Online banking has been available for many years now. Initially treated with suspicion by many, this convenient way of managing your finances has proven itself to be pretty safe and secure. There are a few risks - the main one being viruses or fake websites capturing your login details. Following the advice below will help keep your information safe.

• Turn On Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Right Now: Multi-Factor Authentication adds an extra layer of security to your online accounts by requiring you to verify your identity through two or more methods-something you know (password), something you have (smartphone or hardware token), or something you are (fingerprint or facial recognition). Even if a cybercriminal gains access to your password, they will still need the second factor to access your account. Always opt for MFA wherever available, especially for financial accounts.
• Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Create strong, unique passwords for every account. The longer your password and the more characters it has, the better. One idea is to use a passphrase, that is a password made up of multiple words. Not a memory whiz? No problem. Use a password manager to help you generate and keep track of all of those long, unique passwords.
• Scams Are Constant-Don't Fall for Them: One of the easiest ways for cyber attackers to gain access to your accounts is to ask you. They create emails, text messages, or even phone calls that look or sound like they are from your bank or financial institution. Always verify the source before clicking on links, downloading attachments or responding to messages or phone calls. The greater the sense of urgency, the more likely the email, message or phone call is an attack. The best way to protect yourself is go directly to your bank's official website by typing the address into your browser, or call your bank or financial institution back using a trusted phone number.
• Get Obsessed with Monitoring Your Accounts: Make it a habit to frequently check your financial accounts for any unusual transactions. Even better, most financial institutions offer automated alerts for large withdrawals or suspicious activity. Setting up automated alerts can help you catch fraudulent transactions early and take swift action to minimize damage. If something doesn't look right, don't wait-take action right away.
• Keep Your Devices Locked Down Tight: Your phone, laptop, and tablet are like vaults to your financial world. Keep them secure with a strong screen lock and the latest software updates, we recommend enabling automatic updating.

The main threats come from your logon details being stolen by viruses and fake websites, as well as scams that persuade you to send money to the wrong recipient. You can easily protect against most of these by keeping your computer updated, using antivirus, and learning about phishing emails and scams.