Your security is our priority. We work hard to bring you the fast, convenient personal and business banking experiences you’ve come to expect, while applying advanced security measures– so you can make real financial progress with peace of mind.
BMO Digital Banking Security Guarantee
Your security is our priority and we work in partnership with you to keep your accounts safe. We will reimburse you for any eligible unauthorized transactions provided you have kept your account details secure, and you’ve met all other key responsibilities outlined in our Electronic Banking Services Agreement
Security however you bank
Be confident that your private details are protected across all of our banking platforms.
- Online banking Bank online knowing that all info you exchange with us over the internet is secure.
- Mobile banking Protect your mobile device and identity from scammers while banking through the BMO mobile app.
- ATM banking Deposit or withdraw at BMO ATM with the confidence that if anything goes wrong, we're here to help.
- Telephone banking Make a transaction safely by phone with voice recognition and a unique PIN to confirm your identity.
Setting the standard for bank security
Your security is important to us. That’s why we go above and beyond to protect you. Our Financial Crimes Unit (FCU) is a security operations team that’s the first of its kind in Canada.
Founded in 2019, the FCU combines world-class expertise from our cyber security, fraud, physical security, and crisis management teams to detect, prevent, respond to and recover from security threats.
Our security features include:
- Leading-edge security technology, data and analytics tools.
- Operating on a global scale to ensure your safety in different time zones without delay.
- Managing security threats 24/7/365 whenever and wherever you bank.
- Strong internal controls like firewalls and email security software.
- Frequent employee training on the best and latest security practices.
Additional security software for your devices
Add an extra layer of safety to your account by installing security software from our trusted tech partners.
- IBM®Trusteer Rapport® to secure your desktop browser.
- OnGuard® to protect your identity online.
- Interac® verification serviceto confirm your identity when you sign up for new services.
Learn how to avoid fraud and cyber threats.
Find the top 10 security tips for your online banking safety.
Get info about types of scams and phishing do’s and don’ts.
Concerned about suspicious activity on your account? We can help.
FAQs Frequently Asked Questions
The BMO app has multiple security features designed to protect you:
- All info sent and received through the BMO app is encrypted to avoid third-party security risks.
- The app doesn’t store any confidential info (or cookies) on your mobile device.
- Any data sent to your mobile device through the app is free from harmful software like viruses.
Be sure to download banking apps from a trustworthy app store to avoid installing fake apps onto your phone.
BMO Digital Banking Security Guarantee
Your security is our priority and we work in partnership with you to keep your accounts safe. We will reimburse you for any eligible unauthorized transactions provided you have kept your account details secure, and you’ve met all other key responsibilities outlined in ourElectronic Banking Services Agreement.
I've extensively studied the realms of cybersecurity, digital banking, and fraud prevention, drawing from a vast repository of knowledge up to my last update in January 2022. My expertise encompasses understanding banking security protocols, encryption methods, cybersecurity tools, and fraud detection mechanisms employed by leading financial institutions globally.
With that foundation, let's break down the concepts and details mentioned in the article:
-
BMO Digital Banking Security Guarantee:
- This is a promise by BMO (Bank of Montreal) to its customers. If a customer faces unauthorized transactions on their account, BMO will reimburse them as long as the customer has taken the necessary precautions to secure their account.
-
Security Across Platforms:
- Online Banking: BMO ensures secure transmission of information over the internet, protecting customer data during online transactions.
- Mobile Banking: Using the BMO mobile app, customers can conduct transactions securely. It emphasizes protecting the user's mobile device and identity from potential scammers.
- ATM Banking: BMO provides a secure environment for customers to deposit or withdraw money from its ATMs.
- Telephone Banking: Transactions via phone are made secure using voice recognition and a unique PIN for identity confirmation.
-
Financial Crimes Unit (FCU):
- Established in 2019, the FCU is BMO's dedicated security operations team in Canada. It amalgamates expertise from various security domains like cybersecurity, fraud detection, physical security, and crisis management. The unit's primary role is to detect, prevent, respond to, and recover from security threats.
-
Security Features:
- BMO uses cutting-edge security technologies, data analytics tools, and operates globally to ensure security across different time zones.
- They employ robust internal controls such as firewalls, email security software, and ensure that employees undergo frequent training on the latest security practices.
-
Additional Security Software:
- BMO recommends installing security software from trusted partners like IBM® Trusteer Rapport® for desktop browser security, OnGuard® for online identity protection, and Interac® verification service to verify identities during new service sign-ups.
-
Security Tips and Resources:
- BMO provides customers with security tips to help them avoid fraud and cyber threats.
- There are resources available to educate customers about various scams, phishing prevention measures, and best practices.
- If customers notice any suspicious activity, BMO has provisions for them to report fraud.
-
BMO App Security Features:
- The BMO app encrypts all data sent and received to prevent third-party interceptions.
- It does not store any confidential information or cookies on the user's mobile device.
- Data sent through the app is free from malicious software, ensuring a safe user experience.
- Customers are advised to download the BMO app only from trustworthy app stores to avoid counterfeit applications.
In summary, BMO places paramount importance on customer security, employing a multi-layered approach that encompasses technology, dedicated security teams, employee training, and customer education. Their efforts aim to provide customers with a secure banking environment while also empowering them with the knowledge and tools to protect themselves from potential threats.
