Internet banking is extremely convenient, although it does come with a number of security risks.  Are you keeping yourself and your money safe?

Whether you are paying bills, transferring funds or checking balances, Internet banking allows you to do it in a fast convenient way with a few clicks of a mouse or swipes on a screen.  However, if you do your banking online,  you should ensure you do it in such a way that keeps your money safe.

Below are our 8 top tips for safer Internet banking.

Create a strong password

A strong password avoids common words or phrases.  Read our tips for creating a strong password here.

Change your password every few months

Often the first time you login to your internet banking account you have to use a password provided by the bank.  However, you should always change this to keep your account safe.  Make sure you keep your password confidential and change it regularly.   If you have trouble remembering passwords consider using a password manager.

Keep your security software up-to-date

When you are using your computer for online banking you need to make sure it is as secure as possible, so ensure your anti-virus software and firewall software is up-to-date.

Beware of suspicious emails or phone calls

Scam artists can call, text or email pretending to be from your bank and ask for account information.  Reputable banks will never ask you for secure banking information (such as account or credit card details, passwords or pin numbers) in an email or over the phone.  There have been many high profile scams pretending to be from online auction sites, email providers and even government departments.  Before you click on an email attachment or fill out a form, double-check that it is a legitimate email by contacting the sender - by phone rather than reply email.  This may appear 'over the top', but our advice is that you check with your bank first before you find yourself a victim of cyber crime.

The highest number of cyber security incidents we help with originate from email scams.  Typically, a link is sent to a user via email pretending to be from a bank or online auction site.  Once the email recipient clicks on the link the virus is installed.  

Always type your bank's website address (URL) in the address bar of your Internet browser

Phishing is a type of spam email where the sender tries to steal sensitive information by pretending to be a trustworthy organisation or person.  In a typical phishing attack for online banking customers, an offender sends an email that looks like it is from the recipient's bank.  The email may contain links to replicas of Internet banking pages, where the scammer hopes to trick people into disclosing their Internet banking access details.  

To avoid falling for these scams, never click on a link from an email to connect to your Internet banking.  Always type your bank's URL into the address bar of your Internet browser. 

Only access your accounts from a secure location

Use computers and networks that you know are secure.  Avoid using cyber cafes or libraries for Internet banking as there is more chance of your password being traced or seen by others.  If you do have to login from a public location make sure you clear the computer's browsing history and cache, and delete all temporary files from the computer.  And NEVER let the browser remember your login and password.

Check your accounts regularly

Pay attention to the transactions into and out of your account.  Check the amounts are correct.  Report any discrepancies to your bank immediately.

Check your digital skills

Complete our FREE online 'Digital Citizen Assessment' to determine your skills and knowledge about using the Internet.  It takes about 10 minutes and will provide you with a personalised action plan to help you improve your online skills.  Plus, you will see how your skills compare to others with our digital benchmark.

How can Digital Journey help you?

Digital Journey works with individuals, businesses and organisations of all types across New Zealand.  We provide FREE online digital assessments and resources, as well as training, coaching and project management services. 

Our vision is to help everyone get the most out of the internet, online tools and digital technology.

Find out more at www.digitaljourney.org.