How to Bank Online Safely

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, I’m sure you know that hackers are constantly trying to find ways to get to your personal information online. One thing they would love access to is your bank account. Let’s make that way more difficult for them to do, shall we? Here’s how to do your online banking while avoiding cyber thugs.

Be careful where you access your account
It bears repeating this because we all get a bit lazy about security. Don’t access your account from a shared computer, or log in to your account from Starbucks or any other Wi-Fi connection that may not be safe.

Use a multi-layer approach to securing your computer
Make sure your Wi-Fi connection is encrypted, turn your firewall on, use and keep anti-virus software up-to-date, and use an anti-malware software program as well. Routinely running a free scan of ChicaPC-Shield™ can make sure you haven’t picked up any malware along the way, and can help you get rid of anything you may unknowingly downloaded. Also be sure to install all Windows updates – many security patches are included in updates, and you’ll want the latest protection.

Don’t take shortcuts
While it’s usually nice to save a few steps, do not take shortcuts while banking online. Take the time to enter in all passwords and do not save any on your computer. Make sure those passwords are long and strong, and change them often. To be on the safe side, after you log out of your account, close the window too.

Don’t Get Distracted
Many people get their personal information taken from them because they give it out — by replying to phishing emails and clicking on links leading to fake sites. Be careful what you click on, even it if looks legitimate. A banking institution is not going to ask you for your personal information online.

Check Your Banking Statements Often
Periodically check your statements, then if you seen any discrepancies you can set about resolving them right away.

Do you bank online? Do you feel safe doing so?

–Angela Skinner Mullen