Steps to safe online banking

Step 1: Use a strong password

Choose a password that is different and difficult to guess.

Avoid birthdays, names and sequences of letters or numbers.

Mix upper and lower case letters with punctuation symbols and numbers.

Step 2: Check authenticity

Type in the URL to the bank’s official website instead of clicking on a link you receive by email or text.

Check the link to your bank’s website in the address bar before logging in.

Look for a padlock symbol at the bottom corner of the browser. It ensures a secure website.

Step 3: Skip public wifi networks

Log in to your bank account only on private, secure and password-protected networks.

Avoid accessing your bank account through public networks at airports, malls, cafés and other places.

Step 4: Use virtual keyboard

Enter your banking password using the on-screen or virtual keyboard.

This keeps your password safe from key-logger software installed on shared computers.

Step 5: Log in and out safely

Check your last login timestamp every time you log in to your account online.

Don’t merely close the browser window when your online transaction is done.

Always log out using the “logout” button.

Step 6: Keep your details safe

Disable the “save password” and “auto complete” feature on your browser.

Do not share your login details with anyone over email, phone or text.

Step 7: Stay updated

Download the latest version of anti-spyware and anti-virus software.

Keep track of phishing and other scams as advised by your bank and RBI.