With the convenience of online accounts comes an increased risk of cybercriminal activity. It’s essential to ensure your information is secure and your accounts are protected. Here are five steps you can take to enhance the security of your online accounts.
1. Create a password that is long, strong, and complex. It should have at least twelve characters, including a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using common words, phrases, your birthday, street address, or any easily accessible information in your passwords.
Don’t reuse passwords from other accounts. Use unique passwords for different accounts so that if a hacker compromises one account, they can’t access your other accounts.
2. To ensure your banking data is secure, always use official bank websites and apps, avoid public Wi-Fi, enable multi-factor authentication, and be wary of suspicious emails and links. Regularly monitor your accounts for any unusual activity and keep your devices and apps updated.
3. Regularly monitoring your bank accounts, including checking and savings accounts, is essential for effective financial management and fraud detection. By frequently checking your accounts, you can track your spending, identify potential overdrafts, and promptly report any suspicious activity.
4. Enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an additional layer of security, making it significantly more difficult for unauthorized individuals to access your account, even if they have your password. This process requires both your password (the first factor) and a second verification method, such as a code sent to your phone or an authenticator app.
5. To set up banking account alerts, navigate to your bank’s online banking platform or mobile app, typically found in the “Settings” or “Alerts” section. Choose the alerts you wish to receive (e.g., balance alerts, transaction alerts) and select your preferred notification method (text, email, or push notifications). Additionally, you can customize thresholds or parameters for specific alerts, such as when a balance falls below a certain amount.
If you have any additional questions about securing your online banking account, please visit any of our 11 branches or visit us online at coastalheritagebank.com.