Secure Your Computer
You don't have to be an expert with computers to protect yourself online from online fraud and identity theft. There are many products available that will help you prevent criminals from gaining access to your computer and stealing your personal information. You can begin by installing anti-spyware, anti-virus, and a personal firewall on your computer. An adequately protected computer will provide you with secure access to your financial information and fight the efforts of criminals trying to gain access to your private information. There are some simple steps that you can take to secure your information and drastically reduce your risk of falling victim to online threats.
We recommend using available security programs to help protect your personal information anytime you are online. An adequately protected computer provides for a safer online experience.
Firewall
Add a firewall to your computer system. A firewall refers to several security services that prevent unauthorized users from gaining access to a computer or that monitor transfers of information to and from the computer.
Operating System & Software Updates
Install all software fixes (sometimes called "patches" or "service packs") that are made available for your computer programs as soon as possible, primarily if the fix addresses a security hole. All programs, such as your Windows, Mac, or Linux operating systems, must be updated occasionally.
Personal Computer Usage
Your PC is your first line of defense on the Internet, and with just a couple of tools and some diligence, you can significantly improve your security.
- Ensure your computer has an anti-virus program, anti-spyware, and a firewall, and keep them up to date. Some phishing attacks contain software that can harm your computer or track your activities on the Internet without your knowledge.
- Be very protective of your personal and account information. Some criminals create websites that look similar to real sites. The best way to know who you are dealing with is to type the address in your browser address bar.
- If you initiate an online transaction and are required to provide personal data, look for indicators that the website is secure, like the "https" in the URL (the "s" indicates a secure connection) or the padlock icon. If you double-click the padlock, you should find valid Verisign Certificate information issued to the business website that you are on. While these indicators do not ensure the site's or your data's security, sites without them should be avoided. It would be best to verify that the URL of your visiting site is displayed accurately in the address bar.
- Report all "phishing" attacks at once. Notify the FBI by filing a complaint on their website at the Internet Crime Complaint Center and forward the email to spam@uce.gov (Federal Trade Commission)
- Do not reply to unsolicited emails, pop-up messages, or phone calls asking for personal and financial information.
- Question suspicious emails. We will never send you an email asking for your online ID, password, or other personal information.
- Do not click on any email link if you suspect the message is fraudulent, not even to "unsubscribe." Instead, call the business using the number on the back of your card or your monthly statement to confirm the legitimacy of the email.
Eliminate Paper
- Receiving and storing your bank statements electronically is considered to be an essential step in preventing fraud/identity theft.
- eStatements are FREE with IBC Bank Online!
- Use Direct Deposit to have paychecks, dividends, and other recurring credits deposited directly to your account.
Online Banking
- Use Online Banking with Bill Pay to ensure secure access to your accounts
- Monitor your account activity frequently to detect fraud early