Tips for Secure Online Banking on the Google Pixel 7a
Posted on 16th June 2023
Choose a strong password
Your Google account password is important not just for logging into your account – it’s also used to encrypt your device. So it’s important to choose a strong, unique password that’s not used anywhere else. A password manager can help you generate and keep track of strong passwords.
Enable two-step verification
Two-step verification is an extra layer of security for your Google account. With two-step verification, you’ll need your phone or another device with you in addition to your password to sign in. That way, even if someone has your password, they won’t be able to sign in to your account unless they also have your phone or security key.
Use a secure screen lock
A screen lock helps to keep your device secure if it’s lost or stolen. On Pixel phones, you can choose from a variety of screen lock options, including pattern, PIN, or password. If you have a pattern or PIN, make sure it’s not something easy to guess, like your birthday or your last name.
Install security updates
Google releases security updates regularly to help protect your device and data. To get the latest updates, go to Settings > System > Advanced > System update. If an update is available, it will be downloaded and installed automatically.
Use a VPN
A VPN, or virtual private network, is a secure tunnel between your device and the internet. When you use a VPN, your traffic is encrypted, which makes it harder for someone to eavesdrop on your communications or steal your data. A VPN can also help to protect your privacy by hiding your real IP address.
Don’t root or jailbreak your device
Rooting or jailbreaking your device voids your warranty and can leave your device open to security risks. If you root or jailbreak your device, Google can’t guarantee that your device will continue to receive security updates.
Be careful what you install
Only install apps from trusted sources, like the Google Play Store. Be careful about giving apps access to your personal information and data, and only install apps that you know are safe and reputable. You can also use Google Play Protect to scan apps for malware and security risks.
Keep your apps up to date
App developers regularly release updates with security fixes and new features. To help protect your device and data, it’s important to keep your apps up to date. Most apps will update automatically, but you can also check for updates manually by going to the Google Play Store.
Back up your data
Backing up your data helps to protect your photos, videos, and other files in case your device is lost, stolen, or damaged. You can back up your data to the cloud with Google Drive, or you can use a local backup solution like Android File Transfer.
Use a secure Wi-Fi connection
When you’re using public Wi-Fi, it’s important to be aware of the security risks. Hackers can set up fake Wi-Fi networks to try to steal your information. To help protect your data, only connect to trusted Wi-Fi networks, and use a VPN if possible.
Be cautious of phishing scams
Phishing scams are designed to trick you into giving up your personal information, like your password or credit card number. Be cautious of any emails, texts, or pop-ups that ask you to enter your personal information. If you’re not sure if a message is real, you can always check with the company directly.
Monitor your account activity
It’s a good idea to monitor your account activity regularly to help spot any suspicious activity. You can do this by checking your account statements or setting up account alerts. If you see anything suspicious, report it to your bank or financial institution immediately.
3. Use a VPN
When you use a VPN, your traffic is encrypted and routed through a remote server. This makes it much harder for anyone to snoop on your traffic and steal your information.
We recommend using a VPN whenever you connect to a public Wi-Fi network. This will help protect your traffic from being snooped on by anyone else on the network.
4. Use Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is an extra layer of security that can be used to protect your accounts. With 2FA enabled, you’ll need to enter a code from your phone in addition to your password when logging in.
This makes it much harder for someone to access your account, even if they’ve stolen your password. We recommend enabling 2FA on all of your online accounts, if possible.
5. Keep Your Software Up to Date
One of the best ways to stay secure online is to keep your software up to date. This includes your operating system, web browser, and any plugins or extensions you use.
Most software updates include security fixes for newly discovered vulnerabilities. By keeping your software up to date, you can help protect yourself from these vulnerabilities.
6. Use a Password Manager
A password manager is a software application that helps you generate and manage strong passwords. We recommend using a password manager to generate and store strong passwords for all of your online accounts.
A password manager can also help you keep track of your passwords and log in to your accounts automatically. This can be a huge time-saver, and it can help you stay more secure by using strong, unique passwords for all of your accounts.
7. Be Careful What You Click
One of the easiest ways to get infected with malware is to click on a malicious link or attachment. Malicious links and attachments can be found in emails, websites, and even social media messages.
Before clicking on any link or attachment, take a moment to examine it closely. If anything looks suspicious, don’t click on it.
8. Use a Security Tool
If you want an extra layer of security, you can install a security tool on your computer. There are many different security tools available, and they offer different features.
Some security tools can help you manage your passwords, while others can help you block malicious websites. We recommend doing some research to find a security tool that meets your needs.
9. Be Careful What You Install
Another way to get infected with malware is to install malicious software on your computer. Be careful what you install, and only install software from trusted sources.
If you’re not sure whether a piece of software is safe, you can search for it online to see if anyone has reported it as being malicious.
10. Stay Informed
The best way to stay secure online is to stay informed about the latest security threats. There are many resources available to help you stay up-to-date on the latest security news.
We recommend following some trusted security blogs or subscribing to a security newsletter. By staying informed, you can help protect yourself from the latest security threats.
