Online banks are a game-changer with a long list of merits to offer their clients. Besides the convenience of remotely enjoying banking services, customers may also enjoy low transaction fees and better interest rates for their checking and savings accounts. Those are just two reasons motivating people to switch to Farmers Bank online and enjoy the ease of modern-day banking. Like most things when working online, personal security measures need to be taken to keep the account safe from hackers and thieves. There are a variety of ways to work safely online. Check out four strategies below that you can count on for safe online banking today.

Create Complex Passwords

Most banks online have to be FDIC insured. This designation allows you to trust in their services. Even with the designation, your accounts are still susceptible to hackers if you’re not taking appropriate measures. One protective measure is the creation of a unique and complex password. It’s important to understand that a weak password makes you vulnerable to hackers. These hackers may access your account illegally and steal your money or personal details. Once this happens, it can be quite a process to get everything reversed. The best way to defeat hackers is to create complex passwords for your account login. It’s also important to change them regularly and not use the same password for several sites. Do not write your passwords down anywhere that is easily accessed by others. If possible, try to remember them rather than write them down.

Monitor the Account Regularly

Make sure you track how money comes in and out of your online account. Keeping track becomes easier since a smartphone and secure internet are all you need. That is how you can identify abnormalities. Any signs of fraudulent transactions must be reported to the bank’s customer care as soon as it’s discovered. Any slight and sudden change in your bank account should also raise an alarm that can only be ascertained when you monitor your account. If the unfortunate happens and your account is hacked, you may need to provide documentation to your bank proving the transactions are not yours.

Clear History and Cookies on New Devices

There may be times when you have to use public wi-fi to log in to your bank account. In such a case, you should not leave any traces of your bank login and transactions on your device. Instead, you should clear the history and cache from the device and even consider setting a new password just for a security upgrade. Public networks can increase the vulnerability of being hacked, considering traffic from your device can be intercepted and passwords deciphered. In these situations, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Protecting Your Home wi-fi for Optimum Safety

A wi-fi router can be a convenient way to connect your computers and other devices, but it also allows anyone within range to access your network. This is particularly dangerous when you’re using public wi-fi hotspots, which can be set up at coffee shops, libraries, and other places where many people gather.

If you’re concerned about protecting your information on public wi-fi networks, there are several steps you can take to secure your home network. Continue reading for some tips for protecting your home wi-fi for safety.

Change the default password: The first thing you should do when setting up a new router is change the default password. All routers have an administration panel that lets you change settings, such as the name of the network and its password. Some routers require a customer service representative to reset them if they ever get locked out of their admin panel; if this happens, call your ISP’s customer service department and ask them to reset it for you.

Install antivirus software: Antivirus software isn’t just useful for laptops; it’s also important for desktop computers connected to wireless networks. If one of your devices gets infected with malware or spyware that attempts to steal personal information from other computers in your network (such as emails or usernames), antivirus software will detect this and protect you.

Set Up Mobile and Email Alerts for Safety

Set up mobile alerts: You can get text-message alerts or emails if a transaction is made on the account that you didn’t authorize. To set this up, log into your account and go to Alerts & Notifications. You’ll find a link to set up these alerts under Account Activity.

Set up email alerts: You can also receive an email when there’s new activity on your accounts, such as when payments are made or when a payment is due. For most accounts, you will log into your account and go to your alerts and notification settings to set this up. You can also receive alerts via phone calls or text messages if you enroll in Telebanking through our automated telephone system (ATM).

Choose a Secure Online Bank to Use

This is your first and most important call if you consider your funds important. Hackers may create websites that look like legitimate bank sites. You must ensure the legitimacy of the online bank before submitting any personal details or money to the said account numbers. First and foremost, make sure they are FDIC insured and have a large asset base you can count on. Quality of customer care services must also be assessed before you check out the deposit and ATM withdrawal methods you will be using. The online bank’s reputation should also be scrutinized, especially when it has been around for a long time.

Summary

It’s important to maintain safety online at any time, but definitely when you’re banking online. These are just a few tips to help you along the way. You should also know your bank’s policies when banking online and what you might be responsible for if your account is hacked. Knowing these policies will give you peace of mind. You can find more information at https://www.farmersbankidaho.com/. Reach out to our staff if you have more questions.

The Farmers Bank is the bank serving your community. We have a vested interest in the well-being of the community, and we hope that some of your wildest hopes will come true. Talk to one of our experts today to get the answers to any queries you may have. We are here to assist you in formulating a plan that is tailored specifically to your needs. At Farmers Bank, you are important no matter how large or little your ambitions may be. Send us a message using one of the social media platforms or directly on our website. We are eagerly awaiting your response to this message.