The world is going online. Every day, it seems like another service that we're used to experiencing every day has an online equivalent and it is far improved from its brick-and-mortar version. And while some of the quick and polished online products available today really do help make your routine easier and your obligations more timely, it's important to know how to make the online transition safely.

One of the more popular online activities is online banking. Gone are the days of making a trip to a bank before four o'clock to make a deposit, or driving up to an ATM to check your statement. Now, you have the option of simply going to your bank's website and using their online service to check balances, view cashed checks, transfer funds and open new accounts. Comprehensive online lists of individual purchases have even replaced balancing your checkbook. But how can you be sure that your financial identity is safe from scammers, hackers and cybercriminals?

Here are a few important tips for choosing, and maintaining, a safe online bank account.

Check for Website Legitimacy
The number-one rule of using the Internet safely is to remember that not everyone is truly who they say that they are. This is exceptionally true when applied to online banking. Whether you're signing up for your traditional bank's online services, or you are an experienced online banker quickly checking your balance, you should make sure the website is legitimate before entering any personal information.

Inspect the URL
Start by making sure the URL address you have entered is accurate. Sometimes simple misspellings of well-known bank names are also active web sites, crafted by scammers to look identical to the real company homepage. Be aware of e-mails or telephone calls asking for you to verify or update personal information. Legitimate banks will never ask for you to verify sensitive financial information via their home page.

Confirm A Secure Connection
Verify that the web page is a secure one before entering any information. You can do this by following simple, safe web surfing practices, such as looking for the 'https' at the beginning of the URL and for the VeriSign lock icon in the bottom right-hand corner of your browser. Some browsers also offer a pop-up alert or a colored address bar to indicate a secure connection. Familiarize yourself with additional ways your browser of choice notifies you of its level of security.

Verify Bank Identity
If you're looking for a bank that exists exclusively online, it's important to check for certain qualifications that can let you know if a business is trustworthy and reliable. While online-only banks offer benefits such as high amounts of accrued interest in savings, they still must remain transparent about who they are and how they handle your money. Without a brick-and-mortar location where you can sit and talk to a local employee, you should feel confidant that an online-only bank goes the extra mile to make you feel secure.

Learn About Your Bank
Check for an "About Us" section before signing up for even a basic checking or savings account online. The bank should offer their history, mission, official name or owning company name, and the location of the facility where your funds will be stored. Knowing where the online bank you do business with operates from goes a long way to feeling secure about the bank and their practices.

Look for Insurance
Make sure that any online bank, well-known or not, readily displays the logo of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and offers details of how and for how much your deposits are insured for. Text describing your fund deposits and transfers should include the phrase "Member FDIC" or "FDIC Insured". You can also visit the FDIC website and search for the bank you are considering to make certain that you'll pbe covered. If the bank's homepage doesn't assure you, it might be time to look elsewhere.

The most important tip is simply to make sure you feel confidant in any transaction you make online. Make sure you know whom you're dealing with, and that you're dealing with them over a secure connection.