Today, online or net banking and mobile (app) banking make sending money a breeze. Whether you’re paying back a friend or splitting the check, a few quick taps let you transfer funds instantly. But you want to know your hard-earned money is safe while using speedy service. With just a little effort, you can master secure and easy online payments.
In this article, we’ll share tips to transfer cash stress-free while protecting your accounts.
1. Choose Strong Passwords
The keys to your financial castle are strong passwords guarding your online accounts. Tech-savvy thieves can crack weak passwords in seconds. Create passwords with unexpected combos of letters, numbers, and symbols to stay a fortress. Strings of random characters are the hardest to hack. Mix capital and lowercase letters too. Replace “a” with “@” and “s” with “$”. Come up with silly sentences and use the first letter of each word. Like “My cat Fluffy loves donuts so much” becomes “McFld$m”. Silly is a mystery!
Also, turn on two-step login verification when offered. This sends a unique code on your phone when suspicious logins happen. Entering the correct code proves it’s you. Netbanking allows customers to manage their finances online conveniently.
2. Download Your Bank’s Official App
You want the real deal. Fake banking apps look convincing, but criminals make them to steal your money! Only download your mobile banking app from official stores like Google Play and Apple App Store. Search for your bank’s name and triple-check for the right publisher before installing. Paste your bank’s website into your browser when accessing your accounts on a computer. Typo squatting sites look similar but redirect info entered to scammers.
3. Review Statements for Weird Activity
Like suspicious charges on your credit card, unauthorised transfers from bank accounts should also raise red flags. You can also do your bank statement download to review the statements to avoid theft. Your bank provides digital notifications when you log in online or in its official app. If you spot an unusually small or big online fund transfer, call your bank immediately to shut it down.
4. Beware of Wi-Fi Snoops
That free airport or café Wi-Fi saves your phone data, but nosey hackers “listen” in, too. Public Wi-Fi isn’t private enough for money matters. When using public networks, skip accessing bank accounts or submitting transfers. Wait until you’re on a password-protected personal connection again. Safer still, turn off Wi-Fi auto connections on your devices when out and about. Stick to mobile data instead of in public.
5. Verify Everything Before Hitting Send
Finger slips or typos lead to money going into the wrong account. Before confirming any transfer, carefully check names, account numbers, and amounts that match the intended receiver. To enhance security, make sure to log out of your net banking account after completing your online banking activities to protect your personal and financial information.
The Bottom Line
If you follow some standard security measures, moving money online doesn’t need to be mysterious or risky. Take a few minutes to password-protect accounts, download legitimate apps, monitor statements, choose safer connections, and double-check details to keep your money in your control. Reward yourself by transferring some funds into savings!
