Protect yourself online
Safe @ Home
Cybersecurity: Protecting your identity online
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 applications. Think twice before you click on a pop-up advertisement or download a “free” game or gadget.
2 Don’t Respond to Emails Requesting
T
his column is typically concerned with our day-to-day physical safety but I thought I would take this opportunity to discuss our security in cyberspace, or cybersecurity. It’s vital that those using the Internet (and that’s most of us today) should be guarding our information as close as possible, because there are certainly thieves who have adapted to this new territory. A good first step to take with your computer is securing your web browser. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Computer Emergency Readiness Team has thorough tips on how to secure browsers including Microsoft Internet Explorer and others at www.us-cert.gov/ publications/securing-your-web-browser. It is important to ensure that your browser is secure because the operating system software often comes without this security set up upon installation. The failure to take this necessary precaution could lead to Spyware, or Malware, which is defined as malicious software programs, being installed without your knowledge. Identity thieves can obtain your information in a variety of ways, including via your home computer and electronic devices. If you notice unusual charges on
Michael Kelley is manager of Safety & Loss Control for the Alabama Rural Electric Association.
28 AUGUST 2013
your bills, or bills for services and products that you do not use, you may have been a victim of identity theft. To keep your information safe, it’s best to do business with companies you trust. The Better Business Bureau has lots of resources that will show you whether a business is rated well. You can type in a business or charity name at this link: www.bbb.org/us/bbbaccredited-businesses/. It’s also important to be aware of your online footprint, which includes the information that you post. It’s best to be guarded about your personal information when you are on public forums, such as Facebook. Make sure your security settings and passwords are as secure as possible. Passwords should include a mix of numbers, letters and special characters; they should also be changed often. Though it’s not always possible to prevent identity theft regardless of taking safety procedures, they certainly limit your exposure to this possibility. If you’re browsing, be safe! A
DNT TXT & DRV According to the National Safety Council, at least 28 percent of all traffic crashes – or at least 1.6 million crashes each year – involve drivers using cell phones and texting. NSC estimates that a minimum of 200,000 additional crashes each year involve drivers who are texting. Most states, including Alabama, have passed legislation outlawing texting while driving. Please don’t text while driving – for your safety, and the safety of others.
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.
2 Use Extra Caution with Wireless Con-
nections. 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, www.wi-fi.org.
2 Log Out Completely. Closing or min-
imizing 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. Courtesy U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
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