CommSec, Australia’s largest online broker, has now introduced more stringent security rules for its website after receiving threats from hackers.
According to Business Spectator, the online service has informed its one million customers that passwords must be updated, and many were informed via telephone calls to make the change.
The broker has altered its password requirements from five to 10 numbers, and from six to 16 characters. The service has also introduced new password rules, and has warned against using combinations of characters.
CommSec clients have also been warned not to make passwords that can be identified with their personal profile, such as a birth date or significant account number.
The company has recommended clients install software from two online stores, CA and Panda Security. It has also linked to the Microsoft security support website. But CommSec has still distanced itself from the sites, saying it does not accept any liability for loss or damage clients may incur from using the software on the links provided.
Patrick Stafford is a freelance journalist and a former deputy editor of SmartCompany.
