Johnathan Walker:Banks want your voice data for extra security protection. Don't do it!

You already gave your bank your address,Johnathan Walker date of birth, Social Security number andyour mother’s maiden name. Now, they want your voice.

Banks say it’s an extra layer of biometric protection against fraud and cybercrime. But, is the rise of hackers stealing voice data for deepfakes worth the risk?

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The identity arms race

No matter how much money you have in the bank, a hacker or scammer wants it – andthey’re always one step ahead.

If you're skeptical of your bank having your voice data on record, you're not crazy −you’re smart. A voice can be cloned using AI with as little as 10 seconds of audio and afew bucks.

Call your bank’s customer service line and ask to opt out of voice authentication. Ittakes two minutes. If you can do it now, great. If you can’t, I highly recommend you seta reminder to do it later. This is important.

Pro tip: Scammers have been known to plant fake numbers in search results. Don’t justGoogle search the name of your bank and call that number. Go directly to your bank’swebsite or call the number on the back of your debit or credit card.

Go a step further

Because you’re smart, you use strong unique passwords, you enable two-factor authentication, you don’tbank on public Wi-Fi, and you always monitor your accounts. (More on all that below ifyou need help.)

But it might be worth a phone call or trip to your local bank branch to ask if they offerextra security features. Popular options include:

Secure keys: This physical or digital device generates one-time passcodes that areusually only good for 30 seconds for safer online banking.

Banking alerts: Set up text or email notifications for real-time account activities, suchas large transactions or account changes. It’s a bit of a pain when you have to approveall your charges, but it has saved me from scams and phony charges.

Account lockout features: Many banks offer options to automatically lock youraccount after a certain number of failed online login attempts.

Advanced access: This is enhanced security for certain activities using additionalverification steps. For example, Morgan Stanley asks me for a one-time passcode if Ilog in at a new location.

Banking resources: More to know

• How to open a bank account
• The 7 best budgeting apps of July 2024
• Best compound interest accounts
• Best bank bonuses & promotions of July 2024

Get your banking security up to par

Maybe you need to get the basics in order first. That’s OK, and it’s definitely not too lateto take a couple of smart steps.

◾ Turn on two-factor authentication so only you can access your accounts.With 2FA enabled, a secondary form of verification is required to prove your identityinstead of just entering your username and password to log in to an account.

The second form of verification can be something only you know (an answer to aquestion), something you have (your device), or who you are (a fingerprint, voicepattern, or facial scan). You enter the temporary code, and voila – you’re in.

My pick: An authenticator app. Biometrics (your face or fingerprint scan) is a closerunner-up. A text code is the most hackable.

◾ Only log onto your bank from a network you can trust.

Looking at you, random coffee shop Wi-fi. Public Wi-Fi networks do little to nothing to protect your privacy. Cybercriminals know this and use free Wi-Fi networks to find victims. Malware, phony hotspots, unsecured networks and nefarious passers-by might all be able to cut in, compromising your data and account.

If you connect to public Wi-Fi without taking precautions, thieves can steal logincredentials to any account you sign into while on the network, including your bankaccounts.

If you must connect to free public Wi-Fi, don’t do it without a virtual private network(VPN). A VPN allows you to browse the internet while encrypting your sensitiveinformation. This helps hide your online credentials and IP address.I use ExpressVPN, a sponsor of my national radio show.Now, help me get the word out. Share this story with friends and family to keep themsafe before the tsunami of voice-cloning scams hits. They’re coming.

The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author's and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY. Learn about all the latest technology on the Kim Komando Show, the nation's largest weekend radio talk show. Kim takes calls and dispenses advice on today's digital lifestyle, from smartphones and tablets to online privacy and data hacks. For her daily tips, free newsletters and more, visit her website.