Southland News
7 Tips to keep your bank account safe
Remember to take effective measures to safeguard your finances
You can never take too many precautions in keeping your bank account safe. Your money is your livelihood, so keep it secure by following the tips listed below.
1. Use unique passwords across all accounts
Creating longer, stronger passwords, especially 16-letter passwords, makes it functionally impossible for hackers to crack your password. Updating your passwords regularly and using password managers are also strategies that will keep hackers at bay.
2. Sign up for multi-factor authentication
Signing up for multi-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second method of verification. Multi-factor authentication will often ask for your password, send you a text message with a code, or use biometrics like your fingerprint.
3. Be cautious of public Wi-Fi
Avoid using public Wi-Fi when handling sensitive information such as login credentials. Using a VPN (virtual private network) will encrypt your private data and make it harder for criminals to view your information.
4. Don't share your PIN or passwords
As obvious as it sounds, don’t share your password or banking information with anyone. This also goes for suspicious text messages or emails that ask for your information. Beware of a popular tactic known as phishing, which involves masquerading as someone trustworthy in order to get sensitive information.
5. Sign up for account alerts
Monitor your accounts by signing up for alerts from your financial institution. Notifications for transactions, account changes or suspicious activities can help you stop fraud early on.
6. Double-check apps and websites
Make sure the website you are using or the app you are downloading is correct and not an impostor. Cyber criminals can spoof well-known websites with a similar web address to trick you into logging in to their fake site to steal your login credentials.
7. Don't respond to suspicious messages
Be cautious of unsolicited emails, text messages or social media messages asking for sensitive information or urging immediate action. Verify the sender's identity and contact the organization directly through official channels if you are unsure about the legitimacy of a message.
Take charge of your account’s safety
Relying solely on basic security measures is insufficient in today's digital landscape. With numerous avenues for hackers to exploit, safeguarding your information is critical. By implementing these tips, you can rest easy knowing your personal data is protected from theft.