Definitions
Virus -a malicious computer program that can infect other computers, sometimes referred to as malware, computer worms, Trojan horses, most rootkits, spyware, dishonest adware and other malicious software.
Spyware - a type of malware that can be installed on computers and collects little bits of information at a time about users without their knowledge.
Phishing - the criminally fraudulent process of attempting to acquire sensitive information such as usernames, passwords and credit card details by masquerading as a trustworthy entity.
Protection:
Passwords
- Change your passwords often. Even if your financial institution doesn't require it, it is good practice to change your passwords at least every six months or at anytime you feel your password may have been exposed.
- Use passwords that are challenging (alpha-numeric and non-repeating characters).
- Do not use the same ID and password for every online account you have.
- Do not store your ID and password information where others could gain access to it. It is best not to write the information down at all.
Wi-Fi/Wireless hotspots - While “Wi-Fi hotspots” provide easy and convenient access to the Internet, they are not secure, and often leave your system vulnerable to unauthorized access.
The most dangerous aspect of these public networks is that they are, by definition, open to access by everyone—even those with malicious intent. In the same way that leaving your home network open to unwanted users is dangerous; similarly, connecting to a public network with unverified users poses a security threat.
Public networks connect you to the Internet, but also to all of the other people that are using the Wi-Fi hotspot. In order to protect your personal data and Internet activity, you should always attempt to use public networks that verify their users identities in some way or another. If someone’s identity is being recorded, they are less likely to stage an attack because it could be traced back to them. However, clever hackers have devised methods to avoid detection. Logging onto a public Wi-Fi connection can leave your personal computer vulnerable to unauthorized access and attacks.
From an unprotected Wi-Fi connection, hackers could:
- Monitor your every move online
- Steal passwords and other sensitive account details
- Install spyware and other malware on your PC
- Record your private email and chat conversations
Secure Sites - Use secure sites whenever possible (https://) for all sites (Google, Facebook, etc). This will help prevent the interception of information.
Emails - Be suspicious of unknown emails and attachments. They could contain a virus, a link to a malicious site or could be a phishing scam trying to obtain information. If you are unsure of the origins of an email, you should delete it. Security Federal Bank will NEVER ask you for confidential information( i.e. passwords, account numbers) via e-mail.
