Security Tips for Online Banking
With a few smart habits, you can keep your financial accounts secure and your peace of mind intact. Let’s go over the things you should be doing to keep your finances and information safe.
Always Use a Secure Internet Connection
When accessing information online, especially your financial information, ensure that you connect to safe and secure Wi-Fi. It’s usually best to check your finances at home rather than in public. If you must check them while on public Wi-Fi, use a VPN. You should stay away from connecting to unknown or open Wi-Fi networks, especially if you are using online banking tools.
Download From a Trusted Source
Download your financial institution’s mobile app from a valid app marketplace. You should double check with your institution that you have the correct app before downloading and signing in. You can find our mobile banking information and apps here.
Use a Strong Password
When creating a password for your accounts, make sure they are unique, secure, and different for each financial account. Each password should:
- Use at least 8 characters.
- Include a combination of numbers, symbols, and uppercase and lowercase letters.
- Not include any identifiable or searchable information about you, such as your birthday or pet name.
- Be different from other passwords you use for other accounts or logins. If you use the same password for all your accounts, a hacker can compromise one account and then risk your others.
Watch Out for Phishing Scams
Phishing attempts can take many forms, including:
- Emails or texts that ask you to “verify” your account or “update” your password
- Messages with urgent warnings, like “Your account will be locked”
- Links to websites that look like your financial institution’s site but aren’t
- Calls from someone claiming to be from your financial institution asking for personal information
Watch our video to learn how you can protect yourself from phishing scams.
You can also download our fraud prevention guide to learn more about common cases of fraud we see.
Regularly Monitor Your Accounts and Transactions
To catch any changes or transactions that you didn’t make, you’ll want to regularly check your accounts and transactions. You can set up account notifications that will notify you anytime someone makes a change or transaction. If you notice anything suspicious, contact your financial institution immediately for assistance.
Keep Your Devices Updated
Updates aren’t just for a new look. Keeping your phone and computer updated ensures you have the latest security on your devices. Outdated software is easier for hackers to hack, so if you aren’t updating your devices, you’re becoming a bigger target.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication
Having two-factor authentication creates an extra safety barrier for your accounts. Typically, when logging in with two-factor authentication enabled, the system will send a one-time code to your phone or email. You cannot log in unless you have this code, making it difficult for hackers to log in to your accounts.
Log Out When You’re Done
You should log out of your accounts when you’re done using them. If your phone or computer is stolen or lost, people can gain access to your accounts if you’re still logged in.