News & Tips

How to Protect Your Online Banking Account

Online and Mobile Banking offers a fantastic way to manage your finances 24/7, wherever you have an internet connection. Features like Bill Payer, account transfers, and custom alerts put you in control, saving you trips to a branch or time on the phone. But with this convenience, you might wonder about the security of your accounts. Well, don’t worry, there are several simple steps you can take to protect your online accounts and enjoy peace of mind.

This guide will walk you through the best practices for online banking security, such as how to create strong passwords, the importance of security questions, and other ways your financial information is kept safe.

Create a Strong, Unique Password

Your password is the first line of defense for your financial accounts. A weak password can be an open door for fraudsters. If someone gains unauthorized access to your online banking, they could potentially change your contact information, order new cards, or even transfer money from your account. That’s why creating a strong password is so important for secure online banking.

Let's look at how you can build a password that's tough for others to guess or crack:

Avoid Personal Details: Never use information that others might know or find easily, such as your Social Security number, birthday, address, or phone number.
Use Different Passwords for Each Account: It might seem like a lot to remember, but using a unique password for each online service is crucial. If one account is compromised, your other accounts will remain safe.
Change Your Passwords Regularly: Make it a habit to update your passwords every few months. While it may feel like a small hassle, this simple step significantly boosts your online banking security.

Mix It Up: The best passwords combine uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters (Example: !, @, #, or $). Avoid using words with correct punctuation as these are easier for automated programs to guess.
Think in Phrases: A great trick is to think of a memorable phrase and use the first letter of each word. For example, "Banking that protects your future now and forever" could become "BtPyfNaf." Adding numbers and symbols makes it even stronger.

Remember, Space Coast Credit Union (SCCU) will never call, text, or email and ask you for your online banking credentials, including your username, password, one-time verification codes, PINs, or account numbers

Use Personal Security Questions for Another Layer of Protection

A strong password is a great start, but at Space Coast Credit Union (SCCU), we add another layer of security to protect your online accounts by using personal security questions. When you first enroll in Online Banking, you’ll set up answers to questions that only you would know. These aren't common facts but personal details that are difficult for others to guess.

Our system is designed to keep you safe. If we don't recognize the computer or mobile device you're using to log in, we'll prompt you to answer one of your security questions correctly. The system will also randomly ask for a security question answer, even from a recognized device. It's just one more way we work to keep your financial life secure.

Be Smart on Public Computers and Wi-Fi

If you use a public computer, such as one at a library or at someone’s house, always make sure you fully log out of your online banking session. Afterward, close the web browser completely to ensure your session is terminated.

When connecting your laptop or device to public Wi-Fi, your computer may ask you to choose a network type. Select "Public Network” as this setting helps prevent your device from being visible to others on the same network.

Understand Your Account's Built-In Protections

It’s good to know that most online banking systems have built-in safeguards. At SCCU, if someone tries to guess your password and they do so incorrectly multiple times, your account will automatically be locked after three unsuccessful attempts. This feature helps stop repeated attacks aimed at cracking your password. SCCU will never call, text, or email and ask you for your online banking credentials, including your username, password, one-time verification codes, PINs, or account numbers.

Take Control of Your Online Banking Security

By keeping these tips in mind, you can confidently manage your money online, knowing you’ve taken the right steps to protect your accounts. Secure online banking is a partnership, and these simple practices empower you to keep your information safe.

Before you close your laptop or put your phone down, we encourage you to sign into your SCCU Online or Mobile Banking account to update your passwords, set up security questions, and explore the latest features designed to keep your finances safe. For more information, check out our fraud prevention center.

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