MECHANICSBURG, Pa. — There are now more people using online banking services and mobile banking apps than visiting their bank branch. Factor in COVID-19, and those numbers are on the rise. As additional people flock to mobile banking, the bad guys are deploying more attacks against it. The best way to protect yourself is to be aware and proactive.
Todd Shaak, AgChoice Farm Credit IT specialist, suggests following a few simple steps with your devices and accounts to help keep you and your personal information protected.
Only check your account over secure internet. Many people use public Wi-Fi connections on their laptops and mobile devices. While tempting, resist the urge to check your account over these connections. Entering sensitive information such as your username, password and PIN via public Wi-Fi exposes you to a possible hack.
Install a password, passcode, Fingerprint ID or Facial Recognition on your phone and laptop. If you don’t have a fail-safe system to keep others off your phone, you may have a difficult time keeping your financial information safe. In the event your phone is lost or stolen, you’ll be happy to have taken this precaution. It’s also good practice to set up your PC to require a password. Sure, you may trust the people who live in your house, but a laptop can be lost or stolen just as a phone would. Many newer laptop models now offer Fingerprint ID or Facial Recognition in addition to a password.
Connect through the financial institution’s app on mobile devices. You can use a mobile browser to log in to your account, but you’re better off downloading the financial institution’s app. This offers greater security, plus most mobile apps now offer Fingerprint ID and Facial Recognition, providing another layer of security.
Log out after every mobile banking session. Whether using the app or a browser, logging out when done is a best practice. To take it one step farther, also close out of the app or browser completely when finished.
Delete apps and other personal information when you get a new phone. Many people upgrade their phones every couple of years. When you upgrade, make sure to wipe all your personal information from the phone.
Install security software and keep it updated. From the PC side, this includes firewall and virus protection. There are many options available, including some reliable free programs. Also, check with your Internet Service Provider, as some include virus protection free of charge. Reputable brands include McAfee, Norton, Bitdefender and Kaspersky. As far as the security on your phone, make sure you apply updates as they are released. These often include security patches that fix known vulnerabilities.
Sign up for text and/or email alerts. Many credit card companies and banks provide real time notifications when unusual activity occurs to your account online or through a mobile device. Such alerts may notify you of:
- Big purchases
- Changes to your profile or password
- ATM withdrawal exceeding a certain amount
In most cases, you will be able to set the alerts to your preference.
One final note – BE ALERT! Know who you are talking to. Don’t share your information unless you initiated contact. If a company emails claiming to have an account with you and asking for personal information, don’t click on the links. Instead, type the company name into your web browser or search engine, go to the company’s site and then contact them directly. Use this same care when it comes to phone calls and texts. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your gut.
AgChoice Farm Credit specializes in providing farm and country property loans and financial services to help customers confidently reach their dreams. Learn more at agchoice.com or 1-800-998-5557.
–AgChoice Farm Credit