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Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Guide to Protecting Your Online Bank Account

October 2013 is the 10th anniversary of National Cyber Security Awareness month. Much has changed over the past ten years such as the emergence of social media, mobile banking, and cell phone payment systems.

It’s now more important than ever to take precautionary measures to protect your financial accounts from unauthorized access.

Here’s our updated step by step guide on how you can better protect your online financial accounts.

Terminate each session when you are done
It is important to terminate each online session when you are done with online banking. Usually this can be done by clicking the logout link on the website you use to access your account information.


Avoid using “remember me” options for online financial accounts
Using this feature may allow others who use your computer to access your online financial accounts. Never allow the browser to remember user names and passwords when using a public, shared computer.


Create hard to crack passwords
Use numbers, letters, and special characters if possible and change your password frequently. Microsoft has a great how to guide on creating strong passwords.

Microsoft: How to Create Strong Passwords

Avoid doing online banking from public WIFI
Hackers have the ability to install keylogging software on public WIFI networks. Don’t put yourself at risk, save online banking for home.

Keep your anti-virus and firewall software up to date
Your bank or credit union may even offer free anti-virus or firewall software.

Review your account statements frequently
Get in the habit of reviewing your financial account statements frequently Look for suspicious charges and report any inaccuracies or signs of fraud right away to your bank or credit union.




Check your credit report at least once a year
You can do this for free at www.annualcreditreport.com. Look for and report unauthorized transactions.

For more information and tips on how you can protect your identity and financial information, visit www.onguardonline.gov.