Another tip in a series provided by the Offices of Information Security, Information Systems & Computing and Audit, Compliance & Privacy

We live in a world where we often rely upon online access to our financial institutions for purchases, investments, retirement plans, mortgages, and other online financial transactions. However, cybercriminals are increasingly targeting individuals’ accounts for their own monetary gain.  

Although financial institutions are legally required to protect your personal financial information on their systems, you should also take the following additional steps to protect your financial accounts:

1. Use a strong password, with multiple characters, and enroll in two-step verification (also known as multifactor authentication) where available. Two-step verification offers a second layer of security in protecting access to your online accounts. A password manager can also be a useful tool, generating complex passwords and helping you keep track of multiple account passwords. 
2. Secure your computing devices by installing antivirus software and be sure to run software and browser updates as soon as they become available. 
3. Avoid accessing your financial accounts while using publicly available internet. Wireless networks at airports, airplanes, restaurants, and hotels are generally not secure, so consider using your home network or your mobile banking application when needed.
4. Be vigilant and skeptical when receiving emails, texts, or calls claiming to come from your financial institution that asks you to verify your account information. Financial institutions will never ask for your account information, such as your bank account number, Social Security number, or password, in a text message or email. Contact your financial institution directly to verify suspicious emails, texts, or calls.  
5. Back up your data. It is good practice to back up your financial data on an external password-protected hard drive and keep that drive in a locked location. 

Resources:

[1] Antivirus for desktops and laptops https://www.isc.upenn.edu/how-to/antivirus-desktops-and-laptops

[2] Desktop Security https://www.isc.upenn.edu/security/aware/desktop