Internet Security

Today, I’d like to talk to you about online security.

Online deception, identity theft, dialer rip-off or contaminated websites are real problems. According to a report released by Kingsoft, in the first half of 2008, the company intercepted 1.24 million new computer viruses and trojans.

This number increase by 338% compared with the total number in 2007 and it is more than the total virus number of the recent five years. Still, it’s estimated that at least 10 percent of Internet users do not use any virus protection. Identity theft continues to be a major problem and there are some easy steps you can take to protect yourself.

First, let’s talk about establishing a firewall to protect your data –
You can purchase a really great piece of hardware from a local company called Alphashield.com - that plugs right into your computer and acts like a shield.

Second, you can install free firewall software programs – a couple of my favorites are avast antivirus - http://www.avast.com/

And Avira - http://free-av.com/

Tips to Protect Yourself From Online Identity Theft

1. Beware of email requesting personal information. Don't reply to or click on a link in an unsolicited email that asks for your credit card, banking account information, passwords or PINs, social security number, or other types of confidential information, even if it looks like the email comes from a financial institution. When in doubt, log onto the main Web site of your credit card, bank or brokerage firm at the normal Web address you use or call your firm using a telephone number that you know or one from a previous account statement to inquire about whether the request for information is legitimate.

2. If you think a Web site is not legitimate, leave it immediately. Legitimate firms typically offer customers a number of ways to contact them.

3. Keep your personal and financial information secure online. Here are a few simple steps that you can take to make your information more secure when you go online.

* Keep your computer system up to date with the latest security patches.

* Use anti-virus and spyware detection software and be sure to update this software regularly, as new viruses and Trojan Horse programs appear frequently.

* Use personal firewall software. Firewall software should thwart intruders from getting access to your PC over a network.

* Never download software or files from an unknown source.

* Change your passwords on a regular basis. Never send your password to anyone in an email. Try not to write down your password, but if you must, put it in a safe place.

* Avoid emailing personal or financial information.

* Read your firm's policies on online security. Review other tips and security instructions that may be offered to better protect your access.

* Before submitting personal or financial information through a Web site, look for the locked padlock image on your browser's status bar or look for "https://" [note the "s"] at the beginning of the Internet address. While a padlock image and "https://" does not mean that the Web site is authentic or secure, the absence of either the padlock or the https:// does mean that the site is not secure.

* Log off of any secure legitimate Web site after completing a transaction.

* Be careful when using Internet kiosks or other people's computers. Since you don't know what security precautions have been taken, you may be putting your confidential information at risk.

4. Order a copy of your credit report. It is a good idea to check your credit report every year. To guard against identity theft, look for accounts you did not open and any unexplained transactions. You can obtain a copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus, but you may have to pay for them.

Equifax (www.equifax.com ) and (www.transunion.com) are two examples.

5. Review your monthly bills. This is your last line of defense. If you are victimized, the sooner you catch it, the better. Regularly review your online account information for unauthorized trades, cash withdrawals, or any other unrecognized activity; do the same as soon as you receive each monthly or quarterly statement.

If you have moved, make sure to update your postal address with all of the firms where you have accounts. If you receive your statements by email and change your Internet service provider or otherwise change your preferred email address, make sure to update your email address with all of the firms where you have accounts. Immediately report any suspicious activity to your brokerage firm.

6. Act quickly if you believe you've been scammed. If you believe that you're a victim of one of these scams, you need to act quickly. For example, you may only have 60 days to report a loss or theft of funds through an electronic funds transfer to limit your liability.

Always contact the authorities.