How to bank safely on the Internet

Online shopping has long been a given of the new digital reality. It’s convenient, fast and safe, but only if you know how to properly transfer money online. Roskatchestvo Digital Expertise Center experts tell about the main rules of online shopping.

The check-list of an informed buyer

Have up-to-date anti-virus software installed for all activities on my PC – because it will help screen out spam and keep my computer safe from malicious programs that could steal my bank card details.I only shop at reputable sites and official brand stores. If I find the right thing on an unfamiliar site, I look online for reviews of it so I can make a decision.

6 Tips for Safe Online Banking

1. Change your password regularly

As trivial as it may sound, but every 90 days such practice is very desirable. The longer the password, the better.

2. Avoid using a shared computer or public Wi-Fi network for online financial transactions.

Remember that every time you connect to public Wi-Fi, someone else can access your browser history and passwords. Doing your banking or even reading your email over free Wi-Fi, like on the subway or in the mall, puts your data at risk. This works even if your email or other password-protected sites are set to automatically fill out a password and login form.

3. Check your bank statements regularly

Do it monthly. Although banks are good at tracking fraudulent activity, especially with credit cards, they are not always able to recognize all questionable transactions with a particular customer’s account. That’s why you should look through your monthly statement yourself and check all expenses.

4. Use licensed antivirus software

The cardinal rule of digital hygiene – it is necessary to invest in good antivirus software. Set your computer to automatically check for updates and alerts on all new products and features. However, it is better to download updates manually, as this provides the best protection against malware and viruses.

5. Turn off the internet when you don’t use it

Computers continuously connected to the Internet are vulnerable. Most users connect to the Internet through their ISP, and the Wi-Fi is always on. Make sure your Wi-Fi is password-protected. If possible, we recommend disconnecting your computer from your Wi-Fi when you’re not using it.

6. Enter the bank’s URL manually, rather than clicking on links

It is better not to click on URLs from e-mails, even if they are trustworthy. The message and links may look very plausible, but they can lead you to places you don’t like.

Instead, manually enter the URL and bookmark the real, official site of your bank. This is especially important if you use it for online transactions and providing confidential information.

In addition, an important sign of a secure Internet connection is shown in the address bar: you should see the “/”. Only in the first case, you can be sure that the connection is encrypted.

After downloading a financial app, study the program’s requested permissions. We advise to prohibit overlaying on top of other windows – this way you will protect yourself from hidden activity of online banking in case of hacking.

Don’t give out any rights to administer your device or permission for external access to your smartphone or tablet. An effective protection measure will be the use of methods and tools of Mobile Security.

Sergey Kuzmenko, senior digital product testing specialist at the Roskachevo Digital Expertise Center

“Remember that there should be no additional costs incurred by the customer. Any costs, such as shipping commissions, customs duties, etc. – Pay by seller. This does not apply to certain types of commissions for different payment methods. It’s worth finding out about this in advance. In addition, the seller is required by law to make all payments through the cash register and send electronic checks to customers in the mail. If you are asked to transfer an amount to a private person’s card it is very difficult to make a claim later. It is important to understand that the card number, expiration date, and verification number are the same “key to the apartment where the money is,” that is, knowing these data, anyone can make purchases on your behalf.