Australian financial services provider Commonwealth Bank has made available a new service which is meant to boost protection for customers shopping online.

The NetCode SMS or token is a single use secure code sent to a customer’s mobile via SMS verifying online transactions purchased on websites featuring a MasterCard SecureCode or Verified by Visa logo. Alternately, customers can use NetCode token which generates a code on a personal pocket-sized security device.

The additional layer of security will be a familiar process for the bank’s 3.8 million NetBank customers who currently use NetCode SMS or token for new online funds transfers or payments. NetCode SMS is a free service available to all NetBank customers. It replaces Personalised Identification Questions to provide added security when completing certain NetBank transactions.