Do's and Don’ts Your Bank Wants to Keep You Safe from Hackers
Technological advancement has two faces; a bright good face is always in the spotlight. There is another face of technology too, which we hardly talk about. The bright face has brought a lot of comfort and ease in our daily life. Imagine, sending money to your loved ones living hundreds of miles away a few centuries ago. It took days, if not weeks to send money to your loved ones, but now it takes just a few clicks and boom, the money is transferred. This is what we called the world is a global village now. But sadly, this is only one side of the coin. The dark face of technology is equally troubling, and we hardly talk about it. To prove my point, just imagine, one morning you wake up and log in to your bank account. To your utter disappointment, the saved money is no more there. Yes, it is stolen by hackers. The only thing you can do is patience and nothing more; this is the other face of the technology we are talking about.
In this article, we will talk about the security risks related to your bank accounts. Some do’s and don’ts will be discussed that your bank wants from you to keep your account safe from hackers. Let’s discuss them one by one.
You can take different steps to prevent hacking of your bank accounts
(Picture credit: Unsplash.com)
Do’s, Your Bank Wants for Your Account's Security:
The bank account is a precious asset for everyone. Here are given some tips that you can follow to increase the security of your bank account.
1. Keep A Close Eye On All Accounts:
The hackers are not liable to announce before or after attacking your bank account. You may not come to know that your account has been hacked if you do not give proper attention to it. The carelessness regarding bank account can cause a serious mishap. You should never become reckless and feel secure about your bank account. The experts suggest that you keep checking your bank accounts periodically. As the bank account is close to your heart, you have to give some attention after one or two weeks and check out all the transactions. Inform the bank if you find something irrelevant. The bank will resolve the issue and make some measures to increase the security of your account.
2. Look into Your Bank's Services, Such as Anti-Fraud Alerts:
Many banks have arranged a system that informs you every time your account is used for a transaction. It also informs if a new account is opened related to your account or bill-pay account is arranged. This is how they allow you to monitor and manage your account. Many banks have mobile applications. You download the app and log in through your account. After this, you will get a notifying message about all the activities regarding the bank account. Some banks inform through email. That is a little bit slow method of communication.
Though it is weird to get a notice about every activity you did yourself, but, think if an activity is made by a professional hacker and you get the notification. This is the benefit of your bank’s service. You will stop any malfunctioning well in time.
3. Explore "Two-Factor Authentication":
Two-step verification is a new feature of the security system in many sectors. Many banks have adopted it for sensitive transactions. For example, if you are transferring a big amount from your account to another account. The bank will send you a verification code on your cell number or email. You will have to send back this code to the bank. The transaction will not be completed until the bank receives back the security code sent to you.
The hackers can enter your account by using your username and password. But the transaction will not be completed because they cannot get the security code for two-step verification. If a hacker has entered in your account and try to transfer a big amount, he will fail to do so.
4. Use Lengthy, Stronger, And Mixed Passwords:
The smaller passwords are always less secure and can be hacked easily. The longer passwords require more effort and time to be cracked by anyone. Moreover, the probability of cracking of long passwords is very low. Though it is a bit hard to remember long passwords, compromising on security is also a bad practice.
Hence, it is recommended to use long passwords. Moreover, make a combination of uppercase and lowercase alphabets along with numbers and symbols (if allowed). The use of such a mixture of uppercase and lowercase letters also increases the strength of passwords. You should use different passwords for different accounts. Using the same password for different accounts can make it easy for hackers to hack all your accounts at once. Be smart and choose a very tricky and complex password.
Strong passwords can protect you from hacking by a significant margin (Picture credit: Unsplash.com)
5. Derive Benefit from Free Credit Monitoring:
The users of credit cards are being provided to free credit monitoring services by respective banks in many countries. You are advised to use these free services to increase security. The credit card providers can do a lot for you by providing such services. The hackers and fraudulent people will be easily trapped if they try to misuse your account.
The list can be increased with few other tips but these are enough to act upon. Your account will prove a sweaty task for a hacker or fraudulent if you act on these tips. It’s time to act against the fraudulent and hackers. You have to replace the old short passwords with new longer passwords, set up a two-step authentication process, and many more written in this article. Go ahead and have secure bank accounts.
Don’ts, your Bank wants for security:
The experts have made a research and found carelessness from the side of account holders that caused some serious issues for them in the future. The list of wrong practices on the part of users is too long and wide. However, some most important practices that are not to be done are mentioned as under. Read them carefully and remember not to do those mistakes again.
Don’t share your password with any unknown and unauthorized person (Picture credit: Unsplash.com)
1. Do Not Trust Every Other Person:
The hackers use smart methods to slip out your passwords from your tongue. They may make a phone call or send you an email and ask your password by saying that a problem is detected in your bank account. You need to change your password urgently. Moreover, they need your old password to reset your bank password. If you are not smart, you will tell the password and will have to wait for the worst results of such a big blunder.
They use official logos and even the properly renovated offices to take you in trust. They may also show themselves one of your friends. Be aware of such phone calls or emails because banks do not ask you to disclose the passwords on a phone call or in an email.
2. Do Not Rely On Antivirus Programs for Your Protection:
The antivirus programs are not strong enough to protect you against all types of cyber-attacks. They can be helpful to block a few malware or malpractices. On the contrary, there exist possibilities that such applications or programs can expose you before the criminals. The application will provide a wrong sense of threats as well as security, and you will feel at ease. As a result, some burglars will take enough time to hack your bank account and make some fraudulent transactions. The programs you selected to protect you, worked for the hackers instead and you could do nothing because you completely rely on that application. Now, as you are aware of the threats, it is expected from you not to rely completely on antivirus programs for your cybersecurity.
3. Never Settle Regarding the Security of Your Bank Account:
The hackers and fraudulent people get enough time and easy access to your account when you do not take active steps regarding the security of your bank account. They keep an eye on you and wait for the period when you feel relaxed and settled about the security. In that period, they infiltrate your account and take away what they want. Thanks to your overconfidence, you come to know when it’s too late. Hence, it is better to be active than regretting. It is highly recommended by the experts to check your account at regular intervals. Such checking of accounts and exploring the transaction history can protect you from a big loss. Always remember to never settle and keep exploring your bank account.
The Story in A Nutshell:
The threat from cybercrimes is increasing day by day. The security system of banks and the software cannot protect you until you are active yourself. There are many things you can adopt to protect your account. The most important points are mentioned above in the article. You can drive plenty of benefits reading them carefully and adopting them in daily routine. They seem very simple but can do much favor for your bank accounts’ security against the frauds and hacks.
The people make some mistakes and then face the music later on in the form of their saving loss. A few wrong habits of critical importance on the part of account holders are mentioned in the article needed to be remembered to protect your account.
Do's and Don’ts on Your Bank Wants to Keep You Safe from Hackers
Do's and Don’ts Your Bank Wants to Keep You Safe from Hackers
Technological advancement has two faces; a bright good face is always in the spotlight. There is another face of technology too, which we hardly talk about. The bright face has brought a lot of comfort and ease in our daily life. Imagine, sending money to your loved ones living hundreds of miles away a few centuries ago. It took days, if not weeks to send money to your loved ones, but now it takes just a few clicks and boom, the money is transferred. This is what we called the world is a global village now. But sadly, this is only one side of the coin. The dark face of technology is equally troubling, and we hardly talk about it. To prove my point, just imagine, one morning you wake up and log in to your bank account. To your utter disappointment, the saved money is no more there. Yes, it is stolen by hackers. The only thing you can do is patience and nothing more; this is the other face of the technology we are talking about.
In this article, we will talk about the security risks related to your bank accounts. Some do’s and don’ts will be discussed that your bank wants from you to keep your account safe from hackers. Let’s discuss them one by one.
You can take different steps to prevent hacking of your bank accounts
(Picture credit: Unsplash.com)
Do’s, Your Bank Wants for Your Account's Security:
The bank account is a precious asset for everyone. Here are given some tips that you can follow to increase the security of your bank account.
1. Keep A Close Eye On All Accounts:
The hackers are not liable to announce before or after attacking your bank account. You may not come to know that your account has been hacked if you do not give proper attention to it. The carelessness regarding bank account can cause a serious mishap. You should never become reckless and feel secure about your bank account. The experts suggest that you keep checking your bank accounts periodically. As the bank account is close to your heart, you have to give some attention after one or two weeks and check out all the transactions. Inform the bank if you find something irrelevant. The bank will resolve the issue and make some measures to increase the security of your account.
2. Look into Your Bank's Services, Such as Anti-Fraud Alerts:
Many banks have arranged a system that informs you every time your account is used for a transaction. It also informs if a new account is opened related to your account or bill-pay account is arranged. This is how they allow you to monitor and manage your account. Many banks have mobile applications. You download the app and log in through your account. After this, you will get a notifying message about all the activities regarding the bank account. Some banks inform through email. That is a little bit slow method of communication.
Though it is weird to get a notice about every activity you did yourself, but, think if an activity is made by a professional hacker and you get the notification. This is the benefit of your bank’s service. You will stop any malfunctioning well in time.
3. Explore "Two-Factor Authentication":
Two-step verification is a new feature of the security system in many sectors. Many banks have adopted it for sensitive transactions. For example, if you are transferring a big amount from your account to another account. The bank will send you a verification code on your cell number or email. You will have to send back this code to the bank. The transaction will not be completed until the bank receives back the security code sent to you.
The hackers can enter your account by using your username and password. But the transaction will not be completed because they cannot get the security code for two-step verification. If a hacker has entered in your account and try to transfer a big amount, he will fail to do so.
4. Use Lengthy, Stronger, And Mixed Passwords:
The smaller passwords are always less secure and can be hacked easily. The longer passwords require more effort and time to be cracked by anyone. Moreover, the probability of cracking of long passwords is very low. Though it is a bit hard to remember long passwords, compromising on security is also a bad practice.
Hence, it is recommended to use long passwords. Moreover, make a combination of uppercase and lowercase alphabets along with numbers and symbols (if allowed). The use of such a mixture of uppercase and lowercase letters also increases the strength of passwords. You should use different passwords for different accounts. Using the same password for different accounts can make it easy for hackers to hack all your accounts at once. Be smart and choose a very tricky and complex password.
Strong passwords can protect you from hacking by a significant margin (Picture credit: Unsplash.com)
5. Derive Benefit from Free Credit Monitoring:
The users of credit cards are being provided to free credit monitoring services by respective banks in many countries. You are advised to use these free services to increase security. The credit card providers can do a lot for you by providing such services. The hackers and fraudulent people will be easily trapped if they try to misuse your account.
The list can be increased with few other tips but these are enough to act upon. Your account will prove a sweaty task for a hacker or fraudulent if you act on these tips. It’s time to act against the fraudulent and hackers. You have to replace the old short passwords with new longer passwords, set up a two-step authentication process, and many more written in this article. Go ahead and have secure bank accounts.
Don’ts, your Bank wants for security:
The experts have made a research and found carelessness from the side of account holders that caused some serious issues for them in the future. The list of wrong practices on the part of users is too long and wide. However, some most important practices that are not to be done are mentioned as under. Read them carefully and remember not to do those mistakes again.
Don’t share your password with any unknown and unauthorized person (Picture credit: Unsplash.com)
1. Do Not Trust Every Other Person:
The hackers use smart methods to slip out your passwords from your tongue. They may make a phone call or send you an email and ask your password by saying that a problem is detected in your bank account. You need to change your password urgently. Moreover, they need your old password to reset your bank password. If you are not smart, you will tell the password and will have to wait for the worst results of such a big blunder.
They use official logos and even the properly renovated offices to take you in trust. They may also show themselves one of your friends. Be aware of such phone calls or emails because banks do not ask you to disclose the passwords on a phone call or in an email.
2. Do Not Rely On Antivirus Programs for Your Protection:
The antivirus programs are not strong enough to protect you against all types of cyber-attacks. They can be helpful to block a few malware or malpractices. On the contrary, there exist possibilities that such applications or programs can expose you before the criminals. The application will provide a wrong sense of threats as well as security, and you will feel at ease. As a result, some burglars will take enough time to hack your bank account and make some fraudulent transactions. The programs you selected to protect you, worked for the hackers instead and you could do nothing because you completely rely on that application. Now, as you are aware of the threats, it is expected from you not to rely completely on antivirus programs for your cybersecurity.
3. Never Settle Regarding the Security of Your Bank Account:
The hackers and fraudulent people get enough time and easy access to your account when you do not take active steps regarding the security of your bank account. They keep an eye on you and wait for the period when you feel relaxed and settled about the security. In that period, they infiltrate your account and take away what they want. Thanks to your overconfidence, you come to know when it’s too late. Hence, it is better to be active than regretting. It is highly recommended by the experts to check your account at regular intervals. Such checking of accounts and exploring the transaction history can protect you from a big loss. Always remember to never settle and keep exploring your bank account.
The Story in A Nutshell:
The threat from cybercrimes is increasing day by day. The security system of banks and the software cannot protect you until you are active yourself. There are many things you can adopt to protect your account. The most important points are mentioned above in the article. You can drive plenty of benefits reading them carefully and adopting them in daily routine. They seem very simple but can do much favor for your bank accounts’ security against the frauds and hacks.
The people make some mistakes and then face the music later on in the form of their saving loss. A few wrong habits of critical importance on the part of account holders are mentioned in the article needed to be remembered to protect your account.
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