Online Banking: 3 Tips For Protecting Your Identity And Information
Online banking has made bank services a lot easier to access. Gone are the days where you'd have to go to the bank to check your balance or pay a bill. Nowadays, everything can be done with a click of a button. Although online banking may have made your life significantly more convenient, online banking is vulnerable to hackers. If you opt for online banking services, here are 3 tips on how to protect yourself from identity theft and your account from unauthorized accesses.
Choose a "Strong" Password
To effectively protect your online bank accounts from unauthorized accesses, choose a "strong" password. A "strong" password is one that cannot be easily guessed, does not contain words found in the dictionary or part of one's name, and are typically case-sensitive. The password you use for online banking should consist of a minimum of six characters that are a random combination of letters, numbers and symbols. Most experts also recommend including at least one capital letter and one lowercase letter.
Be Wary of Emails Sent from the Bank
While many people prefer online means of communication rather than having to physically go to the bank, be wary of any emails that are sent to you by your bank or by a sender claiming to be a bank representative. No banks will ever ask you to provide them with your personal information over email.
If you need additional help with your account, consider setting up an appointment with an advisor or a bank representative through email correspondence. Leave out your personal information until you actually get to the bank.
Don't Store Your Passwords in a Document On Your Phone or Computer
Remembering a "strong" password may be difficult, but don't be tempted to store the passwords on your phone or your computer. This is because it can be easy for other people to access and find this information. You should also be careful if you decide to write your password down on a piece of paper. Make sure you keep this information in a safe place – like in a safe.
Conclusion
As long as you implement appropriate measures to safeguard your information, you can rest assured when taking advantage of the numerous services and features offered through online banking. If you ever suspect that any of your banking information has been compromised, you should contact your bank immediately to address the issue. It's better to be safe than sorry.
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