How to Protect Your Bank Accounts Online

The internet is increasingly the preferred method of managing bank accounts for many. However, you need to be aware of potential dangers that could compromise your security and thus take preventative action to keep your money safe. Here some  tips on how to protect your personal data and bank accounts while online:

 

1. Avoid using search engines to find your bank’s website.

Fraudsters are aware that people usually go through search engines in order to find websites. Hence, they make counterfeit websites identical to banking websites and have them landed in search engines. If not careful, a victim may select the fraudulent site and be prompted to divulge their online banking information or even their bank account details. By this, fraudsters will be able to capture the victims original details and use it themselves on fraudulent ends.

The safest way to find a website is by typing the full website address in the URL (https:// address bar) on your browser. This should avoid routing through a search engine and take you straight to the genuine website.

2. Do not save the bank’s web address in  your favourites.

Some fraudulent emails will prompt you to click on links which will then add unwanted links in to your favourites. These links could mimic your bank’s website to attempt capturing your banking details.

As in the example above, the best way to navigate to your banking site is always by typing the full address in the address bar at the top of your browser.

3. Do not respond to emails that claim to be from your bank asking you to divulge your personal or bank details.

Due to data protection rules in many countries, bank’s are usually required to have systems in place to protect your personal data. Typically, they will not send you emails requiring you to take action via email. If there is

4. Do not store passwords or bank details on your computer.

Your computer could be at risk of viruses which could access data saved on your computer. The best practice is always to create passwords that you can remember without having to write them down.

5. Install and scan anti-malware on your device.

MALWARE

This is a category term in which different malicious computer programs fall into such as viruses, trojan horses, ransomware, spyware, worms, adware and scareware.

VIRUSES

Some viruses have the potential of replicating and attaching themselves to existing programs in order corrupt  and destroy your system and data. Regular scan of an antivirus software will help you detect and destroy computer viruses.

TROJAN HORSES

These are computer programs that are made to appear useful and they persuade victims to install it on their devices. These are usually spread via attachments through emails.

RANSOMWARE

This refers to malicious programs that can be installed on a device without the user being aware of it. It restricts access to the infected device and demands the user to pay a ransom in order to regain access.

SPYWARE

This malware is hidden from users view and it tracks online navigation with the aim of gathering user’s details. As this attack can be spread via cookies, its good practice to clear your cookies on existing a website.