do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided. Any examples or scenarios are illustrative and not recommendations. Please consult a qualified financial advisor before making any financial decisions. All content complies with the applicable laws, including but not limited to, the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) guidelines and Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) requirements.
Absa ISO
Absa’s Chief Security Office is ISO: 27001 certified, an internationally recognised accreditation that demonstrates an organisation's commitment to establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving an information security management system (ISMS) to protect its information assets.
Cybersecurity Academy
Click here for more information on the Absa Cybersecurity Academy