Is internet banking safe?

I haven't gone to a bank office in more than 10 years, which is about my time being online banking customer. Current accounts, deposits, stocks, mutual funds or even mortgage I have through online banking.

I've never had any problems neither I lacked money from my account neither my passwords have been stolen neither I received any suspicious mail. So is it safe internet banking? Well, if we follow the right tips it is as safe as traditional banking. There are risks, but no more than traditional banks.

Caution must be like when we get cash from an ATM, look there is nothing suspicious or cover with one hand while typing our secret number when shopping at a store, do not lose sight of our card.

My advice is to protect personal data, passwords and financial information as we do in our daily lives.

Recommendations on your computer

• Updating the operating system : manufacturers publish updates to fix security problems discovered and prevent unwanted access or spread of virus.
• Upgrade your browser, update your browser to the latest version available.
• Install and update antivirus programs : It is essential to protect our computer against threats. Most of the antivirus can be updated over the Internet.
• Do not store in the computer passwords, account numbers, card numbers or other confidential information.
• Try not to use public computers (internet cafes, offices, airports, universities, etc ...) when accessing our internet bank. These computers may have some software to capture your personal data. If we have no choice but to use them, change the passwords from our personal computer as quickly as possible.

Recommendations with our passwords

• Do not give out your passwords to anyone.
• You will never request your password or operational security in full, only random positions. Nor will you be the passwords requested via email.
• Change passwords frequently.
• Do not use the option to remember the keys in your browser.
• Avoid using passwords that are easily guessable (name, phone number, ID number, names of children, pets, place of residence, etc).
• Use alphanumeric characters when creating your passwords. A combination of "random" numbers and letters is the best advice to design a password
• Never write down your passwords on paper, file, mobile phone or in your wallet.
• If your bank gives you the option to enter the password via a virtual keyboard , use it.
• Do not provide your passwords to anyone, especially if requested via email. Delete the email, do not click any links and contact to your bank.
• Example of incorrect password: peter74
• Example of correct password: p24thu87

Recommendations surfing the bank's web

• Always type the address of the bank in the browser: never access from links on other sites or from links in unfamiliar e-mails received.
• Check that the address in your browser starts with https:// instead of http:// .
• Check that there is a locker closed in your browser.
• Disconnect always the session when you finish by clicking on the link.
• Check the date and time of last connection . If you do not match our records, someone may be misusing our keys.

Email Recommendations

Email is one of the main ways used to commit online fraud.

A well-known fraud technique is phishing which means we received an email that looks like as I had been sent by our bank requiring personal data and personal passwords. The e-mail may contain a link that leads to a fake page, but that apparently is exactly equal to that of the bank.

They are usually easy to identify because they are written in somewhat technical language, or even misspelled. But sometimes, are difficult to identify because it often fooled by technical problems with our passwords, urgent need to update personal information, prizes, gifts or even tips to avoid fraud .

To avoid surprises, the best is:

• Do not open spam.
• Do not open emails from unknown senders.
• Never send our passwords by e-mail.
• Delete suspicious e-mails and click on any link and you may install a virus on your computer.

Recommendations to buy online

• Only use secure servers to buy (remember, are those beginning with https:// ..).
• Never send data from your credit card (number, expiration date) via email.
• Do not give more data than necessary.
• Buy only in recognized sites and with protection technology such as VeriSign, Mastercard Secure Code or PayPal.
• Regularly check your card transactions.
• If you have the slightest doubt that you have been suffered a fraud, cancel your card.
• In case of suspicious transactions, claims to your bank.