Whether it is bill payments, funds transfer, issuance of new
cheque book or statement request, Online Banking allows you to do it in a fast
and convenient way. Instead of going to the bank and waiting in an unending
queue, Online Banking has made life easy by all banking functions accessible
through a few clicks. However, this facility needs to be used very carefully
due to the risk of phishing – fraudulent means of attaining your confidential
banking information.
Listed below are tips for Safe Online Banking.
§ Change your password at regular intervals For the first time you login to your Online
Banking account, you will need to use the password provided by the bank.
However, you need to change this password in order to keep your account safe.
In addition, keep changing your password at regular intervals. More
importantly, keep the password confidential at all times. In any case do not
disclose your password to anyone.
§ Avoid using public computers to login Avoid logging in to your bank account at
common computers in cyber cafes or libraries. These are crowded places, and
there are more chances of your password being traced or seen by others. If you
have to login from such places, make sure you clear the cache and browsing
history, and delete all the temporary files from the computer. Also, never
allow the browser to remember your ID and password. While entering the
password, try to cover the keyboard with your body or anything else as there
are overhead cameras too, peeping in.
§ Do not pass on your details to anyone Your bank will never ask for your confidential
information via phone or email. So whether you get an apparent phone call from
the bank or an email requesting your details, do not give out your login
information. Use your login ID and password only on the official login page of
the bank, which should be a secure website. Look for ‘https://’ in the URL when
logging in; it means that the website is secure.
§ Disconnect the internet connection when not in
use Most broadband users
do not disconnect the internet connection on their computer when they are not using
it. Malicious hackers can access your computer via an internet connection and
steal your confidential banking information. To keep your data protected,
ensure that you disconnect from the internet when you do not require it.
§ Keep checking your accounts regularly Check your accounts after making any
transaction online. Verify whether the right amount has been deducted from your
account. If you see any discrepancies in the amount, inform the bank
immediately.
§ Type your internet banking URL It is a safer to type your bank URL in the
address bar of the browser than clicking on links given in an email. There are
instances of fraudsters sending emails with fraudulent websites links that are
designed exactly like the bank’s original website. Once you enter your login
details on such a website, they may be used to access your account and steal
your money. While logging on, check for ‘https://’ in the URL and ensure that
it is your bank’s authentic website.
§ Always use licensed anti-virus software To protect your computer from new viruses,
ensure that you always use licensed anti-virus software. Pirated versions of
anti-virus software may be available for free, but they may fail to protect
your computer from new viruses prevalent in the online world. In addition, you
will get notifications for updates in the software periodically. Make sure that
you keep your anti-virus updated, so that your confidential information is
always protected.
To sum up,as it is always said that “PREVENTION
IS BETTER THAN CURE”. Take all precautionary steps to safeguard your
interest rather than falling prey. The same is also made clear by all the Banks
that the “BANK” will not be
responsible for any fraudulent transactions which may arise out of its online
services.
