Do you use email? Online bill payment? Look at your brokerage account online?

Do you use email? Online bill payment? Look at your brokerage account online? Utilize a wireless network at home, work or while traveling? In an effort to protect your personal and financial information, consider the following items.
Get Up-to-Date Anti-Virus Software: Animals Adult Costumes Up-to-date anti-virus software protects your computer against current virus threats. Most commercially available virus protection programs offer automatic weekly and emergency downloads of the latest updates. Scan all your files for viruses at least once per month. For the best protection, however, set up your anti-virus software to scan every file you open.
Get Up-to-Date Anti-Spyware Software: Spyware runs on your computer and can gather private information such as passwords and credit card numbers, deliver unwanted advertising, and monitor your browsing patterns. Spyware is typically hidden in an otherwise harmless program, often in freeware or shareware you download. Before downloading any free software, make sure you know and trust the provider. Some Internet Service Providers (“ISP’s”) offer assistance in finding and removing spyware. The maker of your anti-virus software may also offer anti-spyware protection. Make sure you are protected against this growing threat.
Use a Personal Firewall: Firewalls serve as protective barriers between your computer and the Internet, preventing unauthorized access to your computer when you're online. Be sure to set up a firewall around your computer. Some ISP’s offer firewall software to their customers and you can buy firewall software or hardware at your local computer store.
Install Security Updates Regularly: Most major software companies regularly release updates or patches to their operating systems to repair security problems. Some websites, such as Microsoft and Apple, offer the ability to scan your computer for missing updates. Check your computer for missing updates at least monthly. For the best protection, set up your computer to receive updates automatically whenever possible.
Protect Your Wireless Home Network: The default configuration of most wireless home networks is not secure. Contact your wireless software vendor for specific information about enabling encryption and Playful Maid Costume strengthening the overall security of your wireless home network.
Exercise Caution with Wireless Hotspots: Taking a few simple precautions when using wireless hotspots can help protect your computer. Wireless technologies are continuously changing. Consult the manufacturer of your network hardware to ensure you have the most up-to-date security technology…then, install a firewall on all network computers, disable wireless connectivity when not in use, use reputable encryption software and disable the wireless ad hoc mode. This will allow only wireless networks that you created to use your wireless software. If you are unsure of the security of a wireless hotspot, don't use it for conducting confidential business, such as accessing your work e-mail or financial information.
Protect Your Passwords: Make your passwords as obscure or abstract as possible. Avoid obvious numbers and words, such as a maiden name, birth date, or an anniversary, which would be easy to guess. Never divulge your passwords to anyone, including family or friends. Protect Yourself from Phishing Scams: “Phishing” is the mass e-mailing of messages that falsely claim to come from a legitimate business. These messages often provide links to phony web sites, where you are asked to supply personal information such as passwords, credit card, social security number or bank account numbers. Never enter personal information unless you are sure the website is legitimate.Sexy Maid Costume You should also be certain the site is encrypted. Look for the letter 's' at the end of 'https' at the beginning of the URL address. This ensures that the site is running in secure mode.
How to Recognize Phishing E-Mail: Phishing messages have evolved drastically over the last year, and they are often difficult to recognize. The creators now incorporate realistic company logos and graphics, provide links to the real company's privacy policies, and even include 'legal disclaimer language' at the bottom. To help determine if an e-mail is part of a phishing scam, ask yourself the following:
Do I have a relationship with this company?