Information security has been a hot topic in the media recently, with a number of data leaks and various phishing attempts coming to light. The incidents have affected many individuals and raised concerns on how safe it is to use services online. A-kassa is well aware of the existing information security risks and does its best to minimise them with proactive and preventive measures. However, ensuring information security is not solely our responsibility: everyone should personally make sure to stay secure online.
What does information security mean? Information security covers all measures taken to secure information and information systems from damage, unauthorised access and leaks. Technical measures alone are not enough. We must all personally make sure that we do not e.g. share our banking credentials or private information too carelessly or unsuspectingly.
Customers’ online security is very important to A-kassa and an essential part of our high-quality service. We process our member information responsibly and strictly comply with information security-related legislation and regulations, such as the Data Protection Act. You can use our services safely online by using our secure electronic service channels.
A-kassa never sends links by e-mail or SMS. Also, we never ask you to disclose your credentials to us. If you receive such a request, we ask you to contact our customer service to investigate the matter.
Electronic eService
Our preferred channel for any customer request is the eService. It is a simple and secure way to manage all your unemployment benefit-related matters electronically, in one place and on your own schedule. The eService includes a tab for submitting your application appendices quickly and safely.
Using the service requires strong identification. You can log in to the service with your personal banking credentials, your operator’s mobile certificate or the citizen certificate provided by the Digital and Population Data Services Agency.
eService messaging service
Once you have logged into the eService, you can use its messaging functionality to securely send messages to A-kassa and to respond to messages from us. If you receive a message in the eService, the system notifies you with an automatic push message to your e-mail or mobile phone, provided that your contact information is up to date. You can review and update your contact information directly in the eService.
Personal chat service
Our chat service is available every weekday from 8.30 a.m. to 3 p.m. via the electronic eService. Upon identification, the chat provides personal and targeted customer service, comparable to our phone service.
Phone service
When you call A-kassa’s phone service, we verify your identity with credentials. In case we are calling you, we also ensure that we have reached the correct person.
In order to receive personal customer service from A-kassa, you must always identify yourself first. Without identification, we can only provide general advice. Our social media channels can only be used for more generic advice. Please do not send any appendices or personal information via social media.
For more information:
eService, electronic online service
Checklist for using the online service securely
- Remember to always log out: After you have finished using the eService, make sure that you log out of the system. This prevents others from using your account if you leave your computer or mobile device unattended.
- Do not share your user IDs or passwords with others: Always keep your credentials to yourself. Never share your banking credentials or passwords to others.
- Avoid using shared or public computers: If possible, avoid using online services with shared or public computers. If you have to use a shared computer, make sure that you log out of all services and close the browser when you are finished.
- Ensure that your Internet connection is secure: Use a secure, reliable Internet connection especially when processing sensitive information. Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks or use them with a VPN connection.
- Watch out for suspicious messages: Watch out for e-mails and SMS messages that seem suspicious or that request your personal information. The Open Unemployment Fund never asks you to disclose your credentials or passwords. If you receive a suspicious message, do not click on the link and do not provide your information. You can always verify whether you have actually received a message from us by logging in to the eService. Let us know if someone has impersonated us and sent you a phishing message.
- Update your software and devices regularly: Make sure that your devices and software are up to date. Install software updates and security patches regularly to remain fully protected from any information security threats.
