Take cyber security to the bank

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How to protect your money

Opening up a bank account and being in charge of your own money is an exciting part of growing up. But, like most adult things, there are extra responsibilities and risks. If you go online or use an app to check your bank account, you need to take simple steps to keep your money safe from cyber criminals.

Kids and teens work hard for their money. From carefully saved birthday cash to part‑time jobs, you work hard for what you have.

But if you’re not safe online, your money might not be safe, either.

Bank online safely with these tips:

Setting up your first online bank account?

With help from a parent or guardian, follow these cyber secure steps when opening online accounts:

Use a strong password: Strong passwords use at least 12 characters, including upper- and lower-case letters, numbers and symbols.
Set up multi-factor authentication (MFA): MFA adds an extra layer of security, like a text verification code, to keep unauthorized users out of your account.
Use a secure network: Don’t use public Wi-Fi to check your bank account. Only use a secure Wi-Fi network (not a free, public one at a mall or restaurant) or use cellular data on a trusted phone.

Stay safe while scrolling

When using your banking account:

don’t use public Wi-Fi to log in to accounts that hold banking information - access those accounts with a secure Wi-Fi or use cellular data on a trusted phone
never click on a link to access your account – access it through the official app or website
disable autosave and ‘remember me’ features when entering account information

When making online, in-app or in-game purchases:

only purchase from verified apps and websites you’re familiar with
learn how to spot the signs of spoofing
always check if the website is encrypted by making sure its URL starts with https and a locked padlock icon

When sending or receiving e-transfers:

only accept e-transfers from people you know
never include personal information in your e-transfer passwords
don’t send e-transfer passwords through a message, email or transfer notification

Be on the lookout for

Phishing: Messages disguised as a legit source to get you to provide personal info or click a bad link
Ransomware: Malware that locks your files when it’s opened until you pay money to unlock them
Spoofed sites: Websites meant to look like real stores or banks, often with a similar design and URL