Online Banking
I was afraid of online banking for a long time. I didn't like the idea of my financial information being out there when someone could try to break into it. However, my thinking has changed a bit in the last year, and I now use it. Not only is it safer than it has ever been, it makes my life a whole lot easier. If you are considering signing up for banking on the Internet, do your research first, and then decide if you are comfortable enough with the security you are going to get.
If you are concerned about the security of online banking, talk with your bank. Ask them what they do to ensure no one can get into your account, and even what they would do it someone did. Banks are coming up with new things every day to keep things safer, so it is getting harder to get into random accounts. Unless you fall for a phishing scheme and give up your passwords and other information, you are going to be pretty safe. However, ask so you know you are comfortable with the safety measure that they have in place to protect you and your accounts.
Some of the security of online banking is up to you. You should never use a password for your accounts that you have ever used anywhere else, and you should never use something that is personal. You should always mix random letters with numbers, and you should change the password on your online banking account at least once a month, though changing it once a week is even better. Don't use obvious clues for reminder questions. That means think of something other than your mother's maiden name. That information is far too easy to get. You may not want to consider it, but someone that knows you may be the person hoping to access your accounts.
Once you feel secure with online banking, you will be happy to see what it can do for you. If you have more than one account, you can normally move mone
y between them within a matter of minutes. You can also pay bills with some banks, though you may have to ask if your particular bank offers that service. You can see your accounts in almost real time, and you can also see rather quickly if someone has gained access and money is missing. That means you can take action a lot quicker if there is trouble.
