BITS

Additional information on securing your home or small business computer, can be found at the National Cyber Security Alliance's Stay Safe Online http://www.staysafeonline.info/ website. The site offers tips for safeguarding systems, a self-guided security test and other educational information. The site also provides links to other Internet safety sites.

General

Use a current browser that supports secure and private transactions.
Install and regularly update virus-detection software.
Do not allow unauthorized users access to your PC.
Do not install pirated software or software from an unknown source.
Use personal firewall software.
Do not open email attachments from unknown sources.
Make sure family members or others using your computer know what to do if it becomes infected.

Protect your PINs and passwords; create PINs and passwords that do not use readily identifiable information like names, birthdates and phone numbers.
When applying online for any financial account, ensure that you are dealing with a reputable, federally insured institution with secured Web pages.
When at a financial institution website, check the site's URL to be sure it matches the company's URL, and look for misspelled words or other signs that it may be "spoofed." Notify the financial institution if the site looks suspicious.
Learn about your financial institution's capabilities for secure online financial services. All online contact with the institution should be conducted through its secured Web pages.
Notify your financial institution of any suspicious email or telephone inquiries, such as those seeking account information or online passwords.
Never make online financial transactions via sites and/or institutions with which you're not familiar. Many thieves set up fake sites to steal money from unsuspecting victims.
Notify your financial institution immediately of any changes in your account information.

Making security information easy to find on the institution's website through hotlinks or Frequently Asked Questions.
Educating customers and employees on security vulnerabilities and ways to create more secure online environments.
Using updated virus scanning software packages on all file servers and PCs.
Ensuring all network connections are properly secured.
Ensuring desktop modems used by employees are secured and properly registered.
Using real-time, inbound scanning systems for email and attachments.
Employing strong internal password processes and controlling password changes.
Masking customer account number information from online banking screens.
Providing a timed logout feature on online banking sites.
Providing remote access security systems for employees and business partners connecting to corporate networks.
Conducting periodic security tests from the viewpoint of someone trying to hack in to the system.
Continuing to work to ensure the highest in industry security standards.