Internet is really a very good thing but not everything associated with it. Internet as a technology is extremely useful if used in a proper way and here the problem really exists. Everyone using internet is not an advanced user and such users are vulnerable to the bad effect of this technology. Internet banking is nowadays becoming very common across the globe. All leading banks offer internet banking facility to make banking easy for customers. Banks also try to promote use of internet banking to make sure that they require less employees and physical infrastructure. The real useful internet banking can prove to be a thereat to our money if it is not used in proper way. Here is a report on how internet banking can be used safely.
Do not use internet banking at public computers.
This is the most important step to make sue that you do not leave your key internet banking information for public access. Though banks use high technologies and internet banking portals do not allow saving of any information and local computers but every computer is built on a different technology and internet banking portals can not be customized for every type of technology.
Use internet banking mobile applications
Many leading banks provide internet banking mobile applications , these applications can be used but one should make sure that a mobile on which such applications are installed is protected by a password and restricted for use by others.
Clear cache on the computer or device used.
Clearing cache of the device, browser used to access your net banking account is important. Different methods exist for different browsers and devices for clearing the cache. Many applications are available for various mobile phone operating systems to get this done.
Check SSL
Net banking websites use encrypted connections to exchange data, generally such connection use SSL protocol that can be identified by noticing the HTTPS in place of the usual HTTP at the start of URLs. Make sure that you are connecting to a HTTPS server when to are using internet banking.
Enable local firewall
Having a local firewall is important, specially for devices and computers connected to a network using a cable. Many antivirus and security software have such firewall. Operating systems like Windows also have firewall.
Be aware of your bank’s security measures
Apart from the internet security measures , the banks also have their own security options that are unique for them. You can contact your bank for more information on this. You should be aware of such security measures taken by your bank because this is the best way to protect yourself.
Stay away from adware and malware.
When you browse the web you come across many good and bad things. Generally you should stay away from anything that is not trusted. Many downloads, software are malware or adware that can harm the security of you computer.
Check last logged in and other data.
Banks do generally provide information about last logged in time and date and other relevant data. You should regularly check with it to make sure that no unauthorized person is using your internet banking account.
Use a safe e-mail id
It is strongly recommended that you use an safe email ID like the one provided by Gmail or Hotmail etc. and not one created by using a custom domain. Email providers like Gmail and Hotmail have strict security measures and secured servers if compared to your own hosting accounts. It is also important that you use a unique email Id for your internet banking account , the email ID should not be used for any other purpose.
Learn to identify phishing and stay away.
Internet is huge and if you use it regularly , you should be aware of and have an idea of identifying good and bad things. Staying away from in-genuine offers will reduce the scope of being cheated on the web. Do never enter your financial information at any untrusted webpage.
Do not provide net banking password
Just understand it that no bank official will ever need your internet banking password ever because they have their own passwords and access level just to serve you. They can only see your details and do certain tasks using their own accounts. So do never tell your internet banking password to any person.
Do not use auto complete or password storing software for internet banking.
Do not at all use your browsers auto complete facility or browsers inbuilt or extended by a software ability to store your login IDs and passwords.
Use uncommon passwords and user IDs
Using uncommon user IDs and passwords is important and make sure that you user IDs and passwords are impossible to be guessed by anyone.
These have been some essential steps that you can consider for using internet banking safely. However being cautious is important and these are not the only things that you need for your financial safety on web.
1 comments: