21st century man is highly reliant on internet and web services for performing most activities in order to save their time and effort. Internet has made things easier and banking sector has witnessed a major shift with online banking gradually replacing traditional banking systems. More and more people are opting for it, owing to the benefits it has. However, in the wake of increasing cyber-crimes, it has become important to perform online banking with utmost care. Here we have listed certain tips for a safer online banking experience as you would surely not want losing your hard earned money to the hands of hackers.
Opt For An Account With Two Factor Authentication –
You must choose a two factor authentication in some form or the other. Most banks today provide a unique code each time you decide to bank online. Apart from your login credentials you would require a one-time password or code which is valid for a short span of time to gain access to your online account. This ensures complete security.
Use Strong Passwords –
The key to safe transacting is a strong password that cannot be guessed easily. Use a combination of upper & lower case characters, numerals, symbols and special characters. Setting your name or birthdate as the password is nothing but an open invitation for hackers to gain access to your account. Try to change the password after every few months if your bank permits you to do so.
Keep Your System Secure & Updated –
It is essential to turn on firewalls and ensure that you have an antivirus software installed on your system. Since your system is exposed to a number of cyber and virus attacks such as malware, Trojans etc. it is important to take every possible step to prevent them from gaining access to your vital financial information.
Avoid Clicking Through Emails –
No financial institute would send you an email asking for your bank account or other important details. So, be wary of emails that masquerade themselves as an email from your bank and ask for your login credentials.
If you come across an email and sense suspicion then it is best to avoid them. It might just be a hoax email sent by an unknown sender with an intention to steal your valuable information such as username, password etc.
Don’t Forget To Log Out –
The smartest move is to log out your account after ending your online banking session. Clear off the cache when once you are done. This will prevent loss of vital information.
Account Notifications Are A Must –
Most banks nowadays offer an account notification facility to their customers. It is meant to notify and keep them updated about certain activities in their account.
Regular Monitoring –
Since online accounts can be accessed at any time, you must keep a check and monitor your accounts on regular basis. Go through the bank statement online and if you spot any anomalies then contact your bank immediately.
Access Your Accounts From A Safe Location –
Never log on to your bank account at a common computer that is shared by many people. Also do not use public Wi-Fi while banking online.
For more information, call Centex Technologies at (254) 213-4740.