Safe Security
Safe Use
Is the Virtual Safe safe? How does it store my information and files?
All content within the Virtual Safe is encrypted and stored on your local hard drive. For convenience and peace of mind, it can only be accessed using your nominated user name and password. No data (ie content or login details) is transferred to any other source.
Is the information I enter shared with any other party?
No. Once you have downloaded the software application there is no information passed to any other party. Anything entered into your Virtual Safe remains on your computer.
Can somebody steal the information from my computer?
Only people who know your user name and password can access your Virtual Safe. All information entered into the Virtual Safe, including all files and attachments, are encrypted. This means they cannot be read or viewed outside the Virtual Safe.
How long will my information stay inside the safe?
Potentially indefinitely. The safe does not expire at any time. And there is no license period attached to its use. However, remember to transfer your safe if you get a new computer.
Can anybody access my information?
Only people who know your user name and password can access your Virtual Safe. The information entered is not forwarded or shared with any other source. If people know your user name and password and have access to your computer, that means they could log on to your Virtual Safe, you should therefore not disclose this information to anyone else.
What happens if I forget my password?
You are given a few chances to enter your password when unlocking the Virtual Safe. If however, you continue to get it wrong, you will be given the option to leave the safe locked and come back later for another try (perhaps something will trigger your memory).
If you absolutely cannot remember your login details, you have the option of re-installing the Virtual Safe. For security reasons, this means all information you have entered up to this point will be deleted. The Virtual Safe will be then re-set, enabling you to start the Safe all over again. This is non-reversible though, so should only be used as a last resort.
Therefore, to avoid this last resort option, and given once set up, you may only visit the safe intermittently, we suggest you keep a record of your access details in a secure place elsewhere.
Can I change my username and password?
No, once you have elected your login details you will not be able to edit or change them. All of the files will use this information in the encryption process, and require the original login details to be able to access them.
Why do I need to register?
You need to register for the Virtual Safe in order for you to be sent the download address and unlock code to activate the software.
What happens if my computer is stolen or damaged?
It is a good idea to make back-ups of the Virtual Safe files from time to time, burn them to CD or DVD and store these back-ups elsewhere. That way, if your computer is stolen or damaged, you will be able to easily access your Virtual Safe by firstly re-installing the application and copying the files into their correct directories from the back-up version onto your new or repaired computer.
How do I create a back-up of my Virtual Safe?
To create a back-up of your Virtual Safe, locate the Virtual Safe folder (by default this is usually located in the program files directory). Burn this whole folder onto a CD or DVD. This will transfer all of the application files, as well as all of the images, documents and information you have loaded into the safe.
To restore that copy of the Virtual Safe back onto a computer, first remove or uninstall all previous copies of the Virtual Safe. Next follow the steps outlined in the section on What happens if I replace my computer with a new one?
How does the Virtual Safe work?
The Virtual Safe is simply a piece of software. Its purpose is to store information and files about house contents. Essentially, it is an inventory of your home contents for insurance purposes. It helps you valuate your home contents giving you an easy, central location to maintain information and is invaluable in the event of needing to make an insurance claim.
It is an easy to use interface allowing you to add an item, note serial numbers, record values and attach related files or photos.
Why should I use it?
A detailed home contents inventory could make an insurance claim that much quicker and easier, thus getting you back on track sooner. Plus, you can store other important information, images and documents like a copy of your passport or wills, certificates and qualifications. Having a record of these in your centralised Virtual Safe can mean that, apart from providing peace of mind, sourcing replacements in the aftermath of an emergency is much easier.
You must give us evidence of value and ownership of lost, stolen or damaged goods or property, especially for articles such as;
- Jewellery and artworks and collections - you should keep your purchase record and valuation certificate which shows the value of the item as well as highlighting proof of ownership.
- hand-woven rugs, and the price of recently purchased items such as stereos, TVs, cameras, computers, listed contents items or specified effects, if we ask for this. - you should keep a copy of the receipt or purchase records, and warranties may also be handy.
In order to assist the settlement of the claim, you may like to take advantage of this Virtual Safe product by storing images of your evidence of value and ownership of your contents.
What do I store in the Virtual Safe?
Store a room-by-room inventory of all of your contents, along with supporting documents and images for each item, such as copies of receipts, photos and valuations. You can also store other useful information about your home, such as carpet styles, paint colours and supplier details.
Can I add images, movies, and files?
Yes, an item - such as a piece of jewellery - may have images, movie files or documents attached. Images can be viewed from within the Virtual Safe, while other files are encrypted and saved in the background. To view these files, they need to be retrieved from the safe before they can be opened.
Can I store important digital photos?
Yes. Why not save scans of your wedding photos and other valuable images in the safe as a back-up. Memories can be just as valuable as assets and are often irreplaceable.
How many files can I store in my safe?
There is no limit to the number of items or files you store in the safe. However, depending on the performance of your computer, storing hundreds of larger files may slow down the speed of the safe when in use.
How big can the files be?
Once again, there is no limit to the file size of the documents and images you store in the safe. However, depending on the specifications of your computer, storing hundreds of larger files may slow down the speed of the safe when in use.
How long does it take to add large files to the safe?
As a guide, a 25Mb movie file will take about five seconds to encrypt on a Pentium 4; slower machines may take longer.
Can I run the Virtual Safe on any computer?
The recommended minimum requirements are:
- Windows 98, Pentium II, 128Mb RAM
- Windows 2000, Pentium III, 128Mb RAM
- Windows XP, Pentium III, 128Mb RAM
- Power Macintosh G3, OS 10.0.5+, 128Mb RAM
What happens if I replace my computer with a new one? How do I move my Virtual Safe?
The easiest way to migrate the Virtual Safe to a new computer is to burn the application and content files to a CD or DVD.
- Copy the application from old computer to the same location of the new computer. (For details see section on How do I create a back-up of my Virtual Safe?).
- Next, start the Virtual Safe as you normally would. (Refer to the Operating System manual to set up icon shortcuts on your desktop and menus).
- If there are any problems, check that you have moved the files into the same directory locations they were kept in on the previous computer.
WARNING:
- DO NOT move the content files onto the new machine, then install the application. This will reset the contents files, and remove all of your data.
- DO NOT start the application again, until you have moved the content files onto the new machine. This will ask you to set up your profile again, and may lock you out of your old files.
Do I need a scanner?
No. Adding copies of scanned documents or photos is simply an additional option. If you want to use this option you will however, need access to a scanner to scan the documents or photos to your computer. Alternatively, if you have a digital camera, you can download digital photos onto the virtual safe (depending of course on the camera's make and model).
Do I need a digital camera?
No. Adding digital photos to your Virtual Safe is optional. If you want to use this option, you will need access to a digital camera to take photos. Alternatively if you have scanned photos, you can download these onto the Virtual Safe.
Am I covered for all the items I reference in the safe?
No. The items you reference in your Virtual Safe are not related to your insurance policy. If you wish to arrange insurance cover, or change your insurance levels or coverage, you can contact us on 13 11 55..
Disclaimer
Home and contents insurance is issued by Suncorp Metway Insurance Ltd ABN 83 075 695 966. Please read the relevant product disclosure statement before you make any decisions regarding any of these products. Contact us for a copy. No responsibility is accepted for any information recorded or stored using the Virtual Safe, and use of the Virtual Safe does not guarantee that you will be able to make a successful insurance claim in relation to any items whose details are stored by the Virtual Safe. Documents stored in electronic form in the Virtual Safe may not be appropriate for certain legal purposes. Information provided by us in the Virtual Safe is only current at the time of downloading from www.suncorp.com.au. Suncorp does not undertake to provide updates of the Virtual Safe.
© 2005 Suncorp-Metway Limited ABN 66 010 831 722
