Tribune News Network
Doha
Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB), the leading digital bank in Qatar, has ramped up its efforts to counter the escalating threat of cybercrime with the launch of an extensive awareness campaign. This initiative is aimed at educating customers about the importance of cybersecurity and ensuring the safety of their personal and banking information, coinciding with Cybersecurity Awareness Month.
As part of its ongoing commitment to protecting customer data, QIB has rolled out numerous activities and engaged in continuous communication to keep its clients informed about emerging cyberthreats.
The bank has also shared guidance on how to adopt safe practices when conducting banking operations. With the increase in electronic fraud, QIB’s efforts are focused on delivering practical advice to help customers avoid falling victim to cyber scams.
The awareness campaign highlights essential cybersecurity measures that customers should implement to protect their personal and financial data. QIB has emphasized the importance of being cautious about sharing sensitive information, such as One-Time Passwords (OTPs) and card details, as well as the risks associated with using weak passwords, downloading suspicious attachments, or entering personal information on unverified websites.
Additionally, QIB is educating its customers on common scams, including fraudulent phone calls from individuals pretending to be bank or government officials, deceptive text messages containing malicious links, phishing emails from fake delivery companies, and misleading social media advertisements from bogus investment firms promising unrealistic returns.
Commenting on the initiative, QIB Chief Risk Officer Rakesh Sanghvi said, "At QIB, the safety of our customers is our top priority. This enhanced awareness initiative is a crucial step in empowering our customers to protect themselves against cyber threats. By providing them with the necessary knowledge and tools, we are committed to ensuring a secure banking experience for all.”
In addition to raising awareness, QIB continues to introduce advanced security features designed to strengthen the protection of its customers. One key measure is multi-factor authentication, which requires customers to verify their identity using a One-Time Password (OTP) sent via SMS for online transactions. This feature adds an extra layer of security to digital banking activities. Furthermore, QIB offers a Secure Key service, enabling authentication exclusively through the user’s primary device, which reduces the risk of unauthorized access and ensures that banking activities are carried out securely.
QIB encourages its customers to use a single, dedicated device for their banking needs, minimizing the risks associated with shared or public devices. This approach bolsters data protection and enhances overall security. The bank’s mobile app also offers features that give customers greater control over their accounts, including the ability to instantly activate or deactivate their banking cards. This tool is particularly helpful if a card is lost or compromised, allowing customers to prevent unauthorized transactions. Additionally, the app allows users to control specific functions, such as enabling or disabling online purchases or ATM withdrawals. If customers detect any suspicious activity on their cards, they can report it directly through the app, facilitating quick action to prevent fraud.
To further secure its digital banking platform, QIB has implemented several security measures aimed at safeguarding customer transactions. For instance, access to the mobile banking app is blocked on devices using VPN connections or those compromised bymalware.
Moreover, if a remote control application is activated on a customer’s phone, the app will be disabled to prevent hackers from exploiting such tools to gain access to banking accounts. The bank has also introduced a "cooling-off” period before activating new beneficiaries for fund transfers, allowing customers time to verify the authenticity of the recipient before completing any transactions.
As part of its ongoing efforts to enhance data protection, QIB recently achieved PCI-DSS 4.0 certification, a globally recognised standard for cybersecurity and card data protection. This certification reflects the bank’s dedication to maintaining the highest standards of data security and ensuring the confidentiality of its customers’ information.
Through its comprehensive efforts to combat cyber threats, QIB continues to lead the way in ensuring a safe and secure banking environment for its customers in Qatar.