Here are a few suggestions on ways to keep your personal information and money more secrue when you go online:
1. Beef up your security.
Personal fire walls and security sofware packages are a must have for those who engage in oline financial transaction. Make sure the computer you are using has the latest security patches, and make sure that you access your online brokerage account only on a secure web page using encryption. The website address of a secure website connection starts whith "https" instead of just "http" and has a key or closed padlock in the status bar.
2. 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 application. Think twice before you click on a pop-up advertisement or download a "free" game or gadget.
3. Use your own computer if you can.
It's generally safer to access your online brokerage account from your own computer than from other computers. If you need to use a computer other than your own, you won't know if it contains viruses or spyware. If you do use another computer, besure to deleta all of the your" Temporary Internet Files" and clear all of your "History" after you log off your account.
4. Don't respond to emails requesting personal information.
Legitinate entities will not ask you to provide or verify sensitive information through a not-secre means, such as email. If you have reason to believe that your financial institution actually does need personal information from you, pick up the phone and call the comapny yourself- using the number in your rolodex, not the one the email provides!
5.Be smart about your password.
Try using a password that consists of a combingation of numbers, letters, 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.
6.Use extra caution with wireless connection.
Wireless networks may not provide as much security as wired Internet connections. You can learn more about security issues relating to wireless networks on the website of the Wi-Fi Alliance.
7. 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.
it is very useful information in our life.
ReplyDeleteI 'd like to add something. Whenever you are done with your work with your computer, be sure that you clean up the history brower or cookies.
ReplyDeleteSometimes you can let them leave a message if they call you. And you can search the dial-in numer on line to have a double chek.
ReplyDelete