Tips for protecting your finances

29 May, 2025

Stay Secure and Confident with Your Financial Transactions

Managing your money should feel safe and stress-free. With so many of us relying on online and mobile banking, it’s important to know how to protect yourself.

Here are a few simple steps that can help keep your finances secure and give you peace of mind every time you use your card.

1. Use Strong Passwords

A stylized illustration of a person sitting on a laptop keyboard, holding another laptop, with a light bulb above their head symbolizing an idea. Gear icons and a padlock are nearby, representing technology, innovation, and security, set against a modern blue and white background with abstract shapes.

A strong password is like a sturdy lock on your front door. Make sure yours is hard to guess by including a mix of letters (both upper and lower case), numbers, and symbols.

Avoid easy-to-guess options like birthdays or common words. For example, instead of “Password123”, try something like “Hl9!Bqw7P”.

It might seem tricky at first, but many devices and browsers now offer secure password managers to remember them for you.

2. Turn on Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

An illustration explaining two-factor authentication (2FA), showing a woman holding a laptop beside a large box with a lock icon. The box represents a login screen, while a speech bubble with stars symbolizes a one-time code being entered from a phone to complete the login process. Gears and keys in the background emphasize security and authentication.

Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of protection to your accounts.

Even if someone guesses your password, they won’t be able to log in without a second step, like a code sent to your phone.

At First South Credit Union, our online system uses 2FA which is automatically enabled.

3. Keep an Eye on Your Account Activity

An illustration of a credit union member checking her online account. She stands holding a tablet or clipboard beside a document with a classical building icon, symbolizing a financial institution. A credit card is placed in front of the document, representing account details or transactions. The blue and white color scheme conveys trust and professionalism.

Make it a habit to check your accounts regularly.

Look out for anything unusual, like transactions you don’t recognise. Spotting unusual activity early can make a big difference.

At First South Credit Union, we send a text for transactions over €25 on your current account, which makes it easier to track what’s happening.

4. Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Financial Transactions

An illustration symbolizing public or open Wi-Fi networks, featuring four people using various devices: a unicycle rider with a smartphone, a seated person with a laptop, a walker with a smartphone, and a bench sitter with a tablet. A central '5G' text connects to each individual, representing shared connectivity.

Free Wi-Fi in cafes or public spaces might be convenient, but it’s often not very secure. Hackers can easily intercept information sent over these networks.

If you need to log in to your bank, it’s best to use a trusted, private connection, like your home Wi-Fi or your mobile data.

5. Keep Your Apps and Devices Updated

An illustration of a person wearing glasses and overalls holding a large wrench, standing beside three gears on a stylized smartphone. The image symbolizes maintenance, updates, and optimization to ensure secure and efficient device performance.

Updating your apps and devices might seem like a chore, but it’s crucial for security. These updates often fix vulnerabilities that hackers could exploit.

Whether it’s your phone, computer, or banking app, staying up to date helps protect your personal information.

6. Be Cautious with Emails and Texts

An illustration warning against email scams. A person is seated at a desk, typing on a computer displaying an email interface, while another figure above, holding a laptop, symbolizes a scammer stealing their information. An envelope icon with an exclamation mark near the computer highlights the danger of phishing attempts. The blue and white color scheme emphasizes a modern, tech-focused warning.

Scams like phishing emails and fake text messages are designed to trick you into revealing personal or financial information. Be wary of links or attachments from unknown sources, and never share sensitive details unless you’re 100% sure of the recipient’s legitimacy.

Quick Tip: If in doubt, contact First South Credit Union or your bank directly using a verified phone number or email address for clarification. Don’t trust links provided in unsolicited messages.

We’re Here to Help

Have security concerns or need assistance?
Don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team is always ready to assist.

Taking small, proactive steps today can make a big difference tomorrow. Protect your finances, and feel confident every time you make a transaction!

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