Seven tips to secure your online banking transactions.
Adopt these safety practices when operating your Savings Account and other Internet Banking assets.
In this digital age, operating your Savings Account has become very convenient. You can easily transfer funds, put in a fresh chequebook request, and make investments within a few minutes. While convenience is a valuable asset, its just as important to practice secure Internet Banking habits. By following the right cyber security protocols, you can ensure that you can conduct all your transactions safely.
These top seven cyber security mantras will ensure that your digital banking activity is protected at all times:
May 17, 2023
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1. Update your anti-virus protection
Ensure that any device you use for Internet Banking has adequate anti-virus protection. Keep in mind though, free editions of anti-virus unfortunately do not have enough protection leverage. Ensure that you invest in credible anti-virus software across your Windows, Android or iOS devices, before logging into your Savings Account. This is the first rule for starting your digital banking journey.
2. Beware of phishing attempts
With the cybercrime rate going up, it's best to be alert and take precautions not to fall for common traps. Here are two phishing tactics that all Internet Banking users must be aware of:
- Beware of emails that impersonate official emails from your bank. Check the website details mentioned in the email to authenticate if it is a legitimate source. If not, you may end up typing in your bank account and password, which the fraudulent party can then use to clean out your accounts.
- You may receive an SMS, which suggests that your bank account will be shut down if you do not call the bank and update some necessary details. In all likelihood, the number belongs to a fraudulent party impersonating the bank. They will try to extract your bank details, log in and clean out the account.
It's important to understand that banks never request private information such as passwords.
3. Bank from a secure location
Location matters when you engage in Internet Banking. For instance, its not ideal to engage in Internet Banking from a public location such as an Internet cafe, a co-working space, a restaurant or while travelling in the metro.
Also, avoid logging into your bank account using the Wi-Fi in a public space. These connections are usually not secure, making it possible for someone to copy your Internet Banking details or hack into your account.
Its best to operate your Savings Account digitally from the privacy of your home.
4. Make sure your Wi-Fi is secure
Your household Wi-Fi should be password protected at all times. The password itself should not be a generic one like 'internet123'. Make it a complex mix of text, special characters and numbers.
If a visitor wants to log on to your Wi-Fi, it is best to input the password yourself. These simple measures help reduce the potential of someone hacking into your Wi-Fi and accessing and misusing your Internet Banking credentials.
5. Leverage two-factor authentication
Today, most banks provide a two-factor authentication protocol, which enables higher security for Internet banking. This process involves using two factors to verify your identity before logging into your account.
For instance, you could use a combination of a personal identification number, and a password. Alternatively, you can use a combination of a biometric factor such as a fingerprint, and a possession factor such as a mobile device that can approve the request.
Be sure to choose a secure combination that is not easy to decode.
6. Secure your account and password information
Make sure that your Internet Banking password is not easy to crack. For instance, use a mix of text, numbers and special characters. Try to avoid birthdays and anniversaries, which make it easy for someone to crack the code.
Another common mistake made by users is that they write their Savings Account number and password together, and save it in their email, a physical diary, or a notes app. This is a rookie mistake that can lead to someone else accessing your account.
7. Log out securely
This is one of the most basic security measures, which most users tend to forget. Once you have completed your online banking transactions, log out of your account. If you are using a mobile app for Internet Banking, be sure to close the app. An open session either on your laptop or mobile, can make it vulnerable to misuse.
In conclusion
Practicing basic internet safety etiquette is a must in todays fast-paced digital world. Its also just as important to choose a bank that invests in the right technology to keep your transactions safe.
Axis Banks state-of-the-art Internet Banking services ensure the safety of online transactions. You can get started by opening an Axis Bank Savings Account that is easy to operate and is a one-stop shop for all your needs, including transactions and investments.