Keeping Your Information Private Online

For millions of consumers, the Internet provides access to information, shopping, banking, paying bills, and entertainment. But with every transaction over the Web, you make yourself vulnerable to online predators seeking your personal information to use fraudulently.

Being alert to the methods used to steal your personal data is the surest form of defense, and spyware and phishing email scams are the two most common culprits to watch for.

Protect yourself from spyware

Spyware gains access to private financial information on your computer and sends it back to the spyware originator. This malware gets into your computer system without your knowledge when you download files from the Internet - such as music files or games - and when you install new programs that secretly contain spyware. The most dangerous spyware is used by identity thieves attempting to retrieve your bank and credit card account information. Spyware is also used by Internet marketers tracking your online spending habits as "adware." Aside from the threat to your private information, when your computer is attacked by one or more spyware programs, it can actually change your computer's configuration causing programs to run slowly or crash altogether.

Phishing scam emails to steal your private information

Phishing is a sophisticated technique used by identity thieves to obtain information such as your credit card and bank account numbers, social security number, account passwords, and other personal data. Phishing can take the form of a pop-up window that links you to a phony website or, more frequently, as a fraudulent email designed to look very similar to emails and websites from companies you do business with, like your bank or credit card companies. These emails often use actual artwork from the real company and similar URL addresses that are only slightly different from the company's genuine website. But, unlike the real companies, these phishing emails usually ask you to input your personal financial data (which the authentic companies never ask you to do).

Warning signs - how to recognize phishing emails

• Carefully check the website address to make sure it's legitimate. Look for added words or missing letters in the company name.


• Verify any website link in the email by putting your cursor over it, but not clicking on it (it shows at the bottom left corner of your browser window). Sometimes a different website address appears indicating the email is fraudulent.


• Watch for tell-tale phrases and questions designed to fool you into giving personal information. Real companies never ask you to verify your account, give your social security number, account numbers, passwords, or other personal information through emails.


• Be on the lookout for phrases that require urgent action on your part, implying that if you don't respond quickly there will be negative consequences on your account.


• Be suspicious if you are addressed as ìvalued customerî rather than your name


• Protect your private information by updating your software regularly


• Use caution when installing or downloading any files on your computer. Read disclosure information, license agreements, and policy statements carefully. Occasionally there will be information about unwanted software included in the download, but not always.


• Always install the most recent version of your browser, as well as antispyware and antivirus software, so you're always protected by the most up-to-date security features.


• If you don't have a firewall on your computer, install one.


• Set your antivirus software to scan all incoming email with attachments.


• Regularly run scans on your computer through your antispyware and antivirus software. These programs detect and remove threats.


• Use a spam filter (usually available through your email program).