Cybersecurity Tips for Online Banking
Online and mobile banking make managing your finances easier than ever, but they also make cybersecurity more important than ever. Scammers are constantly looking for ways to access personal and banking information, which is why taking a few proactive steps can make a big difference.
At 1st Summit Bank, your security is our priority. Use these online banking security best practices to protect your accounts, your identity, and your peace of mind.
Check Your Bank Accounts Regularly
Make it a habit to review your account every few days. Look for any unusual or unfamiliar charges, no matter how small. Fraudsters often start with tiny transactions to test if the card works. If you notice anything suspicious, contact 1st Summit right away. Acting quickly can prevent larger losses. Make sure you have online banking and downloaded the mobile app so you can monitor all your accounts all the time.
Use Strong, Unique Passwords
Your password is the first line of defense against cybercriminals.
To create a strong password:
- Use a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols
- Avoid personal details like birthdays or pet names
- Never reuse your online banking password for other websites or apps
Using the same password across multiple accounts increases your risk. If one site is compromised, scammers may try those credentials everywhere—including your bank account.
Extra protection: If available, use a password manager to securely store and generate strong passwords.
Enable Two Factor Verification
Use a passcode or use the biometrics capabilities on your phone to unlock it. Biometric capabilities use fingerprint, face recognition, or voice recognition for access to your phone or device.
Also, if you use a passcode to access your phone, enable the two-step verification process. Two-step verification process is when you enter the passcode and then your device requests that you enter another code it sent via email, text, or phone call.
Making sure you are the only one who can access your phone is beneficial for not only keeping your banking information safe, but also for keeping all your personal information safe. Now we carry an excessive about of information in our phones – credit cards, IDs, pictures, access to apps, and so much more.
Avoid Public Wi-Fi
Never log onto public wi-fi (like when you are at Starbucks or Panera) when accessing your bank account online. Public wi-fi is an open connection and is extremely unsafe. Always use cellular data on your phone when accessing online sites.
In addition, always make sure your home wi-fi network is private and password-protected.
Keep Your Devices and Apps Updated
Software updates aren’t just about new features—they often include critical security fixes.
Make sure to:
- Install updates for your phone, tablet, and computer
- Keep your banking app updated
- Enable automatic updates when possible
Outdated software can leave your device vulnerable to malware, viruses, and other cyber threats designed to steal sensitive information.
How 1st Summit Bank Keeps You Secure
In addition to your own best practices, 1st Summit Bank offers tools designed to help protect your accounts, including:
- Secure online and mobile banking access
- Chip‑enabled and contactless debit cards
- The MyCardRules® app to monitor and control card activity
These tools work best when paired with smart cybersecurity habits.