Safety Tips for Online Banking
As the world advances in technology crooks are also advancing and becoming cleverer. These criminals continue to explore new ways to deceive people in the online world as they look for their next victim. To enjoy a secure experience, the following Safety Tips for Online Banking are being offered:
Keep your password confidential: Your password acts like a key to your web bank account. Do not share your user name or password with anyone. In addition, make your password as impersonal as possible. For example, do not use your date of birth, phone number, or your identity card number as your password. Do not store your password in your computer.
If the data within your computer becomes compromised the files that you have your passwords saved in become accessible to the crooks making it easy to sign on to your online banking. It is also advisable to keep changing your password every four months. If you must use a public computer such as at an Internet Café or public library, to be safe change your password after completing your session.
Beware of questionable emails: Do not share, disclose, or provide your username, account number, or password, to another party, website, or your bank as banks will not send you an email requesting this information. Crooks may try and send you emails asking for your personal information such as a password or pin. Crooks have been known to design fake bank logos and use them when sending you an email which may lure you to give personal information. You can detect these fake emails because they usually direct you to questionable internet sites. In addition, you will notice that they do not address you as you are used to being addressed by your bank. The emails may also contain poor grammar.
Make use of anti-virus protection software: You should get the best quality anti-virus protection available for your internet banking experience. They protect your personal information in your computer from being lost due to a virus. Search for the services of a computer expert to enable you to get the top rated services available.
Encryption reminder: Encryption is the process of scrambling private information to prevent unauthorized access. To remind you that your transmission is encrypted, most Internet browsers display a small icon on your screen that looks like a lock or a key, when you conduct secure transactions online. Avoid sending sensitive information, such as account numbers, through unsecured e-mails. If you discover you did submit private details over an unsecured website inform your bank immediately.
General Security: Never leave your computer unattended once you have signed in to online banking. After completing your transactions, ensure that you sign out of online banking, clear your cache, and close your browser.
It should go without saying that monitoring your bank statement each month is good practice as any unauthorized transactions will be sure to appear there, however, why wait a whole month to discover a discrepancy? With online banking you have access 24/7 so take advantage of that and check your account on a regular basis.
Look at every transaction since you last logged in and if you spot any anomalies contact your bank immediately.