How to Protect Yourself when Banking Online

Paying bills, shopping and banking online are convenient time and money saving ways to handle business. A few precautions can go a long way in protecting your identity and your finances when banking online.

Set up computer barricades, choose a legitimate bank, keep passwords secret, check statements regularly and beware scam emails. These steps will help ensure happy surfing, shopping and banking.

Banking online tip 1: Barricades

Before even going online, install computer security. If your operating system came with a firewall, make sure it's activated. If not, install and activate a firewall. Keep it activated at all times. Install anti-virus and anti-spy software. There are several free and paid versions available. Whatever you choose, use the software regularly and keep it updated. Most software programs allow you to set run times as well as making updating an automatic process.

Banking online tip 2: Legitimate Banks

Most banks now offer banking online. Make sure you're doing business with an FDIC insured bank. Check for the FDIC logo or go to www.fdic.gov and see if your bank is on the list. When using bank services, there should be an extra 's' in the URL (example: https) letting you know the site is secure and encrypted. A locked padlock should be visible in the right hand corner of your screen. Click on the lock to view the type of encryption the site uses. If there is no padlock and no other visible sign of security, do not enter private passwords or other information.

Banking online tip 3: Protect Passwords

When creating personal identification numbers (PINs) and passwords, it's easy to use the same password everywhere. Some people even use the word password as their password. While these practices may be easy, they aren't safe. Nor are passwords containing family names, pet names, birthdays, anniversaries, telephone or address numbers. Such passwords are too easily hacked.

Practice Safe Banking Online

Credit: stock image

Copyright: stock image