Bank, buy, and browse safely and securely

  • Always use secure web pages when you’re conducting transactions online. Ensure you are on a secure site by checking for a lock icon or a site address that starts with https for each page you visit.
  • Use strong passwords. Never use birth dates, names, addresses, phone numbers, or Social Security numbers as your password. Instead, use a combination of letters, numbers and symbols. Read more on passwords.
  • Never use the “remember password” feature for online banking or internet retailers.
  • Don’t use public computers for sensitive transactions. Public computers put you at higher risk of fraud.

Your first line of defense against outside threats

Anti-virus software detects and responds to various types of malware (malicious software), including viruses, worms and other programs designed to damage or disrupt a computer. The software can be purchased at any store that sells computer software or online at legitimate anti-virus software websites.

Stop criminals from obtaining your sensitive data

Spyware is a program that monitors a user’s computer activity, collects information about a user without their knowledge, and then provides that information to a third party. Spyware can be benign (like collecting information to display trageted ads) or malicious (collect information like passwords, account numbers and other senstive information to commit fraud).

Anti-spyware software prevents spyware from stealing information and also detects and removes spyware from your computer. Anti-spyware software can also be purchased at any store that sells computer software or online at legitimate anti-virus software websites.

Get protection against all network attacks

Firewalls are systems that help prevent unauthorized access to and from computers. They help protect against attacks across any network – the Internet, your home network, and even wireless networks, like at the airport, library or work. Check your computer's settings to confirm your firewall is installed and on.

One of the most important and easiest ways to protect your devices is to keep up on software and security updates. Check your devices' settings for updates regularly and take advantage of notification reminders for updates. Learn more on the importance of software updates.

 

 

icon: stopwatch showing 5 minutes Learn more about protecting your identity and the steps to take if your personal information is stolen in this 5-minute lesson.