Internet or online banking is a very popular and important part of banking services. The internet has made banking in different ways possible, and a person can do banking through an app or web portal. While the internet is very advantageous for banking services, different threats are also present.
For example, phishing emails and false messages with malicious links are often problems people face when using banking and UPI apps. It is very important to follow safety rules and the banking guidelines stated by the banks. This article will discuss tips and tricks for safe banking and transaction services.
Create strong passwords
The first step to safe Internet banking is using strong passwords. A lot of apps and portals work with the help of passwords. These passwords are useful and unique to people. However, a common mistake people make is getting the same password for all their apps. The password you should get for a banking app should be very strong and unique. It should not only have letters and characters but numerals too. The use of different characters and cases makes the password strong and safe. The user should also change the password from time to time. This adds a factor of surprise and protection.
Monitor accounts from time to time
As a responsible bank client, always make it a point to opt for constant monitoring of your bank accounts. Go for proper monitoring and checks of balance in your account so that any changes are known at the earliest. Keep your bank statements updated, and talk to your bank professional. Do not hesitate to contact the bank if you see any changes in the debit or credit. Even if you have a zero bank account, keep monitoring.
Use a secure location when banking
The process of internet banking is highly dependent on the internet bandwidth and network. The network you choose for internet banking should be secure and advanced. It should have all the important firewalls and checks to protect you from malware and cyberattacks. The internet should be stable to smooth and fast the banking process. If the network is secure, the information you get from the network and the information you share is protected. Use a secure network and a dedicated browser for internet banking.
Use banking notifications
The use of banking notifications in internet banking keeps track of everything that happens with your bank account. The banking notifications like text and email alarms make people aware of the transactions with their banking accounts. When there is a transaction of a certain amount or more, there are changes to the bank account balance, which can trigger alerts that help you know about the changes. The changes help improve the monitoring process and keep you informed. Even if someone else is trying to use your internet banking credentials, you will get notifications of OTP and other alerts.
Always log out
After using the banking app and portal, always log out properly. Proper log-out ensures the whole process is complete and no other background app can access the information. If you do not properly log out, there are chances that there could be accidental transactions or unsafe activity on the banking portals. If you do not log out, it is also possible that someone else can access the app without your permission, and there could be unauthorised transactions.
Enable multi-factor authentication
Multi-factor authentication is a process that helps ensure that only you or authorised individuals can access the portal. The multi-factor authentication is done with the help of OTP or questions specific to the user’s device and number. OTP in the form of SMS and email can help authenticate properly. This form of authentication is safer because different credentials are needed. A person has to have access to multiple portals if he needs to gain access to the banking portal. Even zero bank accounts and savings accounts have multi-factor authentication.
Use anti-virus software
It is very common for the virus to infect mobile phones and tablets that are not protected. The anti-virus software also makes you aware of the safety level of a network and a site before you enter. Therefore anti-virus software is very important software to use with your devices.
Even viruses sent by email and text messages can be scanned using anti-virus software. Choose a good anti-virus software and keep updating it for maximum security of your device apps. A good anti-virus software ensures that you are protected across different platforms.
Update your operating system
Keep updating your operating system and device for proper security provisions. The operating system upgrade includes the necessary security updates and other forms of personal firewalls for the apps and devices. If the operating system is updated, the chances of virus attacks and other malware attacks on your system will greatly reduce.
Another step that you can take to ensure secure banking processes is to opt for the official banking app for your partner bank. The official banking app is much more high-performance and well-designed against virus attacks.
These are some tips and precautions bank clients can use to protect their devices and themselves from phishing and virus attacks. It is important to go for proper banking apps and alerts so that there are no changes in the device infrastructure and the process is well protected. Safe internet use and proper use of these apps can help you be a responsible client and account holder.
