Use strong passwords

When you bank online you need to stay safe and secure. Learn how your business can protect itself online by using strong passwords.

Is my password hard to guess?

Is my password hard to guess?

It’s best to take a second to stop and think whether you have secure passwords.

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How to create a strong password

There are many simple ways that your business can stay safe online. Using strong passwords is a good way to start.

To create a strong password choose three random words. And to keep it safe, don’t share it outside of your firm or write it down.

You can make a password even harder to guess if you add numbers or special characters. The longer the password, the stronger it is.

  • Your business email account is your first line of defence

    This can hold a lot of sensitive details that could be used against your firm by a fraudster.

    If you don’t have one already, pick a new strong password for the email account. Then do the same for any other accounts your firm may have, such as:

    • Bank account.
    • Social media accounts.

  • Save your passwords

    Use a different, strong password for each account your firm has.

    If you need help to remember them, you can use your browser. Your browser settings should let you save each password.

    Browser security is very good, so it’s a safe thing to use and helps to make it easier to log in.

    How extra security works

    If an account asks you to set security questions, try to avoid using personal or business details.

    When you bank online, we use two-factor authentication (2FA) to make sure it’s you. This makes it harder for someone to get into your account, even if they guess your password.   

    For 2FA to work, we need to send a code by text or landline. So please make sure we have your latest business phone number.  

    Other online providers and apps also use 2FA. If they do, it’s a good idea to turn it on as it will help to keep you safe.

    If you think someone else knows your banking details contact us now.

  • Sorry - That's incorrect!

    We’d never ask you to share your Internet Banking password. Only fraudsters do this.

    That's correct!

    We’d never ask you to share your Internet Banking password under any circumstances.

    Sorry - That's incorrect!

    We’ll never get in touch and ask you to move money to another account. Only a fraudster would do this. If you get a message like this, don’t reply. Use our top tips for spotting a scam message.

    That’s correct!

    We’d never message and ask you to move money to another account – not even to secure an account.

    Sorry - That's incorrect!

    We’d never call from the number on the back of your bank card. Fraudsters can tell you to check this number to pretend it’s us calling. They can copy any of our telephone numbers to look genuine on your caller ID. If you get a call like this, hang up.

    Thats's correct!

    We’d never call from the number on the back of your card. Fraudsters can tell you to check this number to convince you it’s a genuine call. If in doubt, hang up.

Bank of Scotland will never ask you to:

  • Share account details like user ID, password and memorable information.
  • Tell us the security number for Telephone Banking.
  • Tell us the PIN code or expiry date of your business bank card.
  • Move money to another account

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