Online Banking Safety: How to Protect Your Finances in the Digital Age

Trust, Technology, and Your Bank Account

With more people managing their finances online than ever before, it’s essential to understand how to keep your information safe. From mobile check deposits to money transfers and bill pay, convenience comes with responsibility.

At 22nd State Bank, we’re committed to helping our customers in Mobile, Baldwin, Escambia, Geneva and surrounding counties bank securely and confidently. This guide will walk you through essential online banking safety practices so you can take full advantage of digital banking—without putting your money at risk.

For further reading, the FDIC offers an excellent consumer resource on cybersecurity and online banking at FDIC: Cybersecurity for Consumers.

Understanding the Risks

Cybercriminals are constantly evolving, targeting banks and individuals through:

• Phishing emails and fake texts

• Malware or viruses on devices

• Weak or reused passwords

• Unsecured Wi-Fi networks

Awareness is the first step to protection.

Our Commitment to Secure Banking

22nd State Bank uses advanced security protocols to protect your accounts, including:

• Encrypted connections and SSL certificates

• Multi-factor authentication (MFA)

• Continuous monitoring for unusual activity

• Account alerts and real-time notifications

We stay ahead of emerging threats so you can bank with peace of mind.

Top Online Banking Safety Tips for Customers:

• Use Strong, Unique Passwords

  • Combine letters, numbers, and special characters

  • Avoid using birthdays, pet names, or street addresses

• Enable Multi-Factor Authentication

  • Adds an extra layer of protection beyond your password

• Be Cautious with Emails and Texts

  • Don’t click on suspicious links claiming to be from your bank

  • 22nd State Bank will never ask for your login credentials via email or text

• Monitor Your Accounts Regularly

  • Log in frequently and set up alerts for unusual activity

• Avoid Public Wi-Fi When Banking

  • Use a private, secured network when accessing financial information

• Keep Your Devices Updated

  • Always install the latest security patches and updates

• Log Out When Finished

  • Especially important when using shared or public devices

How to Spot Fraud Early

Unusual transactions, duplicate charges, or unauthorized logins are red flags. If you suspect something’s off:

• Contact 22nd State Bank immediately

• Freeze or lock your debit card via our mobile app

• Change your passwords

• Report phishing attempts to our security team

Our local team responds quickly to fraud reports, helping you take back control fast.

Common Scams to Watch For

Here are a few scams we’ve seen targeting Gulf Coast residents:

• "Your account has been compromised" texts with fake links

• Fake IRS calls demanding payments via gift cards

• Overpayment check scams for online sales

• Impersonation of bank staff in DMs or emails

If it sounds urgent, scary, or too good to be true—it’s likely a scam.

Protecting Small Business Accounts

Business owners are also targets. Safeguard your accounts by:

• Using dedicated devices for banking

• Managing access levels for employees

• Separating personal and business finances

• Monitoring ACH and wire transfer activity daily

Why 22nd State Bank?

We believe security starts with trust. That’s why we invest in both technology and people. Our customers trust us to:

• Provide personalized security advice

• Act quickly on suspicious activity

• Offer tools that make protection easy and effective

Whether you’re banking from the bayou or the boardroom, we’ve got your back.

Ready to bank smarter and safer? Visit us online or speak to a banker at your nearest 22nd State Bank branch for personalized safety tips and account protection options.