Tips for Keeping Your Information Safe Online

Internet security changes constantly to respond to new threats, but there are some basic guidelines that can help you protect your information online. While none of these tips can guarantee that your information will not fall into the wrong hands, you can significantly reduce the chances of your data and password being stolen if you follow them.

• Don't download unknown pictures or programs, or open suspicious e-mail

  Viruses don't just slow your computer down. Often, they install programs that allow hackers to take your information, use your computer to spread more viruses, uncover your passwords and more (these are called "malware"). The first line of defense for your computer is to not allow viruses in. Don't download pictures, files, movies or any e-mail attachments unless you know the source. For more information about handling suspicious email, click here.

   

• Use an anti-virus software and keep it up to date

  Many computers come with anti-virus software already installed, and there are some good free anti-virus programs you can install. Make sure your anti-virus program runs regular updates. As new viruses are created, the software needs these updates to keep you protected. A good anti-virus program updates automatically every night. Don't turn off the auto-protect mechanism, or else it can't prevent a virus from installing malware on your computer.

   

• Keep your web browser up to date

  Many popular web browsers (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari) include security programs to help you identify fraudulent web sites. You can find free updates to your web browser online; take the time to update your browser, so it has the latest security support.

   

• Beware of e-mail and web scams

  Assume that any e-mail asking for your financial information or password, no matter how legitimate it looks, is a scam. These are called "phishing" e-mails. Sometimes they won't directly ask you for information, but provide a link to a website that looks legitimate but is actually a fake, designed to get your financial data. To learn more about recognizing fraud/hoax e-mails, click here.

   

• Use strong passwords

  Here are some general rules of thumb to create strong passwords. A strong password generally:

   

  • Is 8 or more characters in length;

  • Uses a combination of numbers, letters and special characters;

  • Does not use words found in the dictionary. This includes common number-to-letter substitution, such as using zero for "O" or 3 for "E", etc.;

  • Does not include sequences (aaaa, abcd, 2222, 1234, etc.);

  • Is not easy to guess. The word "password," your login name, your birthday and your full name would not make good passwords. Acronyms and things that only you would remember are much more secure.

• It's OK to write down your passwords, but don't leave the list near your computer Keep them on a card in your wallet. It's much safer to have a strong password that you keep   in your wallet than a weak one you can remember.  For more tips on creating secure passwords, click here.

 

• Never give someone your password

  Passwords are secure only as long as they are secret. Make a habit of never giving out your password.

   

• Don't store your passwords in your web browser

  It may be convenient to login to a web page you visit frequently by using the "remember me" or "auto-complete" option on your web browser. The problem is that your password is then kept in a file that could potentially be stolen using malware. While it is less convenient, typing in your password every time is a safer way to prevent it from being stolen.

The Private I: Protect Your Social Security Number

You've seen the headlines of stolen computer data and missing records. According to the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse—with a great website at www.privacyrights.org—"more than 88 million Americans have had their personal information compromised since February 2005."

To protect your "Private I," become your own detective. Keep your Social Security number (SSN) out of the wrong hands. At the top of the list: Don't give out your Social Security number over the phone—especially when a business is calling you (as opposed to you calling them). If you have any doubts about a request for your SSN, ask to speak to a supervisor. Or call back using a number you know to be valid.

If you think your SSN may have fallen into the hands of a scam artist, it's important to monitor your credit reports for signs of identity theft. You can check out your credit reports for free once a year at www.annualcreditreport.com or by calling by 877-322-8228.

Information on privacy issues also is available at www.unionplus.org/benefits/money.

Protect Your Pocketbook Privacy from Data Snatchers

You know those pages in teeny-tiny print that accompany your credit card bills and other financial statements? Look before you toss! They may contain one of the few tools to protect yourself from corporate data-snatchers.

Financial companies have broad license to share your financial information—but you can curtail them by "opting out." By law, the companies must send you information on their privacy policies once a year and offer you the chance to limit the ways they share your information. The Privacy Rights organization suggests you, "look for words such as 'Privacy Notice,' 'Privacy Policy,' and 'Opt-Out Notice.' You might receive such notices via e-mail or the company's website if that is the way you normally do business with them."

The laws protecting consumers are very weak, and the burden is on you. Unless you specifically opt out, the companies retain the right to circulate your data to affiliates and sell it to third parties. For more information, check out www.privacyrights.org/fs/fs24a-optout.htm.

Corporations, of course, aren't the only ones interested in snatching your data. Identity theft is the fastest-growing crime in the nation, claiming more than 30 million victims in the past five years. That means it's critical to stay on top of your financial information: keep photocopies of your credit cards; order your free credit reports once a year at www.annualcreditreport.com; and protect your private information by keeping it safe and using a shredder. Learn more at www.unionplus.org/benefits/money/idtheft.cfm.

Working America Protects Your Information

To read about how Working America protects your personal information online, click here.