How to Keep Your Bank Account Safe from Hackers

Your money is important. These days, we use online banking to check our accounts, pay bills and shop. But this also gives bad people, called hackers, a chance to steal your money. This guide will show you easy steps to keep your bank account safe.

Why It Is Important to Protect Your Money

Every day, hackers try to break into bank accounts to steal money. They do not just go after rich people; they try to steal from anyone they can. That is why it is very important to learn how to protect your money.

Simple Things You Should Do:

• Check Your Account: Look at your bank account at least once a week.
• Be Careful with Emails: Do not click on links in emails that say they are from your bank.
• Make Hard Passwords: Use passwords that are not easy to guess.
• Set Up Alerts: Get a message when money leaves your account.
• Keep Your Devices Updated: Always install the latest updates on your phone and computer.
• Be Careful on ATMs and Public Wi-Fi: Use extra caution when you use machines or public networks.
• Report Strange Charges: If you see something odd, tell your bank right away.
• Do Not Share Your Info: Never give out your bank details by phone or email.
• Learn How Hackers Trick You: Know the tricks so you can avoid them.
• Know What to Do if Your Account Is Hacked: Have a plan in case something goes wrong.

How Banking Has Changed

Banking is very different today compared to the past. Here is how things used to be and how they are now:

In the Old Days

• In-Person Banking: People went to the bank to check their money.
• Paper Statements: You got a paper list of your transactions.
• Writing Checks: Paying money meant writing a check or using cash.
• Limited ATM Use: You could only use ATMs during certain times.
• Planned Payments: You had to plan ahead to pay bills.

Now

• 24/7 Access: You can check your account anytime on your phone.
• Online Deposits: You can deposit a check by taking a picture.
• Quick Transfers: Moving money takes just a few clicks.
• Automatic Bill Payments: Bills can be paid automatically.
• Easy Shopping: You can buy things online using your card.

These changes make banking easier. However, they also give hackers more ways to try and steal your money. That is why you must be careful.

How Hackers Try to Steal Your Money

Hackers use many tricks to get into your bank account. Knowing these tricks can help you avoid them.

1. Fake Emails and Messages (Phishing)

Hackers send emails or text messages that look like they come from your bank. These messages try to trick you into giving out personal information.

What to Look For:

• Check the Email Address: Sometimes the address is a little off, like "primeway.com" instead of "primewayfcu.com"
• Spelling Mistakes: Fake emails often have bad spelling and grammar.
• Generic Greetings: A real bank email will often use your name.
• Urgent Warnings: The email may say you need to act fast or your account will be closed.
• Suspicious Links or Attachments: Do not click on links or open files unless you are sure they are safe.

2. Fake Banking Apps

Hackers sometimes make fake apps that look like your bank’s real app. When you enter your details, they steal your information.

What You Should Do:

• Download Only from Official Stores: Get your apps from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
• Visit Your Bank’s Website: Use links from your bank’s official site.
• Check App Details: Look at reviews and ratings before you download any app.

3. SIM Swapping

SIM swapping is when a hacker tricks your phone company into giving them your phone number. With your number, they can get into your bank account by intercepting security codes sent by text.

How to Stop It:

• Set Up a PIN with Your Phone Company: Ask your phone company to add extra security to your account.
• Use Authentication Apps: Use apps that generate codes instead of relying on text messages.
• Share Less Personal Information: Do not share too much on social media.

4. Viruses and Malware

Malware is bad software that can get into your computer or phone and steal your data.

Types of Malware:

• Keyloggers: These record what you type.
• Trojans: These hide in other programs to steal your information.
• Spyware: This watches what you do online.
• Ransomware: This locks your files until you pay a ransom.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Install Antivirus Software: Make sure your computer has good antivirus software.
• Keep Your System Updated: Always install the latest updates.
• Be Careful What You Download: Do not download files from unknown sources.
• Scan Files Before Opening Them: Check for viruses if you are not sure.