10 Cybersecurity Tips for Digital Banking

As identity theft tactics continue to evolve, safeguarding personal information is more crucial than ever. Whether you’re managing finances or making transactions online, it’s essential to implement security measures that protect your digital footprint. Following these practical tips may help you stay secure, and will certainly lead to safer digital banking practices.

Fifth Third Bank customers also have access to SmartShield^® Security, a mobile dashboard designed to provide enhanced 24/7 protection for your accounts, giving you peace of mind while banking on the go.

Are You Experiencing a Cyberattack?

To report fraudulent or suspicious activity with your account, call 800‑972‑3030, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.‑6 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m.‑4 p.m., ET. To report activity on your card, follow the prompts to dispute a transaction or report a card lost or stolen for 24/7 service. You may also report your card as lost or stolen at any time online or via the Fifth Third mobile app.

1. Use Strong, Unique Passwords

When creating a password for your online bank accounts, aim for a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters to enhance security.

Avoid using easily guessable information like your name, birthdate, or pet's name, as these can be quickly identified by attackers. Consider using password generators to create strong, random passwords, and password managers to securely store and manage them. These tools not only simplify the process of keeping track of complex passwords, but help ensure you’re using unique passwords across different sites, further reducing the risk of unauthorized access.

2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

What is two-factor authentication? Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security to your online accounts by requiring both your password and a one-time authentication code sent to your phone or email. This additional step ensures that even if someone acquires your password, they won’t be able to access your account without the unique code. Enable 2FA wherever possible, as it significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access and provides peace of mind when managing sensitive information.

3. Keep Apps Up to Date

55% of millennials said they prefer to bank via mobile app, compared to roughly 47% of Gen Z, 46% of Gen X and 21% of baby boomers, according to a consumer banking survey by MarketWatch.

According to UC Berkley, "Installing software updates for your operating system and programs is critical"- they contain crucial security patches that fix vulnerabilities hackers could exploit. To ensure your protection is up to date, consider enabling "automatic updates" on your mobile apps, so you don’t miss out on the latest security improvements and can enjoy a seamless experience without worrying about manual updates.

4. Avoid Public Wi-Fi

Cybercriminals can take advantage of vulnerabilities in public Wi-Fi networks to intercept personal data, including banking information. While utilizing free Wi-Fi sounds convenient, it may put your privacy at risk. A safer option is to use cellular data for internet access while on the go, as it provides a more secure connection and lowers the likelihood of exposing your personal information. That said, if you must connect to public Wi-Fi, do the following:

• Use a virtual private network (VPN)
• Avoid logging into sensitive accounts or entering payment information
• Disable sharing settings on your device
• Always "forget" the network after use it, to prevent automatic reconnections in the future

These precautions can help minimize the chances of exposing your personal data on unsecured networks.

5. Use Antivirus and Anti-Malware

Cybercriminals are constantly improving their tactics, using modern types of malware, viruses, and social engineering strategies. Antivirus and anti-malware programs offer real-time protection, which means they actively monitor your device for suspicious activity and prevent threats before they can cause harm.

6. Disable Bluetooth When You Aren’t Using It

Disabling Bluetooth is a simple, yet effective way to protect your devices from potential threats like "bluesnarfing," a term that combines "Bluetooth" and "snarf" (meaning "to steal"). Bluesnarfing can occur when cybercriminals access your device via an unauthorized Bluetooth connection, allowing them to steal sensitive data such as passwords, contacts, or personal information without your knowledge.

By turning Bluetooth off when it’s not in use, you significantly reduce the risk of this kind of attack, ensuring your devices remain protected from unauthorized access.

7. Avoid Text, Phone, and Email Scams

Have you received an email, text message, or phone call from an unfamiliar sender? This may have been a scam attempt. To identify phishing scams in emails and text messages, look for several common giveaways:

• Check the sender’s email address or phone number, as phishing messages often come from addresses that look similar to, but are slightly different from, legitimate ones. A keen eye goes a long way here.
• Look at the time at which the message was sent. Unsolicited emails or texts received at unusual hours of the day can be suspicious.
• Be on the lookout for spelling or grammatical errors, as these are often signs of a scam.
• Avoid clicking on any links or downloading files that the message prompts you to open, especially if they seem out of context, promote a sense of urgency, and/or ask for personal information.

8. Utilize SmartShield^® Security Dashboard¹

Threats are plentiful when it comes to cybersecurity and your digital persona. While it’s frightening to know that hackers can access your information, there are many steps you can take to strengthen account security, confidentiality, and mobile activity. Fifth Third Bank offers SmartShield^®Security help to protect your information and peace of mind, including 24/7 monitoring, check tracking, Zelle^® fraud identification, Fifth Third Identity Alert^®, and partnership with HackerOne.All you need is a Fifth Third Momentum^® Checking account.

Here's how you can tighten up security with the SmartShield^® Security dashboard:

• Customize your alerts to stay informed of account activity.
• Enroll in paperless statements so you don’t leave a paper trail.
• Update your mobile app to get the latest security enhancements.
• Enroll in face ID to log-in with your unique characteristics.
• Review your contact information - help your bank reach you when it matters.
• Take a quick quiz, to boost your security knowledge.

9. Regularly Monitor Bank Account Activity

If you notice unusual transactions or receive unexpected account alerts, you might want to ask yourself "What are the signs that my bank account has been compromised?"

You may use your Fifth Third Momentum^® Banking account every day, but do you check your account’s activity daily, as well? By setting up alerts and monitoring activity, you can spot suspicious transactions and act before any serious damage is done. You can also check digital bank accounts on the Fifth Third Mobile App, online banking dashboard, and monthly credit card/checking account statements.

Bonus tip:

Don't limit monitoring to just bank accounts—review credit cards and outstanding loans, as well.

10. Avoid Imposter Apps and Websites

When navigating the internet, it’s crucial to avoid imposter apps and websites that can compromise your personal data and security. Always ensure you're using trusted apps and websites by verifying their authenticity before downloading them or entering sensitive information. Don’t blindly click on search results, as cybercriminals often use deceptive tactics to lure users to fake sites. Additionally, the rise of AI technology has made it easier for cybercriminals to replicate branding and create convincing "fake" duplicate websites and apps that appear legitimate, making it crucial to double-check before engaging with unfamiliar platforms.

Fifth Third Bank provides a variety of Identity Theft Education resources and tools to safeguard your data from cyberattacks, such as Bank Fraud, Scams, and Identity Theft FAQs and SmartShield^® Security. To ensure your protection, sign up for these services and make use of the available features.

Zelle and the Zelle related marks are wholly owned by Early Warning Services, LLC and are used herein under license.