Life

Online Scam Protection

Technology and the Internet is an ever-changing, wonderful resource. Many people can not imagine their life without it. However, this technology also provides criminals with another opportunity to commit their crimes. Here are a few basic tips you can use to keep you and your family safe while utilizing the Internet.

Protect Your Usernames and Passwords

Your username(s) and password(s) to websites and documents are just like the key to your house and should be protected as such. Here are a few simple tips to keep your personal information safe and secure.

Choosing Secure Passwords

When you are asked to choose a password it is vital that you choose a secure one. Here are a few basic rules to create a safe password.

Avoid the obvious - Do not use simple information like your birthday, phone number, social security number, license plate, simple patterns like 12345, AAA, etc. Do not use the word "password" or make the password the same as your User ID.

Mix and match - it's a good idea to choose a password that includes letters and numbers.

Change a default password immediately - If you're being assigned a password, you should immediately change it to a new password if possible.

Keeping Your Passwords Safe

Now you've chosen a secure password - but the best passwords are useless if you don't keep them safe. Here are a few basic rules to protect your passwords.

Do not write them down - Some people keep their life in their day planners, including a list of their passwords. If that planner gets lost or stolen, you're accounts can be accessed without your knowledge. The same applies to day planners. PDA's are lost or stolen very easily. Do not let your life get lost or stolen with your PDA.

Do not share your passwords - You should be the only that knows your password. Be especially suspicious if somebody wants to verify your password or asks you for it in any form. Scam artists can try to pose as a representative from your bank and call to verify your password.

Do not re-use old passwords - Always generate fresh and new passwords that do not carry the possibility of having been compromised in the past.

Do not use the same password for multiple accounts - Use unique passwords for each account or login. This way, if one is being compromised, your other accounts are still safe.

Change your passwords on a regular basis - As a precautionary measure you should change your passwords periodically, just in case somebody saw you type it or somehow found out about one of them.

Computer Password Security

The same amount of caution you take with your keys and ATM card PIN number should also be applied to online password safety. Do not assume that your computer is safe. There are many ways that your computer can be compromised. Here are a few basic rules to protect your computer logins.

Log off when you're done - Always log off when you're done working on the computer. If you don't log off, somebody else can use the machine after you while your session is still active and abuse your privileges. This is especially important if you log into a network, e.g. at work or school, or in a shared environment such as a lab.

E-mail is not secure - Never send password information via regular e-mail. The information is transmitted in clear text and can be intercepted at any point on its. Sending e-mail is the same as writing a letter on a piece of paper, then handing the paper unfolded without envelope to your mailman and have it go through the hands of hundreds of postal workers until it reaches its destination.

Do not use online storage for passwords - Some web sites offer services to help you organize your passwords, keep them in one place, and have them stored online so you can access them from any computer. It's a good idea, but how do you know you can trust them? You have no idea how secure their system is.

Do not check the box to remember your password - Many programs and/or dialog boxes offer a checkbox to remember your password for you. This makes life very convenient but also terribly insecure. Anybody else who uses your machine can use your login information to read your e-mail, access the network, etc. Always take the few seconds it takes to enter your password manually. It's worth it.

Only transmit data online over a secure connection - When you're online and have to enter confidential data in a form, such as your credit card number, social security number, driver license number, etc. always check first to see if the data will be transferred over a secure connection. Look for the closed padlock symbol in the bottom left or right corner of your browser's status bar. A closed padlock means the information will be transferred encrypted and secure.

Using Public Computers

If you are going to access your online account on a computer that is accessible to other users, such as a roommate, coworker, at a hotel or library, etc. you can take the following precautions to protect yourself.

If using Internet Explorer, before you access your bank's website, go first to the menu bar at the top of the of the browser window. Click on Tools and then Internet Options. In the dialog box that appears, click on the Content tab. then click on the Auto Complete button. Be sure all auto complete buttons are unchecked.

At the end of your session, click on Tools and then Internet Options. Then click on the Delete Temporary Files button and then OK.

Be sure to completely close the browser when you are finished.

Monitor your account frequently for any suspicious activity and contact the bank immediately if you have any questions or concerns.

Protecting Your Computer

Install A Firewall - This will help protect your computer from hackers who might try to gain access to it.

Install and Update Antivirus Software - Antivirus software is designed to prevent malicious software programs from embedding on your computer.

Install or Update Your Antispyware Technology - Spyware is software that is secretly installed on your computer to let others see what you do on your computer. Some spyware collects information about you and can produce unwanted pop-up ads on your web browser.

Keep Your Operating System Up to Date - Computer operating systems are periodically updated to stay in tune with technology requirements and to fix security holes. Be sure to install the updates to ensure your computer has the latest protection.

Be Careful What You Download - Carelessly downloading e-mail attachments can circumvent even the best anti-virus protection. Never open an e-mail attachment from someone you don't know, and be wary of forwarded attachments from people you do know.

Turn Off Your Computer - Many people leave their computers on even when not in use. This will render your computer more susceptible to hackers. Turning off the computer off effectively severs an attacker's connection and prevents them from criminal activity on your computer.

Protecting Your Children
Learn how to help keep your children safe on the Internet by reading the FBI's A Parent's Guide to Internet Safety