How to Protect Your Personal Computer
First Midwest Bank is committed to providing you with the best service in a secure environment. In an effort to help you make your online activities secure, we want to make you aware of potential online fraud methods, and inform you on ways you can protect yourself while on the Internet.
Online fraud is a serious, and unfortunately, very lucrative issue. In an attempt to get your money, Internet criminals use several methods to try to steal your personal information or take control of your computer. The most common are:
Phishing: Fraudulent e-mails that attempt to trick recipients into visiting a bogus website and providing personal information. This information is then used to commit fraud and identity theft.
Malware: Software that is malicious, such as viruses, worms and spyware, that is used to take remote control of a computer, delete files or install programs.
Keystroke Logging: A form of malware that enabled a criminal to record computer keystrokes. These programs specifically look for User IDs, passwords and Credit Card numbers. The thieves then use this information to access accounts online and steal funds, capture personal financial information and order merchandise.
Trojan Horses: Another form of malware that use a legitimate looking program (such as a free screen saver) that includes malicious software. These are used to trick users
Here are some steps you can take to safeguard your online activities and minimize the chance you will be affected by Internet fraud.
Keep your computer up to date with current security patches. Setup your computer to automatically install patches so you don't have to remember.
Operating systems vendors find security problems and issue patches to fix them often.
Install anti-virus and anti-spyware security software. Set it up so it is updated automatically and on at all times. Make sure you renew the subscription.
There are many good products available that are inexpensive or free for non-business use. Some Internet service providers also offer services and will provide setup support.
Install a personal firewall on your computer or a home router with a firewall.
A computer connected to the Internet is reachable from anywhere in the world. Criminals look for unprotected computers to misuse.
Avoid downloading programs from untrusted websites.
You can get malware from a website. Creating fraudulent websites is not hard.
Do not respond or follow instructions from unusual e-mail. Many frauds are started by emails that promise easy money or make false requests. Never open unexpected attachments.
It is very easy to send e-mail with a fake From: address.
Use your online accounts at least every month to check balances and activity.
Always logoff your Online Banking application when you are done, especially if you are using someone else's computer.
Select a good password. A password needs to be something only you know.
Passwords should be a mix of characters & numbers and not something which is obvious.
Change your password regularly, especially if you suspect a problem.
Don't share passwords or type passwords on computers that you do not trust.
Public computers may not have appropriate security controls and could be compromised. These include Internet cafés, computer labs, shared systems, kiosk systems, conferences, and airport lounges. Only use these computers for anonymous Internet browsing.
If you find it challenging to complete these computer changes, there are many for-fee services available to help.
