Today, thanks to the development of science and technology, we can easily access our bank accounts, transact, and transfer money anywhere. All you need to do is register for the Internet banking service and install the corresponding application.
Although online transactions are convenient, it also carries risks. Identity and bank account information can be stolen if you’re not careful. So how to protect your bank account from being hacked?
In the article below, Ola City will reveal to you some simple tips to help you keep your online bank account safer. Let’s keep an eye on it!
1. Keep your personal information absolutely confidential
Users must absolutely keep confidential bank account information such as card number, account number and e-banking service username… and also personal information such as: full name, address, date birth, ID number.
This information is often exploited in many forms such as: winning prizes, giving gifts or asking relatives… Therefore, do not provide information or check with the bank (via support call center) before when providing information.
2. Use strong passwords and change them often
Changing passwords many times is really annoying because having to remember a sequence of numbers, capital letters, and characters in a real password is not easy. In fact, complex and frequently changed passwords protect your account from bad guys. If you’re afraid you’ll forget your passwords, it’s a good idea to use a password manager to keep them safe so you won’t have to worry about having to reset your password.
Choosing a strong and unique password is a simple yet effective way to protect your bank account. You should avoid including the following in your password:
- Personal information such as name, address, date of birth.
- Choose a short password.
- Use common words or simple number combinations.
- Use the same password for multiple logins.
- Do not update your password often.
Although they are easy to remember, they also make it easier for hackers to guess your passwords to attack online banking accounts. Here are some suggestions for creating strong passwords to protect online accounts:
- Choose a longer password like a phrase instead of a simple word.
- Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters.
- Include numbers and special characters.
- Avoid common string literals like 1234.
- Avoid using personal information.
- Don’t save login information on your online banking web or mobile app.
- Remember to update your password regularly, it’s best to change it once every 3 to 6 months.
3. Don’t access your bank accounts on public Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi has a ton of disadvantages, not only being slow, but sometimes providing an unsecured connection. When hackers break into public Wi-Fi, they can see everything, including your bank account login information if you’re using it in that public place.
However, encrypted websites can save you from the prying eyes of hackers. Make sure you double check the URL of the bank you want to access. It’s important to start with “https://”, not “http://”. The “s” tells you that the site is safe to use.
Websites with encryption are still better. It helps you avoid security risks in public WiFi. Use a virtual network or a mobile network to access the Internet more securely when transacting online. If you really want a secure bank account, only access it from home WiFi.
4. Use forms of authentication by OTP
OTP is a one-time-use password, creating an extremely strong security barrier by sending an authentication code to a customer’s phone message, token before transaction. And of course, only the person holding this password can make the transaction. Because of the usefulness of OTP, many customers have come to use e-banking services of banks that support OTP or similar solutions. The more complex the solution is to build, the higher the security will be.
Typically, the authentication solution using Soft Token that Vietnam Maritime Commercial Joint Stock Bank (MSB) has just launched. Also a security method based on OTP code, Soft Token is considered an outstanding security solution for customers when making online payments on MSB’s e-banking, especially for high value transactions. protected by 3-layer security technology.
Moreover, this method also allows users to receive OTP codes right on the bank’s Mobile Banking application, without having to remember the OTP code sent via SMS or Token (electronic security device used by banks). provided), limiting the delay in receiving the confirmation code due to the unstable mobile network…
5. Don’t open suspicious emails
Emails that ask for personal information are called phishing emails. These emails try to trick you into signing in with your bank and credit card information. The email may look like it came from a legitimate source, but the sender is definitely a hacker.
Just remember your bank never asks you to fill in your personal information via email or text message. If you’ve ever received an email or text from a suspicious “financial institution,” report it to your bank.
6. Login, authenticate with biometrics
Biometric login/authentication method is a technology that uses fingerprint or face recognition to log in or authenticate transactions on Mobile Banking applications (e-banking applications on mobile phones). This is a new, modern and safe method applied by some banks recently.
With this feature, customers only take a few seconds to manipulate, skip the password input process and do not need to remember the password. This feature is not only convenient but also very safe because only the user’s own fingerprint or face can log in and make transactions.
7. Using mobile banking messaging service
The bank allows customers to choose the service of sending SMS messages every time there is a transaction with a large amount or the account changes the amount. That way, customers can immediately contact the bank switchboard whenever there is an abnormal transaction immediately.
Online banking gives you control over your financial life at the touch of a button, but, as with anything else online, there are risks when it comes to security. That shouldn’t keep you from using online and mobile banking, but it does mean you’ll need to be careful about how you approach it. That’s where the measures outlined here can help.
Best regards,
Ola City Global
