Is online banking safe? It is if you are aware of several tips to keep your personal information and your bank account safe. This advice is simple, but it can make all the difference if a thief tries to obtain your personal information and your money.
1. Create A New Password
Your password is the first line of defense between your online bank account and computer hackers. You need to have a long password with many different characters, including numbers. The safest way to protect your password is to change it every four to six months. This way, if someone does get your password, it limits his chances of getting the right one.
2. Create A Unique Password
Even if people change their passwords regularly, they often do it across the board with all of their accounts. Your banking password should be different from all the other passwords that you use online. If your e-mail account gets hacked, your online banking account could be hacked easily if the two accounts have the same password.
3. Watch Out For Fake E-Mails
Many thieves obtain personal banking information from the individuals themselves by using fake e-mails from the corporation. Your bank or financial institution will never send an e-mail asking you for your credit card information or account confirmation by clicking on a link. Even if an e-mail has the bank's logo, visit the bank's Web site without clicking on the link within the e-mail, and log in from there.
4. Avoid Auto-Passwords
Some computers and Web browsers automatically save password information. If yours does, anyone who uses your computer can have access to your information, including spyware programs that are downloaded to your computer from the Internet. Be sure to adjust your browser so that it doesn't record passwords.
5. Be Vigilant About Viruses
Anti-virus software can be your best friend when it comes to online banking. Anti-virus software will prevent harmful computer viruses from attacking your machine and taking personal information. Make sure your software is up to date.
6. Use Spyware-Removing Programs
Spyware is different from viruses because it downloads to your computer to monitor your activity, not to infect your computer. Using a spyware-removing program once a month can help protect your data and keep your banking account safe. You can find several free versions of spyware-removing programs available online.
7. Use A Firewall
A firewall is a digital defense shield around your computer and banking information. It can block hackers, viruses, worms and spyware. Some Internet Service Providers include firewall service with their monthly fees. You can also download and install a relatively inexpensive firewall from the Web.
If you use these seven tips, thieves and hackers will have a much harder time getting your personal information.
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