• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Operating Out of the DC Metro Area
703.436.4740
  • Investor Relations
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
  • Announcements
FVCbank: One Bank. Unlimited Possibilities.

FVCbank

One Bank. Unlimited Possibilities.

Business Account Personal Account
  • About
    • Community Banking
    • Community Involvement
    • Directors
    • Executive Management
    • Governance Documents
    • Investor Relations
    • Mortgage Partner
  • Business
    • Checking Accounts
    • Savings Accounts
    • Business Credit Cards
    • Government Contractor 
    • Insurance Products
    • Commercial Lending Products
    • Merchant Services Program
    • Employee Programs
    • Order New Checks
    • Treasury Management
  • Personal
    • Checking Accounts
    • Savings Accounts
    • Personal Credit Cards
    • Health Savings Accounts
    • Insurance Products
    • Loan Products
    • Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)
    • Retirement Accounts
    • Order New Checks
  • Digital
    • Zelle®
  • Interest Rates
  • Find A Branch
  • Contact
  • Account Login
    • Online Banking
    • Cash Management
  • Resources
    • Investor Relations
    • Blog
    • Career Opportunities
    • Press
    • Announcements
› Online Banking › Online Banking Security Best Practices

Online Banking Security Best Practices

November 16, 2020

a business owner using secure online banking servicesWhen online banking, using proper security measures is critical to prevent your personal and financial details from falling into the wrong hands. While banks are becoming better equipped to deal with security issues such as data breaches and privacy violations, there remain gaps in the system that allow cybercriminals to squeeze through. To help keep your information safe when online banking, it is important to do your part and follow the best practices for online banking security. Here is a look at some of these best practices, as well as banking services that can provide you with advanced protection.

Create Uncrackable User IDs and Passwords

Your password is your bank account’s first line of defense. If you fail to do anything else, at least take the time to create a tough password. Many people create passwords that are simple to remember, such as a child’s name or their birthdate. Unfortunately, this type of information is easy to find online, leaving your account susceptible to hacks.

When creating and using a password, consider these tips:

  • Use both uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters
  • Change your password regularly
  • Avoid using automatic login features for your user IDs and passwords
  • Never share your username or password with another party

Protect Account Data and Online Payments

a business owner reviewing her transactions from online bankingThe average online banking account contains a wide range of personal information, including transaction details and other private data. If a hacker manages to bypass the login screen, they can gain access to your account data and the services that go along with it, such as online payments.

To help protect your account data and online payments, consider the following tips:

  • Make use of your account’s transaction limits
  • Take advantage of account notifications and alerts
  • Regularly review account reports and statements to confirm your transaction history
  • Maintain separate accounts for paper and electronic transactions to make it easier to monitor your spending and identify discrepancies
  • Immediately log off your account after completing a transaction to close the connection between your device and the financial institution
  • Continue to monitor account activity and review transactions on a daily basis to prevent illegal transactions and other misdeeds from going unnoticed

Use Other Smart Online Banking Security Practices

You work hard for the money that you earn, and you want to keep it in your bank account, not someone else’s. You also want to prevent your personal information from getting stolen and misused by cybercriminals. While there is no foolproof way to eliminate these risks, you can greatly reduce your chances of becoming a victim by following a few general guidelines.

To help keep your online bank account safe, consider these tips:

    an individual using online banking security best practices while banking on mobile

  • Never sign into your bank account from a public computer or any unsecured computer
  • Each time you log into your account, check the last login date. If you notice that someone else has been signing in, contact your financial institution immediately
  • Regularly review your account balances and transactions to confirm that no illegal charges have been made from your account. Report any suspicious transactions to your financial institution
  • Opt for Bill Pay services instead of using checks to help reduce the exposure of your account number and to better maintain your records
  • Keep an eye on your account alerts, including your balance alerts, transfer alerts, ACH alerts, and password change alerts
  • When creating usernames and passwords, never use private information such as social security numbers or account numbers
  • Never leave your bank account open and unmonitored when you walk away from the computer
  • Avoid making bank transactions when you have multiple browsers open at one time
  • Review your account’s historical reports on a regular basis to confirm your transaction activities
  • Have sufficient antivirus and anti-malware protection on all of your devices to prevent viruses and malicious software from spreading
  • Keep a firewall on your devices that can help monitor what data is coming in and out of your networks. You can also block certain internet sources

Learn More About Online Banking Security

Are you worried about the safety of your online bank account? You are not alone. Many people worry that their personal information or bank details will be stolen. Fortunately, your personal banking information is fairly safe due to advancements in technology that allow banks the ability to protect consumer data. However, it is still important to take extra precautions to protect your banking information. To learn more about online banking security best practices or to inquire about online banking services, contact the banking experts at FVCbank.

Primary Sidebar

Banking Hours

9am — 5pm EST
Monday — Friday
703.436.4740

If your debit card is lost or stolen after hours, please call us for assistance: 703.436.4740

Contact Us

Branch Locations

Conveniently located in your
neighborhood, we are right
around the corner.

Find a Branch

Footer

Contact Us

Headquarters:
  • 11325 Random Hills Road
  • Suite 240
  • Fairfax, VA 22030
Phone: 703.436.4740
Routing Number: 056009505
Social Icon
Social Icon
FVCbank Member FDIC

Download Our Mobile App

Business
Apple Store Badge
Google Play Badge
Personal
Apple Store Badge
Google Play Badge

Business Banking

  • Checking Accounts
  • Savings Accounts
  • Business Credit Cards
  • Government Contractor
  • Insurance Products
  • Commercial Lending Products
  • Merchant Services Program
  • Employee Programs
  • Order New Checks
  • Treasury Management

Personal Banking

  • Checking Accounts
  • Savings Accounts
  • Personal Credit Cards
  • Insurance Products
  • Loan Products
  • Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)
  • Retirement Accounts
  • Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)
  • Order New Checks

Quick Links

  • Press Releases
  • Online Security
  • About FVCbank
  • Forms
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • Mobile Banking Best Practices

© 2023 FVCbank · Powered by 321 Web Marketing