Digital habits: The overlooked key to secure banking (2)

By  Benjamin ABIEMO

Most people imagine that robust technology and strong systems are the main barriers standing between their money and cybercriminals.

In reality, the greatest risk to your security often lies in your own daily habits. Cybercriminals are not just targeting complex systems. Increasingly, they are focusing on individuals, exploiting predictable routines and small lapses in judgement.

Banks such as Absa Bank Ghana invest extensively in security systems. However, no amount of technology can protect against habits that leave personal information exposed. If you believe you are too smart to fall victim, you may already be more vulnerable to the latest tactics employed by fraudsters.

In this series, we are examining some of the most common digital habits that make people vulnerable when banking online, and how you can avoid them. Previously, we highlighted the dangers of weak passwords, acting on urgent requests without verification, and accessing your accounts over public Wi-Fi. In this instalment, we turn to three more habits that deserve your immediate attention.

Digital Habit #4: Ignoring Security Updates on Your Devices

Security updates can feel like an inconvenience. Many people are tempted to dismiss update reminders with a quick tap of “Remind Me Later,” without thinking of the potential consequences. However, neglecting to update your phone, computer, or banking apps can create real vulnerabilities that cybercriminals are quick to exploit.

Software updates do more than introduce new features or fix minor bugs. Their most important function is to address security gaps that attackers are actively searching for. Once a weakness in an operating system or application is discovered, criminals develop malicious software specifically designed to exploit it. If you continue to use outdated software, you are effectively leaving your digital door unlocked.

These risks are not only theoretical: many major cyber incidents worldwide have succeeded because users delayed critical updates. Banks such as Absa Bank Ghana work continuously to strengthen the security of their platforms, releasing regular updates to protect customers from new threats. However, these measures only work if customers update their apps promptly. In fact, many security updates are released in response to threats that have already been identified, which means that delaying installation may leave you exposed to risks that criminals are already exploiting.

The simplest way to stay protected is to enable automatic updates on your devices and banking apps. This ensures you always have the latest security enhancements without having to remember to check manually. For those who prefer to update manually, it is essential to develop a habit of checking for updates regularly, especially for apps related to finance, communication, and identity.

Device security settings also play a role in your overall protection. Take the time to review your phone or computer’s privacy and security settings, switch off unnecessary tracking, and enable features such as biometric authentication where possible. These steps help reduce the amount of personal information available for criminals to use against you.

Security updates are not just another notification to ignore. They are a vital layer of protection in a constantly evolving digital world. The next time your device prompts you to update, do not put it off. A few minutes spent installing updates today may prevent a far greater loss tomorrow.

Digital Habit #5: Relying on Browser-Saved Passwords

Trusting your web browser to remember your passwords often seems like an easy way to save time. Many people choose this option for the sake of convenience, believing their passwords are safely stored behind a single login or fingerprint. However, relying on browser-saved passwords introduces a significant risk to your digital security.

If your device is ever lost, stolen, or compromised by malware, stored passwords can quickly become accessible to cybercriminals. While modern browsers use encryption to protect saved passwords, determined attackers and malicious software can still extract these credentials from your device. This risk is particularly crucial when it comes to banking details, as a single breach may allow an intruder to access your accounts, transfer money, or lock you out entirely before you become aware.

A safer alternative is to use a dedicated password manager. Unlike browser storage, which is directly linked to your device, a password manager stores your login details in a secure, encrypted vault. Even if someone gains access to your device, your passwords remain protected by a single master key that only you control.

Another important habit is to avoid letting browsers auto-fill passwords on shared or public computers. Always log out of banking websites and apps after transactions and never save passwords on any device that does not belong to you.

Digital security often requires prioritising safety over convenience. It may take a few extra moments to enter your password or use a password manager, but that extra effort can make the difference between keeping your information safe and handing it over to a criminal. Protecting your credentials should always be a priority, especially as banking becomes increasingly digital.

Digital Habit #6: Ignoring Bank Alerts and Security Notifications

It can be tempting to treat bank alerts and security notifications as background noise. They arrive frequently and therefore are often overlooked or dismissed as unimportant. However, ignoring alerts from your bank can result in missed warnings about suspicious activity and expose your accounts to greater risk.

Bank alerts serve as an early warning system. Notifications about transactions, logins from new devices, or changes to your account details are designed to keep you informed and help you react quickly if something is amiss. Criminals often attempt unauthorised transactions outside of your usual banking patterns, knowing that a delayed response can give them the time they need to complete their fraud.

By paying close attention to your alerts, you give yourself a critical advantage. If you receive a notification about an activity you do not recognise, contact your bank immediately using a verified number. Prompt action can make the difference between preventing a crime and suffering financial loss.

It is also important to ensure that your contact details are up to date with your bank so that you never miss a notification. If you change your phone number or email address, update your records promptly. Make it a habit to review your account activity regularly, even if you do not receive an alert, and always enable security notifications on your banking app.

Viewing bank alerts as essential safeguards rather than inconveniences will help you maintain control over your finances and protect your accounts from fraud. In the digital age, vigilance is a habit that pays off.

End of Part Two

This concludes part two of our series on digital habits for secure banking. In the final instalment, we will address more habits to avoid and provide further guidance on how to keep your finances safe in an ever-changing digital world.

 Benjamin is the Head, Cyber Security Management, Absa Bank Ghana LTD

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