Sunday 19 December 2010

Top Internet Banking Tips – Staying Safe

Set a strong password for your internet banking account

Prior to setting up your internet banking password, ensure that you come up with a strong password that only you can remember. A strong password ideally has at least 14 characters or more – essentially the more the better. The password must be made up of letters, numbers, punctuations (if possible) as well as other symbols. Make use of capital and small letters to enhance the complexity of your password. Avoid dictionary words, names written backwards, repeated sequences and passwords derived from personal items such as your driving license or identity card. Once the password is set, ensure that you memorise it rather than to write it down on a piece of paper or store it somewhere in your computer. Additionally, change your internet banking password frequently or ideally after every three months.

Ensure that the correct internet banking address is typed in

Always access your internet banking account by typing the address in your browser. Never access your account via a link included in an email or other form. Make sure that the correct URL for your internet banking is typed in so as to not enter your log in information in a fraudulent internet banking website that will later use the information to access your real internet banking account.

Review your statements

Request the bank to send you weekly or monthly statements or alternatively make use of the ones drawn up online. It is important to check your statement on a monthly or weekly basis so as to check for any irregularities. If you notice anything unusual or transactions that you did not execute or authorize, it is important that you contact your bank immediately.

Keep informed of the latest developments by your bank

It is important to check your bank's website on a regular basis in order to keep abreast of the latest changes, notifications and other communication messages. This will keep you informed of the latest information on staying safe when using your bank's online banking website. Banks usually introduce new security features such as the one-time-pin and cellular phone notifications.

Install computer protection software

It is important to keep your computer system safe. Owing to the fact that your computer or laptop system is connected to the internet, local or wide area network, it is important that you make use of antivirus firewall software. Once you have installed and configured your antivirus firewall software, it is important to keep it updated as new virus, malware, spyware are introduced on a daily basis. This will ultimately minimise the threat of someone gaining unauthorised access to your computer system and internet banking information.

Article by: Antivirus Firewall Software South Africa



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