In today’s world, it is hard to go a day without hearing about some form of hacking. As we continue to live in an era of digital banking and online transactions, this problem will only get worse. Keeping your bank account security is not always easy. In the following article, you will find 18 tips for keeping your online bank account safe from hackers.
What is an Online Bank account?
An online bank account is a savings or checking account that can be accessed through internet banking. This type of account offers the convenience of accessing your funds from any location as long as you have an Internet connection and access to your login information.
Online banks are prone to hackers because they offer easy access to your financial information. Currently, there are more than 900,000 online banking fraud cases every year in the United States alone. So, You can use a verified stripe account online as a personal bank account.
18 Tips to Keep Your Online Bank Account Secure
To ensure the security of your online bank account you can follow the below useful steps.
Frequently Change Your Passwords
When it comes to online banking, the best way to secure your account is by changing passwords every 60 days. This will help reduce the chances of someone guessing or trying a password that has been used in previous accounts.
Limit Your Personal Information Online
It would be wise not to share any personal information such as social security number, address, phone number, and birthday. Anything that someone can obtain this information about you they may be able to use for fraudulent purposes or just to get into your account.
Disable Your Browser Plugin
It is important to disable the plugin on your browser because some of these plugins are used by hackers in order to steal personal data from people’s computers while browsing online.
Use a Password Manager
A great way to keep your passwords in order is by using a password manager. There are many free services that will help you save all of your passwords without having to remember them and set up strong security measures for any account with sensitive information on it.
Don’t Open Emails from Suspicious Sources
It is always a good idea to not open emails from sources that are suspicious. You should never click on any links or attachments in the email unless you know for sure they are safe and legitimate.
Don’t Open Emails with Links
Just like opening an email, clicking on a link from someone who may have malicious intentions can be dangerous as well. If you ever get an email with a link, don’t click on it unless the person who sent the email is someone in your contact list or you know for sure that they are not trying to harm you.
Switch Off Your Wi-Fi When You’re Not Using It
Whenever possible, make sure that your wireless connection is turned off when you’re not using it. You should never store anything sensitive on your computer, and the information you do upload is best saved offline when possible too.
Never Use Public Wi-Fi
Never use public Wi-Fi. When using a portable device for banking, always be sure to have it connected to a secure network (e.g., your home or office). Public networks are less secured and hackers will typically target them.
Avoid Phishing Emails and Websites
Never click on links to websites or open emails from people you don’t know. If it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is. Most phishing scams are poorly executed so they can easily be spotted by a person who knows what they’re looking for.
Don’t Use Your Phone For Banking
It is not recommended that you bank with your phone. Phones are less secure than laptops and desktops because they’re not connected to a physical network.
Set Strong Passwords
Select passwords that can’t easily be guessed by others or cracked in any way, such as words with letters and numbers mixed up (e.g., “kitty89”) instead of just sequential numbers (“12345”).
Enable Two-Factor Authentication
Use a two-step authentication process, such as an SMS code or email prompt, when logging in to your bank account. This will add an additional layer of security to your account.
It is not recommended that you bank with your phone. Phones are less secure than laptops and desktops because they’re not connected to a physical network. Select passwords that can’t easily be guessed by others or cracked in any way, such as words with letters and numbers
Keep Your Software Updated
Many of the phishing scams today are distributed through infected emails and software updates that have been tampered with by malicious actors. It’s important for you to keep your antivirus updated so it
Avoid Using Automatic Login
Avoid using your browser’s automatic login feature because this is a prime opportunity for cybercriminals to steal your information.
If you have any doubts about the validity of an email, call them up and make sure it’s real! If their phone line appears to be different from what was advertised in the message or if they ask for additional personal information, it’s a good idea to hang up and call them back from another number.
Be on the Lookout for Suspicious Behavior
If you notice that your bank suddenly sends an email asking you to update your account or make changes in some other way, be extra careful not to fall victim of phishing scams!
If you don’t have any security questions set up for your account, you’ll want to create some at this time.
Use the Mobile Banking App
Email isn’t the only way to stay up-to-date with your account. Downloading and installing a mobile banking app on your phone can be another good option for staying in touch without exposing yourself to more risks!
For example, some banks offer fingerprint or facial recognition that allows you quick access (in addition to giving you peace of mind).
The FTC provides a variety of resources to minimize the risk of identity theft and fraud. You can visit their website for more information about reporting fraudulent activity: IdentityTheft.gov or call toll-free at (877) IDTHEFT. They also offer helpful information on how to prepare your social security number, credit
Update Your Computer and Mobile Device with Security Updates
- Install an Anti-Malware Program on Your Computer and Smartphone
- Be Wary of Suspicious Emails or Websites
- Check the Logs in your Online Banking Account for Unusual Activity
- Set up Fraud Alerts with Credit Reporting Agencies to Warn You if Someone is Using Your Identity
- Consider Adding a Password Manager to Your Browser
- Consider Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to Encrypt Personal Information Transmitted Over the Internet
- Keep your Mobile Devices Active and in Good Condition
- Don’t Let Your Security Software Expire
The FTC’s website also provides information on how you can protect yourself from scams. They provide tips for recognizing phishing email, shopping
Secure Your Mobile Device with a Strong Password
In addition to passwords, you should also consider using multi-factor authentication. Multi-factor authentication requires more than just a password in order to log into an account. A common form of this is when someone needs both their password and another piece of information from them that they can only have one at the time (e.g) a code sent to their phone or email.
The FTC’s website also provides information on how you can protect yourself from scams. They provide tips for recognizing phishing emails, shopping safely online and securing your mobile device with a strong password. In addition to passwords, you should also consider using multi-factor authentication. Multi-factor authentication requires more.
Conclusion
Keeping your online bank account secure is essential to safeguarding your finances and identity. The tips we’ve provided will help you do just that, but if any of this seems overwhelming or confusing, don’t hesitate to contact us for assistance! Our expert team can provide the guidance and support needed to keep your money safe while maximizing convenience when banking on the go. Which tip have you implemented in order to better protect yourself from cybersecurity threats?
