Banks use sophisticated software to make their apps and websites as secure as possible, but identity thieves are always looking for a way in. If they get ahold of your login details or your phone, criminals can access your accounts, make purchases, or even take out new loans in your name. Fortunately, online banking can be perfectly safe if you take a few safety precautions.

5 Safety Tips for Online Banking

1. Secure Your Smartphone

In the right hands, your phone can be a goldmine of personal information, giving identity thieves access to all your banking details. Simply using a 4-digit PIN or password to lock your phone can make it impossible to unlock. Android™ and Apple® phones also have built-in features that allow you to locate a lost phone or remotely delete contents if your device is stolen.

2. Use a Strong Password

While banking software has powerful security measures, other sites may not offer the same level of protection. Use a different password for each website, and avoid using easily found information like your children’s names or birthdays. For maximum security, many sites allow you to use a passphrase, which can be almost impossible to guess.

3. Avoid Banking on Public Wi-Fi

Public Wi-Fi networks are notoriously insecure, with almost all of the information you transmit visible to hackers. Never access your online banking accounts in coffee shops, airports, or other networks open to the public.

4. Don’t Store Passwords in Your Browser

Having your passwords saved in your browser may make logging in easier, but that convenience comes at a significant cost to security. If your computer is lost or stolen, anyone will have the same level of access you enjoy.

5. Always Log Out

Most banking sites will automatically end your session after a certain period of inactivity, but many still keep you logged in. Always remember to manually log out so no one will be able to access your accounts if they are using your computer.

As one of Russellville, AR’s most trusted local financial institutions, First State Bank has provided a comprehensive range of services for businesses and individuals alike for over 80 years. They combine the personalized attention you’d expect from a small, locally owned bank with the cutting-edge online banking solutions of a large national chain. Visit their website now to find your nearest location, call (479) 498-2400 with any questions, and follow their Facebook for updates and news.