Cyber security: how to bank safely
Shopping and banking online, or in mobile apps, can be fast and convenient. But, as with more traditional methods, it’s important to protect yourself against risks. Here are some online banking safety tips:
Keep your devices secure
Make sure your smartphone, tablet or computer is secure by keeping your operating systems up to date.
You can set laptops and desktops to automatically install software updates as soon as they become available. The same goes for app updates on your devices. Choose to install them whenever you’re connected to Wi-Fi and a new update is available, or at night when your device is plugged in.
This way you quickly gain any security enhancements, which are designed to make it increasingly difficult for hackers to gain access.
You should also install antivirus software from a well-known, reputable and trusted companies to ensure your device is protected from any malicious activity.
Create strong passwords
While complex online passwords might feel like a hassle, they do an important job protecting your personal information.
When it comes to passwords, longer equals stronger. A variety of characters – upper case, lower case, numbers and symbols – also make them harder to crack. Another way to strengthen a password is to string together unrelated words.
Explore more: How to create a strong password
If you're banking online or via a mobile app, there are further security measures you can put in place. For example, using Touch ID or Face ID adds biometric security to your banking app, while Voice ID adds a strong layer of protection when doing telephone banking.
Setting up a digital account can be a good form of defence against cyber criminals. The layers of security typically make it harder for them to access your account than it would be for them to fraudulently set one up in your name.
Look for secure connections
Look for a padlock in the address bar to confirm your web connection is secure. But remember, the padlock doesn’t guarantee an authentic site.
For example, if you’re on HSBC.co.uk and see a green padlock, you know you’re securely interacting with HSBC. But if you’re on HS8C.co.uk, you could still see a green padlock – indicating a secure connection – only you wouldn’t be interacting with HSBC. You may instead be on a site that’s been set up to trick you into thinking that’s what you’re doing.
So always make sure a website is genuine by checking the address for subtle misspellings, additional words, characters or other irregularities. Sites like Trustpilot can help you work out if a site is legitimate.
Shopping and bank transfers
When shopping, check again for the padlock in the address bar before entering your personal or payment details.
Never pay for something by bank transfer if you don’t know the seller. Always use a credit card, debit card or PayPal – or a payment option that offers some protection against fraud.
If you suspect fraudulent activity on your account, contact us immediately on 03457 70 70 70.
Avoid scams
Once you’ve put those security measures in place, you need to be mindful of common scams. Here are some tips on what to look out for.
Requests to move money
Genuine banks won’t ask you to move money to another account, or for your PIN, password or other personal details out of the blue.
Unknown senders
Never click on links or attachments from unknown sources.
