Protecting Your Business from Fraud

Posted on October 15, 2026 at 9:13 AM

10 Ways to Strengthen Your ACH Security

Keeping your business's financial information secure is an important part of managing day-to-day operations. If your business uses ACH Services to send or receive payments, having the right safeguards in place can help reduce fraud risk, prevent unauthorized transactions and protect your accounts.

At Reliance State Bank, we're committed to helping businesses manage their finances with confidence. Here are 10 ways to strengthen your ACH security and keep your payments running smoothly.

1. Use Dual Control for ACH Payments

Requiring more than one employee to manage ACH payments helps reduce the risk of errors and unauthorized transactions. Assign separate responsibilities for creating, reviewing and approving payments so no single employee controls the entire process.

For example: One employee prepares and uploads an ACH file, while another reviews and approves it before processing.

2. Verify Account Information

Accurate account information is essential for secure payment processing. Before adding a new payment recipient or changing existing banking instructions, verify the information to make sure it's correct. Use account validation tools or prenotifications when appropriate, and independently confirm account ownership whenever possible.

Tip: Always verify changes to banking information, even when the request comes from a familiar vendor or business partner.

3. Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) provides an additional layer of protection when accessing your business accounts. MFA is required when logging in and uses either a physical security token or a token generated through an app on your phone. This added security measure helps protect your accounts from unauthorized access.

4. Independently Confirm Payment Changes

Fraudsters often impersonate trusted vendors or employees to request changes to payment instructions. Before making any changes, take time to confirm the request through a trusted communication method. Avoid relying solely on email. Instead, contact the individual or business using a phone number you already know is legitimate.

For example: If a vendor emails updated ACH payment instructions, call your established contact to verify the change before updating their account information.

5. Monitor ACH Transactions Daily

Regularly reviewing your ACH activity can help you identify unusual transactions before they become larger problems. Check your accounts daily, reconcile transactions and watch for unfamiliar payments, new recipients or unexpected account changes.

Tip: Make reviewing ACH activity part of your business's daily financial routine.

6. Set ACH Transaction Limits

Establishing transaction limits adds another level of control to your ACH payment process. Set daily and individual transaction limits that align with your business's normal payment activity. Review these limits periodically to make sure they continue to meet your needs.

7. Review Employee Access and Permissions

Limiting access to your business's banking services helps protect sensitive financial information. Assign employees only the permissions needed for their responsibilities and review access regularly. Promptly remove access when an employee leaves your business or changes positions.

Remember: Each employee should use their own login credentials. Usernames and passwords should never be shared.

8. Keep Your Technology Secure

Protecting your business accounts also means keeping your computers and devices secure. Regularly update antivirus software, firewalls and operating systems to help protect against security threats. Avoid using public or shared computers to access Business Digital Banking. Keeping your systems current can help reduce the risk of unauthorized access and financial fraud.

9. Manage ACH Templates and Saved Information

ACH templates can simplify recurring payments, but they should be reviewed regularly to ensure the information remains accurate. Restrict access to employees who need to create or modify templates. Review saved payee information, confirm account details and remove outdated templates or recipients that are no longer used.

10. Keep Employees Informed About Fraud

Employees are an important part of your business's fraud prevention efforts. Regular training can help your team recognize suspicious activity and understand how to respond. Provide ongoing education about phishing emails, fraudulent payment requests and secure payment procedures. Make sure employees know how to report concerns and who to contact if something doesn't look right.

Take Steps to Protect Your Business

Fraud prevention is an ongoing responsibility, but a few proactive measures can make a meaningful difference. By maintaining strong internal controls, monitoring account activity and keeping employees informed, you can help protect your business and reduce the risk of financial loss.

Important Reminder: Businesses that originate ACH transactions are responsible for promptly reviewing account activity and immediately notifying Reliance State Bank of any unauthorized or suspicious transactions.