Fraud Tip of the Day - February 6

How to Conduct Online Banking Transactions Securely

Many fear online banking, thinking it unsafe. Learn the steps you need to take that can make online banking as safe as visiting your local branch.

Is online banking safe?

You bet it is. One could even argue that people using online banking are in a better position to detect suspicious activity on their accounts sooner than those using more traditional banking methods. Many people that fall prey to phishing scams are quick to blame their bank. Phishing doesn't make online banking unsafe. Getting tricked into forking over your online banking login information isn't the bank's fault. So despite all the attention in the press regarding phishing scams and stolen ID's, you shouldn't jump to the conclusion that online banking isn't safe.

Bank's offering online services provide many security measures to protect their members while they make online transactions. They do their part to protect their members but it's your job to do all you can to secure transactions from your end.

The following are steps you can take to protect your account:

• Type in web addresses. Access your online banking accounts by carefully typing their web addresses into your browser or using a trusted bookmark you created on a previous visit. You can usually access your accounts through your bank's home page.
  
  
• Keep your browser up-to-date. Use current web browsers and keep them up-to-date by applying the latest security patches. The same applies to your computer's operating system. Keep it up-to-date, thoroughly patched as well. You should also take the time to configure both your computer and browser correctly to maximize your protection.
  
  
• Use a firewall. If your computer's operating system has a firewall, use it at all times. If your computer didn't come with a firewall, get one. This is especially important if your computer is connected to the internet via DSL or cable. Depending on your configuration and habits (do you turn your computer off at night?) your computer could be exposed to intrusions that might compromise your computer's security.
  
  
• Use strong logon names and passwords. When creating logons and passwords, use safe password practices so that no one can easily access your bank account by guessing your logon or password. Don't share either your logon or password with anyone and don't leave them in plain view where someone might see them.
  
  
• Log out when you're done. When you've finished your online transactions, always click the "Log Out" button, if there is one, to terminate your connection. Don't end your session by just closing your browser.

How to protect your online bank accounts from phishing:

• Never follow a link to your account in an email.
• Assume any email asking you to click a link to logon to your account is a phishing scam.
• When in doubt about communications from your bank via email, call them directly using a phone number known to you.
• Be wary of emails warning you your account access has been terminated or limited and that you must act immediately to resolve the problem.
• We wary of free offers available for a limited time.