Online banking is simple, easy, convenient, but is it safe? If one were to look on the statistics of online fraud and identity theft, it doesn’t seem so. If one were to consider the recently limited liabilities of banking companies in cases of loss and theft, online banking wouldn’t seem to be an ideal option at all.

Nevertheless, there are many people all over the world fully relying on online banking services. And for their sake, banking companies are starting to step up their security to provide better protection for their customers. Of course, there are a number of steps they can personally take as well to prevent sensitive data about their accounts and transactions getting into the wrong hands.

Tip #1 Use an anti-virus software program that you find easy to operate. Advanced software programs would do you no good if you can’t maximize use of its features. Remember to keep it updated and at the very least, program it to become activated every time you log on to the Internet. Continue reading "Online Banking Security Tips"

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There was a time when a scam looked like one – badly reproduced company logos, wrong grammar, cheap websites… Unfortunately, as consumers become more informed, scam artists also begin using more sophisticated ways to steal information and ultimately, money from consumers.  Now, even websites are not safe from online identity theft.  Are you needlessly exposed to this risk?  Here are ways you can avoid online identity theft by making a few modifications on your website:

Protect your site.
Any site can be a mine for personal information, especially those that process these types of data.  Most recently, the Franklin County Municipal Court website was used by two identity thieves to steal a woman’s identity.

To protect yourself and your website, learn to recognize e-mail and phishing scams.  If you’re informed about the type of online identity theft tricks being used on websites, you’re less likely to fall prey.  NEVER provide your personal information online.  Your personal data is a highly prized commodity, so protect it well.  These data include your bank account number, social security number, passwords, credit card numbers and other similar information. 

Make your online transaction processess with your e-consumers clear and easy to understand.

Are you running an internet based business?  If you’re transacting regularly with consumers, your website might become a tool in online identity theft attempts. 

It’s very easy for scam artists to ’spoof’ or copy your website and use it to lure your e-consumers to provide their own personal information.  This can happen if a fraudulent e-mail message is sent to a consumer pretending to be coming from your site, pretending to ask your customer to verify or update their account information.

Prevent this from happening by ensuring that you have a system of account collection and verification in place.  Make sure your customers are informed of the process you are using.  If this is clear to your customers, they will be able to recognize any unusual e-mails or pop-ups pretending to be messages from your site.

You can also check the vulnerability of the software you are using in your online payment system.  Your shopping cart link is always a rich source of information for experienced hackers. 

Protect your e-consumers
Make sure your customers are informed of the dangers of online identity theft.  Provide a page on your website with articles informing them of the possible risks posed by online identity theft.  Or you can provide links to sites that offer this type of information.  Your e-consumers will appreciate that you take the time to ensure that you take steps to protect them and your business.

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