Image: zuuply

Banking transactions have always been sought to be kept confidential because of the big risk in having personal finance details divulged to unauthorized parties.  Internet banking gives rise to the question of how safe personal banking information remains in the online environment.  Banks assure their clients of safe transacting but this does not totally eliminate scams and scammers from the equation.  It is best therefore to learn safe Internet banking.

Safety starts on the computer used.  It is best to use one’s own computer which has been installed with updated firewall software, anti-spyware, and anti-virus.  Using public computers is quite risky since there is a big possibility that scammers watching on the side-lines can retrieve personal details after a person’s use which will allow them access to bank accounts.  It is considered safe practice to always log out from one’s Internet banking webpage after completion of transactions.  Clearing browsing history is an additional safety practice.

Personal details have to be kept private.  This means not divulging PINS, passwords, and other like information to other people.  Computer users in general are always forewarned of staying away from passwords that are easy to guess because of their similarity to commonly known facts such as birthdays, the user’s name, children’s name, and pet’s name.  Regularly changing passwords is highly recommended.  It is likewise recommended to shred bank records before throwing them in the bin.

Other online banking safety practices require the use of common sense.  Banks will not ask for a client’s personal banking information which they already have so emails containing such request should be ignored or reported to the bank.  Online bankers should never agree to request to have their accounts used for illegitimate purposes.  Online bankers are advised not to click on links provided on emails since legitimate banks do not ask their clients to do such an activity.