6 Tips for Secure Online Banking

Whether you’re checking your personal bank account, business checking account, transferring funds or making a payment, online banking is a convenient way to manage your money. As we rely more and more on these digital channels, proper internet security is more important than ever.

Here are six tips and best practices to help protect you and your money.

1. Monitor your accounts regularly

Check your accounts regularly to make sure all transactions posted are ones you authorized. Get into the habit of monitoring your accounts. The Radius mobile app allows you to enable push and email notifications whenever you make a purchase on your card. Be sure to report any fraudulent or suspicious activities to your bank.

2. Change your (strong) passwords regularly

Most banks now use two-factor authentication for an extra layer of security. However, to take security a step further, avoid using the same password across multiple sites and make sure you are choosing a strong password that is a mix of upper- and lower-case letters, numbers and special characters. Make sure you’re not using any personal words or phrases such as your name, initials or birthdate. Also, get into the habit of changing it every 90-days.

3. Access your accounts from a secure location

Though public Wi-Fi networks are easily accessible, you can’t trust their security. Unsecured wireless access points, such as those found at airports, coffee shops, and hotels, are easy to intercept and collect the information you’re using to log in. You should access these accounts only when you’re certain you have a secure connection – such as at home or at your office when you know the connection is private.

4. Disable automatic login

Do not allow your web browser or phone to store private username and password information for your online banking websites. Some web browsers automatically store login credentials, so if that’s the case for your browser of choice, disable this feature for your bank’s website. As well, always make sure to click “sign out” or “log off” before exiting out of your browser after completing your session.

5. Keep your technology up-to-date

Make sure to regularly update your computer’s operating system, your internet browser, and the software on your mobile device. Be sure to also use antivirus and anti-spyware software and continuously check for updates for that software as well. This is important, because updates generally include the latest security patches and defenses.

6. Beware of your clicking

It’s never a good idea to click on email attachments from unknown sources as you could end up exposing your computer (and the information on it) to online fraud and theft. If you receive requests for personal information while surfing the web, or calls for immediate action, these are almost always scams. If you suspect a link might give you a virus or steal personal data, don’t click on it. If the link was sent to you, talk to the sender directly to verify where it came from. Keep in mind that links you receive in emails or on social networking sites can be harmful or fraudulent, even if they appear to come from friends.