At Arab Bank, keeping your personal information secure and confidential is our top priority. We are committed to maintaining secure methods in the collection, use, and exchange of your information.
This brochure provides general guidelines on how protection of information starts with “You” by following the best-practices at work and at home.
How Can You Protect Yourself?
Use common sense and do not release information that could be used to compromise your personal information. Regardless of the type of information requested, you are advised to:
- Verify the requestor’s identity by calling back or requesting precise information (e.g. last name, first name, department, direct manager name).
- Assess and determine the reasonableness of the request, and ask yourself how critical the information requested is.
If you receive a suspicious e-mail or SMS message that appears to be from Arab Bank, please do the following:
- Do not respond to the message or click on any of its links.
- Report to the bank immediately via the phone number or e-mail specific to your country.
What is Social Engineering?
“Social Engineering” refers to the practice of manipulating people to circumvent security systems and conduct fraud. This technique involves obtaining information people would not normally reveal to strangers.
Social engineering can take a variety of forms (e.g. telephone, e-mail, written mail, fax or instant messaging).
E-Mail Spoofing
E-mail “spoofing ” is when an e-mail message appears to have originated from one source when it was actually sent from another.
For example:A scammer contacts a company pretending to be a financial institution/vendor, claiming that their bank account number has changed, so that subsequent payments will then unknowingly be routed to a fraudulent account.
Beware of Phishing
Phishing is a type of social engineering attack often used to steal user data, including login credentials and 
credit card numbers. It occurs when an attacker masquerades as a trusted entity.
Phishing messages can come from a growing number of sources, including e-mails, phone calls, social media messages, and text messages.
Victims can often be tricked into clicking the malicious link or opening the malicious attachment.
Other Tips to Safeguard Your Personal Information
- Only enter credit card and personal information when it involves a transaction you initiate and only on websites you trust.
- Always use a secure website when submitting credit card numbers or financial or personal information online.
- Update your phone number by notifying the bank as soon as you change it to ensure that you receive instant notifications for any transactions conducted on your accounts.
“Secure Websites” HAVE a lock icon:
- Regularly monitor your account activity to detect fraudulent transactions.
- Avoid accessing your online banking services in open, public areas like internet cafes.
- Shred all documents containing personal information, such as bank statements, unused checks, and deposit slips.
Passwords and Authentication
Passwords and authentication methods (e.g. token & one time password (OTP))are ways systems verify that
you are who you claim to be. If your password is compromised, a person knowing your password can do anything you can do (e.g. transfer funds).
Tip: Arab Bank’s online banking service supports this security feature, please consider using this security feature that generates a one-time access code.
Use a strong password and a Token for optimal security!
Call our Customer Care Center for more information.
DO:
- Update the software on your computer or mobile device.
- Update the banking application software by getting a notification.
- Install and keep your anti-virus software up-to-date.
- Lock your computer or phone when not in use.
- Avoid installing applications from unknown sources.
- Use your PC when accessing the “Arabi Online” service and avoid using it in public places such as internet cafes or free wireless internet.
DO NOT:
- Write your passwords.
- Use default passwords, names, and dictionary words, even in different languages.
- Reveal your password, PIN, or one-time password (OTP) to anyone. Arab Bank will never ask you for this information.
- Grant permission to applications that do not state the reason for the permission.
Create and Use Only Strong Passwords
Passwords should be strong so that they are not easily guessed or cracked, (i.e. at least (8) characters long, upper/lower case letters, and include numbers and special characters).
Tip: Use a pass-phrase to remember your password 
(e.g. the phrase “Would you like 3 scoops of ice cream?” forms the strong password “Wul3$oIc?”).
For more information and assistance, please call us at:
17541000
customer.care-bh@arabbank.com.bh
