Digital Banking Security Tips for Consumers: Internet Browsing Security

Banking online has made things easier for consumers and businesses alike, but it has also made things easier for thieves. Practicing safe web browsing is another way to help prevent your bank account from a breach.

• Never click on suspicious links in emails, tweets, posts, or online advertising. Links can take you to a different website than their labels indicated. Typing an address in your browser instead of clicking a link in an e-mail is a safer alternative.
• Only submit sensitive information to websites that use encryption. This ensures your information is protected as it travels across the Internet. Verify the web address begins with “https://” (the “s” is for “secure”) rather than just the “http://”. Some browsers also display a closed padlock. This is especially true for financial transactions and online shopping to make sure your sensitive information is safe. We use secure socket layer (SSL) encryption on https://www.vantage.bank/ to ensure your online banking experience with us is both enjoyable and safe.
• Do not trust sites with certificate warnings or errors. These messages could indicate your connection is being intercepted or the web server is misrepresenting its identity.
• Avoid using public computers or public wireless access points for online banking. Public internal networks are unsafe places to access your online account, especially when it involves sensitive information.
• Always “Sign Out” or “Log Off” of password protected websites when finished. This will help prevent unauthorized access. Simply closing the Internet browser window may not actually end your session. This will prevent someone from having easy access to your information.

To learn more about information security, visit any of the following websites or contact our team at Vantage Bank.

• OnGuardOnline.gov
• StaySafeOnline.org
• BBB.org/Data-Security
• US-CERT.gov

DISCLAIMER: This material is for informational purposes only. Vantage Bank assumes no liability for any loss or damage resulting from one's reliance on the material provided.