Account security: Your first line of defence
Online accounts remain a key target for scammers seeking quick access to personal data. Strong security habits can help protect you.
In 2025, most of our lives – from banking and shopping to social networking and healthcare – depend on online accounts. Every login, password, and device holds a part of who we are. Many of us underestimate how easily these digital doors can be forced open.
Cybercriminals no longer need to “hack” in the traditional sense. With AI-driven tools, data leaks, and phishing techniques, they can guess, reset, or steal credentials faster than ever.
Strengthening your account and password security has always been important, but with rising threats, it’s now non-negotiable.
How cybercriminals get in
Today’s fraudsters rely less on brute force and more on human habits. They don’t always break into systems. Instead, they trick people into opening the door for them.
- Phishing and fake login pages: Fraudsters send realistic-looking emails or texts that direct you to cloned websites where you unknowingly enter your credentials, which are then captured by criminals.
- Data footprint analysis: Scammers exploit public information from social media and professional networking sites to guess passwords or answer security questions (such as the name of your pet).
- Data breaches or stolen credentials: When login details are exposed through external breaches or unsafe websites, fraudsters can obtain them on illicit forums. If a password is reused across accounts, one leak can lead to multiple account takeovers.
These methods keep evolving – but so can our defences. Here are some key ways to strengthen your digital shield and stay one step ahead.
01
Strong passwords aren’t enough anymore – they need to be smart
Avoid using predictable patterns like names, birthdays, or sequential numbers. Instead, create complex yet memorable passphrases by combining three random words, and adding in numbers and symbols.
For example, “tree?Morningfootball3” is far stronger than “John1985!”
02
Turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA) everywhere you can
MFA adds a crucial second layer of protection. Even if someone steals your password, they can’t access your account without the second verification step – usually a code sent to your phone, an authenticator app, or a biometric check. Think of it as a deadbolt for your digital door.
At Standard Chartered, we protect your accounts with MFA and will never ask you to share a passcode or verification code over the phone, email, or text. Always keep these details private.
03
Beware of password reuse across platforms
If one of your accounts is compromised in a data leak, cybercriminals will test that same password across other popular platforms – a technique known as credential stuffing.
It’s tempting to recycle the same password, but when you do, one breach can open many doors.
04
Watch for signs of compromise
Unfamiliar login alerts, password reset notifications you didn’t request, or emails about devices you don’t recognise are early warning signs. If you spot any of these signs, act immediately by changing your password, enabling MFA, and logging out of all active sessions.
05
Secure your devices, not just your accounts
Even the strongest passwords can’t protect you if your device is compromised. Keep your operating systems, browsers, and antivirus software updated. Avoid saving passwords in browsers, especially on shared or public computers, and install device and app updates as soon as you’re prompted to do so.
06
Stay alert to phishing and impersonations
Fraudsters may try to trick you into “verifying” your credentials through fake login links or customer service calls. Never share passwords or one-time-passcodes over the phone – bank representatives will never ask for these details. Always double-check the sender’s email address and access official websites directly instead of clicking links in emails or messages.
Your security starts with you
Account security doesn’t need to be complex – you can take control of your online accounts today. By following these simple but powerful steps, you’re not only helping safeguard your data but also setting up a higher standard of online security in a world where trust is easily exploited.
If you come across anything suspicious, report it to phishing@sc.com. For more information on reporting and fraud prevention, visit the cyber security and fraud safety page and use the ‘Report Suspected Fraud’ button.
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