Use VPNs without messing up your banking apps

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Using a virtual private network (VPN) can significantly improve your online security, especially when accessing sensitive information such as banking apps. However, this can also lead to complications, such as blocking access to your bank's services.

Melissa from Dallas wrote to us to ask: “How can I use a VPN without having access to my banking app? It's very frustrating and I worry about my security when I have to turn off the VPN. Are there any specific tips to ensure my security and connection?”

Melissa, we completely understand how aggravating this can be. We'll walk you through the steps to using VPNs effectively while ensuring your banking activities remain secure and accessible.

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Use VPNs without messing up your banking apps

A woman connecting to her VPN on her laptop (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Table of Contents

What is a VPN?

A VPN encrypts your internet traffic and redirects it through a server in a different location than you. VPNs make it appear as if you are connecting to the Internet from where the server is hosted rather than from your actual location.

When you first connect to a network using a VPN, your device will establish a secure connection with the VPN server and your device's IP address will appear as the VPN server, meaning only your provider Internet Services will see that you are connecting to a VPN network. VPN server. Normally, when you log in to a website, the website or any online service you visit can see technical information about your device, including location-sensitive data such as IP addresses.

A VPN on a laptop (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Understanding VPNs and Their Benefits

A VPN creates a secure tunnel between your device and the Internet, encrypting your data to protect it from prying eyes. The three main benefits of using a VPN for online banking are:

1) Reinforced security: Encrypts your connection, making it difficult for hackers to intercept sensitive information.

2) Protection of privacy: Hides your IP address, helping you maintain anonymity while browsing.

3) Access to geo-restricted content: Allows you to access banking services when traveling abroad.

Illustration of how you can use a VPN worldwide (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Steps to Use a VPN Safely with Banking Apps

1) Choose the right VPN

Select a reputable VPN service that prioritizes security and privacy. Look for features like:

Military-grade encryption (256-bit AES)
No-logging policy to ensure your activities are not tracked.
Kill-switch functionality to prevent data leaks if the VPN connection is interrupted.
Servers in your home country to avoid triggering alerts from your bank

2) Install VPN software

Download and install the VPN app on your device. Most VPN services offer user-friendly interfaces compatible with various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.

3) Connect to a server

Before accessing your banking application:

Launch the VPN app.
Connect to a server located in your home country. This helps prevent your bank from flagging your access as suspicious.

4) Log in to your banking application

Once connected:

Open your banking app or website.
Log in as you normally would. If you experience problems, consider deleting browser cookies or changing servers within the VPN.

5) Monitor for any problems

If you are having difficulty logging in:

Temporarily disable the VPN and try accessing the app again.
Change the VPN city/location to match the city where you currently live or are located.
When traveling, make sure to change the VPN to the city you live in to avoid problems.
Contact customer support at your bank and VPN provider if problems persist.

A woman connecting to her VPN on her tablet (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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What to do when your VPN is blocked by your bank

Now, some websites, especially banking sites, can become a little suspicious when they see that you are using a VPN. They might even block you. So, what should you do if your bank's website won't let you in with your VPN enabled? Don't panic. Here are some quick solutions:

Try contacting your bank's customer service. They might have a solution or be able to whitelist your VPN, which basically means allowing your connection to bypass security blocks.
Change the VPN City/Location to match the city where you live or are currently located.
If all else fails, you can always temporarily disable your VPN when you access your banking application. Don't forget to turn it back on when you're done.

Now you may be wondering, “Is it safe to turn off my VPN for banking?” Well, as long as you're on a private, secure network (not Public Wi-Fi), it should be fine. Just make sure to turn it back on as soon as you're done. Remember that while VPNs can sometimes be a bit complicated, the privacy and security they offer are definitely worth it.

Choosing the Right VPN for Banking Security and Security Tips

It's important to secure your financial information with reliable VPN services and follow these handy security tips.

1) Choose a reliable VPN: Select a reputable VPN service with strong encryption protocols. For the best VPN software, check out my expert review of the best VPNs for browsing the web privately on your computer. Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.

2) Always use a VPN on public Wi-Fi: Never access financial accounts on public networks without first enabling your VPN.

3) Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): Add an extra layer of security to your accounts by enable 2FA.

4) Use strong and unique passwords: Create strong passwords for each of your accounts and consider using a password manager. Consider using a password director to generate and store complex passwords.

5) Monitor your accounts regularly: Check your retirement accounts frequently for suspicious activity.

6) Keep the software up to date: Make sure your devices and apps are always up to date with the latest security patches.

7) Beware of phishing attempts: Do not click on suspicious links or provide personal information in response to unsolicited emails. The best way to protect yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to install powerful antivirus software on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, protecting your personal information and digital assets. Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.

Pro Tip: Use Split Tunneling: This feature allows you to route only specific traffic through the VPN while keeping the rest of the traffic on a regular connection. This can be beneficial for banking applications while allowing general browsing without interference.

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