Thanks to the internet, existing banks are easier than ever. Not long ago, we had to drive to the bank to deposit money. Today, you can do any amount of business at home or on the go.
While the beauty of online banking is undeniable, it also has its drawbacks. If you do not take security seriously, your bank account details may be compromised. Another thing you know, you have been an identity thief.
How To Enhance Online Banking Security?
In this article, we will outline some online banking tips to save your money:
1. Create a strong password
Your online bank account will require you to enter a password to gain access, so make sure you choose a strong password. Ideally, you should use uppercase and lowercase letters as well as a combination of upper and lower case letters.
Avoid including any common phrases or words, and do not use passwords that contain personal information. After all, it’s not hard to imagine!
2. Perform two-factor analysis
If your bank approves the 2FA check, doing so provides additional security for your account. Once saved, you will be sent a one-time password via text message, which you will need to enter each time you log in to your account. The supplement may seem awkward, but it is very useful.
If someone else tries to access your account, you will receive a code. Once you realize that you do not want this, you can immediately stop the bad guy. That is how every bank and proof of funds providers ensure security to its clients.
3. Protect your device
Always use antivirus or antimalware programs on your phone or computer to prevent cyber fraud. Do not forget to update it and make sure your firewall is running to protect your device from external interference.
It is also important to use the latest web browsers – older browsers have weaknesses that can make your device less dangerous!
4. Turn off automatic login
When using automatic login, your browser stores your username and password. This means you can access your bank account without remembering your login details. However, it is better to avoid automatic login, especially if you are doing online banking on your phone.
What if a thief steals it? They do not even want your credentials to be logged into your bank account.
5. Protect your connection
This is one of the most important online banking tips to follow no matter what the cost. If your connection is unsafe, hackers can block all your bank traffic and read it. So when you go to a bank or shopping site, check whether it is using SSL or TLS.
Just check the URL – it should start with “https: //”, which means the site is encrypted. Likewise, if you are on public WiFi, do not do any business – these networks also allow you to easily. If you must, get a VPN for online banking as it will encrypt all your connections.
6. Be careful of phishing mails
If you have received an email from your bank requesting your account information, do not be fooled. This is a phishing attempt by cybercriminals to trick you into revealing sensitive data, appearing as a trust. Remember that legitimate financial institutions do not make email clients requesting their credentials.
7. Lock your mobile phone
Do you use your mobile phone for online banking or shopping? Then you need to save the device manually. Set a lock screen with a PIN or password to prevent unauthorized access to your phone.
Also, activate Android Device Manager or Find My iPhone. With it, if your phone is lost, you can find out its location, or delete all personal data remotely so that it does not end up where it should not be.
8. Set account status
Some banks offer you the option of accessing your account information instantly via text message or email. This is useful because you will receive text messages every time money is withdrawn from your bank account. That way, you can see the mirror function and take action at the right time.
9. Keep your computer and phone updated
Updates can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours, so you can understand why you have to turn them off. However, if your phone or computer has not done so, you will lose the necessary patches to fix the bug and weakness in the operating system. In addition, you will not be able to enjoy all the nice new features that any new update has to offer.
10. Install bank mobile application
If your bank has a mobile app, install and use it. Most malicious attacks on computers are transmitted. Of course, all devices can be hacked, but mobile phones are a very small risk.
11. Don’t forget to log out
Most banks will take you out immediately after a short period of time not working, but you should not rely on that alone. It is best to start with the practice of quitting as soon as you have finished your banking session.
This will reduce your chances of being affected by site writing and timely attacks. Also, if someone else has access to your device, they will not be able to access your bank account.
12. Turn off Bluetooth
Bluetooth provides another option for attackers to access sensitive information. This feature allows the device to communicate with each other, which can pose a great risk to your safety if left unattended in public. By searching for an open Bluetooth signal, the perpetrators can gain access to your device and take over certain functions.
13. Check your account regularly
Take a look at your monthly bank statements. That is because your bank may not be able to detect fraudulent activity on your account. By checking your statement frequently, you can detect any negative transactions and notify your bank in a timely manner.
14. Do not use a public computer
Public computers have not been misused for online banking. The risk of damaging your login credentials is high when you get your bank account in one account.
15. Avoid connecting to public Wi-Fi
Likewise, you should not engage in programs that have a soft impact such as online banking and Wi-Fi networks in stores, shops and other public places. These are usually unprotected, which means hackers can easily block your traffic and steal your login credentials. If you must be able to use public Wi-Fi hotspots, do not forget to first activate your VPN.
16. Turn on the incognito mode
Whether you are using a personal computer or a public computer for online banking, you do not want to store the information embedded in it – it is not a good idea! Just turn on incognito mode when you make any transaction to prevent cache, cookies and browser history on your device.
Read more: Update QuickBooks Desktop to the Latest Version 2022
