Online banking is readily available with all major Canadian and international banks. It is a relatively safe and convenient way to do most of your everyday banking. Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, all you need is a computer and an Internet connection. The various banking transactions users can perform online include bill payments, money transfers, wiring funds and viewing account balances and activity. Some banks also allow users to apply for loans and RRSPS, make loan payments and RRSP contributions, and apply for credit cards. Online banking is also used for shopping on the Internet. Most banks charge no fee, or a reduced fee for these services.

Security by bank

All banks take great measures to ensure that their online banking services are safe and secure for the user. Encryption is presently the most effective way to achieve data security. Internet browsers use encryption to enable safe online communications and transactions between you and the websites you interact with. The stronger the level of encryption your Internet browser uses, the more difficult it is for unauthorized individuals to intercept your online activities.

Increase online shopping and banking safety

When shopping online or using online banking, while it is very convenient and efficient, those benefits come with security risks. Therefore, it is important to understand the risks and some safety measures that can be taken to increase your online safety. These measures are applicable when banking using both personal and business accounts:

1. Know the important terms of your banking agreements — In most cases, people do not read, or understand the electronic banking services agreements they have entered into with their bank. However, it is important to understand that these agreements impose obligations on the customer with respect to using the account. For example, in almost all cases, it is up-to the customer to give the bank prompt notice for any unauthorized transactions.
2. Use a unique password and change it regularly — Your online bank accounts password and any password created for an online account should be strong and should not be the same as any other account. In addition, the password should never be stored on a mobile device or anywhere else easily accessible by another person.
3. Remove account features you don’t use — Having features such as the ability to access multiple accounts, or to initiate transfers or send wires can make draining your accounts much easier for hackers, should your account become compromised. If you do not use these types of account features, remove them from your account.
4. Only do online banking or shopping from a secure computer — The computer used for online shopping and banking should be a secure computer that has all software updates installed, is running updated anti-malware software, and if possible, is behind a firewall. To reduce the potential risks further, consider restricting the activities that the computer is used for.
5. Use antivirus software — Avoid computer infections by installing antivirus, or anti-malware software. This software should help detect an infection as it is happening, or detect one that already occurred.
6. Never use public computers to do banking or shopping — If you use public computers your passwords or account data may be accidentally, or intentionally stored on the computer.
7. Never do banking over an unsecured public Wi-Fi network — Communications on an unsecured Wi-Fi connection, such as free Wi-Fi at coffee shops can easily be intercepted. Information from any device you have connected to unsecure networks can be hacked.
8. Check your online bank account regularly — By monitoring your account activity often, you will be able to identify any unauthorized transactions quickly, and immediately report suspicious or unexplained activity to your bank.
9. Set up account activity alerts — Most online banking systems allow users to sign up for notifications. You will then receive an email or a text message if there is unusual activity, or activity beyond the assigned threshold, such as a specified amount of money is withdrawn or deposited to your account.
10. Use multi-factor authentication – This is sometimes called “two-step” verification. Some websites require that along with entering your username and password you need a second verification method to prove who you are. This is often only required the first time you access a website. An example is a number being sent to your secondary device, such as a smartphone, which you must enter to access the website.

If you discover that you are a victim of fraud, contact our preferred recovery experts, to have your case assessed and a strategy for recovery mapped out before issuing a claim, contacting police or alerting the fraudster.

								
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