With the inundation of breaches which are borne out of greedy desires to outrun or outsmart the other person, especially with this rave of the internet, it is crucial that we let you understand the answers to the question you have been asking yourself, how can you protect yourself online?
No matter how intelligent the hackers may be or are trained, you deserve to know that they don’t know everything. That is why it is advisably wise that you take some certain measures that will keep you some height above them and then keep your information safe no matter how.
Below are some of the few steps to take when it comes to searching for answers to the question, How Can You Protect Yourself Online?
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Tight 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 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 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).
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Use a Security Token
Using a security token can make it even harder for an identity thief to access your online brokerage account. That’s because these small number-generating devices offer a second layer of security – a one-time pass-code that typically changes every 30 or 60 seconds. These unpredictable pass-codes 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 pass-code. Ask your brokerage firm if you can protect your online account with a security token or similar security device.
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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.
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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, be sure to delete all of the your “Temporary Internet Files” and clear all of your “History” after you log off your account.
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Don’t Reply 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. 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!
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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.
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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 relating to wireless networks on the website of the Wi-Fi Alliance.
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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.
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 brokerage account information.
How Can You Protect Yourself from Identity Theft Online
When a thief gathers information about you and uses it to impersonate or defraud you, it’s called identity theft. Here are how you can protect yourself from these thieves:
Be Defensive with Sensitive Information
- Don’t put sensitive information in email, social media, or text messages. These methods may not be secure.
- Look for signs that a webpage is secure and legitimate. Before you enter sensitive data, check to ensure the web address starts with https (“s” stands for secure) and shows a closed padlock. (The lock might also be in the lower right corner of the window.)
- Make sure that you’re at the correct site—for example, at your bank’s website, not a fake. Look closely at the Save banking, shopping, and other financial transactions for your home computer. The security of a public computer, or your own computer over a public wireless connection, may be unreliable. Be cautious about clicking links in a message or pop-up window. If you’re unsure if a message is genuine—even if you know the sender—contact him or her using a different device or account.
- Be careful about what you post on social media. You may be inadvertently sharing more information than you wanted to, or sharing it to a larger audience than you expected.
Create Strong Passwords and Keep Them Secret
- Strong passwords are long (phrases or sentences) that mix capital and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Ideally your passwords should be at least 14 characters long.
- Don’t use the same password everywhere. If it’s stolen, all the information the password protects, in all the accounts it’s used on, is at risk.
- Don’t share your passwords.
- Writing them down is ok, as long as it’s on a well-protected piece of paper away from your computer.
Protect Your Accounts and Your Credit
- Stay on top of existing account balances by checking account activity regularly.
- Report discrepancies quickly. The law protects you from having to pay for fraudulent transactions on your account, but only if you report them promptly.
- Unless you are actively seeking a loan or other credit, contact the three bureaus to freeze your credit, which restricts access to your reports.
Boost Your Computer’s Security
- Reduce your risk of identity theft by keeping all software (including your web browser) current with automatic updating.
- Install legitimate antivirus and antispyware software. Windows comes with Microsoft Defender Antivirus already installed and turned on.
- Never turn off your firewall.
- Protect your wireless router with a password and use flash drives cautiously.
