Top 10 Tips for Safe Internet Banking

Are you worried?

These hackers do not have supernatural powers. They simply exploit our ignorance. A few simple precautions and that’s it. How hard they try, they cannot come anywhere near your hard earned money.

Top 10 Tips

1. Keep them personal

Do not trust others.

Yes, that is Rule no. 1. It includes your dear and near. They may not intentionally betray you. But it will be foolish to expect the same care of vital information as you do. They may leave this information unattended. It is also possible that their system is infected with some sort of spyware. If you ever face an unavoidable situation, offer to do the transaction yourselves.

2. Set sms alerts

Most financial institutions offer free mobile alerts. When some transaction is made through your account, an sms will be sent to your mobile no. stating the time & amount. Update your no. as and when you take a new connection.

3. Use PayPal

PayPal is an eBay company. You can use PayPal to securely pay online, and to send and receive money. Using PayPal you can shop without sharing your bank or credit card account numbers.

4. Log off

Always “Sign out” of your account after use. Many of us simply close the browser window after transaction. This may prove dangerous.

5. Choose wisely

Internet security does not come at a cheap price. Everyday, hackers find new methods to infiltrate bank’s database. Banking security should be updated accordingly. Small banks may not be able to do this. Instead they will blame you for negligence. Make sure your bank has enough budget allocated for this purpose.

6. Stolen wallets

Stolen wallets are a major source for net banking information. Net banking requires more than one input. They will be

1. Your account password

2. Transaction password

3. A code displayed on your card.

Split them and keep in separate locations. Even if someone finds your wallet, this will help you evade their ambitions.

7. Avoid using a public computer

Do not use a cyber café for net banking. Most of them are safe heavens for spywares. Avoid using any system which you feel unsafe. If you are forced to use an unsafe network, change the password at the earliest.

8. They will never ask your password

Your password is your personal property. Your bank will never ask your password. If you receive any emails or phone calls asking your password, they are fake. You need not share your password with call center executive of your bank.

9. Change Password

A hacker may not use your password immediately. Change your password at regular intervals. Choose a difficult to guess password. Password, name123456, child’s name, lover’s name etc can be taken as bad examples. Remember, don’t forget your password.

10. A second PC

Wait. You need not buy another computer. The trick is to install a second operating system in your computer. Microsoft Windows is the most commonly used operating system. You can install more than one Windows in your computer. Use the first one for regular internet requirements and second one only for net banking.

A better option is to use Linux as second operating system. Most spyware cannot work in Linux. While using Knoppix ( a type of Linux), you need not install it in your computer. Insert the Knoppix CD and restart  the system. Then you will find an option to choose either Knoppix or Windows. Opt Knoppix, it is similar to Windows. Use its internet explorer as you do in Windows. Since it use your CD drive, no information is stored in your computer.