Internet Protection Throughout Southeast MI
How to Protect Yourself Online
You’ll need to protect yourself against identity thieves, whether hackers, phishers, or snoops, when you use your computer to access secure sites that require you to enter a username and password. You must know these guidelines to protect yourself online. Here are some suggestions on ways to keep your personal information and money more secure.
Beef Up Your Security
Personal firewalls and security software packages (with anti-virus, anti-spam, and spyware detection features) are a must-have for those who engage in online financial transactions. Make sure your computer has the latest security patches for rock-solid internet protection. The website address of a secure website connection starts with “https” instead of just “http” and has a key or closed padlock in the status bar (which typically appears in the lower right-hand corner of your screen).
Security Tips to Protect Yourself Online
Even if a web page starts with “https” and contains a key or closed padlock, it’s still possible that it may not be secure. Some phishers, for example, make spoofed websites that appear to have padlocks. To double-check, click on the padlock icon on the status bar to see the security certificate for the site. Following the “Issued to” in the pop-up window you should see the name matching the site you think you’re on. If the name differs, you are probably on a spoofed site. This tip on how to protect yourself online is easy to do and only takes a second of time.
Use a Security Token (if available)
Using a security token can make it even harder for an identity thief to access your online accounts. That’s because these small number-generating devices offer a second layer of security – a one-time passcode that typically changes every 30 or 60 seconds. These unpredictable passcodes can frustrate identity thieves. While fraudsters can use keystroke logging programs to obtain regular username and password information, they can’t use these programs to obtain the security token passcode.
Be Careful What You Download
When you download a program or file from an unknown source, you risk loading malicious software programs on your computer. Fraudsters often hide these programs within seemingly benign applications. Think twice before you click on a pop-up advertisement or download a “free” game or gadget.
Use Your Own Computer
It’s generally safer to access your online accounts from your own computer than from other computers. If you use a computer other than your own, for example, you won’t know if it contains viruses or spyware. If you do use another computer, be sure to delete all of your “Temporary Internet Files” and clear all of your “History” after you log off your account.
Don’t respond to Emails Requesting Personal Information
Legitimate entities will not ask you to provide or verify sensitive information through a non-secure means, such as email. For example, if you have reason to believe that your financial institution actually does need personal information from you, pick up the phone and call the company yourself – using the number in your rolodex, not the one the email provides!
Security Tips for Internet Protection
Even though a web address in an email may look legitimate, fraudsters can mask the true destination. Rather than merely clicking on a link provided in an email, type the web address into your browser yourself (or use a bookmark you previously created). Knowing how to protect yourself online can save a lot of trouble and time to fix problems you don’t need.
Be Smart About Your Password
The best passwords are ones that are difficult to guess. Try using a password that consists of a combination of numbers, letters (both upper case and lower case), punctuation, and special characters. You should change your password regularly and use a different password for each of your accounts. Don’t share your password with others and never reply to “phishing” emails with your password or other sensitive information. You also shouldn’t store your password on your computer. If you need to write down your password, store it in a secure, private place.
Use Extra Caution with Wireless Connections
Wireless networks may not provide as much security as wired Internet connections. In fact, many “hotspots” – wireless networks in public areas like airports, hotels and restaurants – reduce their security so it’s easier for individuals to access and use these wireless networks. Unless you use a security token, you may decide that accessing your online brokerage account through a wireless connection isn’t worth the security risk. You can learn more about security issues and internet protection relating to wireless networks on the website of the Wi-Fi Alliance.
Log Out Completely
Closing or minimizing your browser or typing in a new web address when you’re done using your online account may not be enough to prevent others from gaining access to your account information. Instead, click on the “log out” button to terminate your online session for absolute internet protection. In addition, you shouldn’t permit your browser to “remember” your username and password information. If this browser feature is active, anyone using your computer will have access to your personal account information.