How to safeguard our personal and financial data

Internet is a public, cooperative and self-sustaining facility that allowed people access to get information, online services such as financial transaction and etc. However, this becomes many people rely on Internet to do financial transaction such as online payment. So it required provide some private and personal information to do every transaction. Therefore, it tends to become more risky because we have revealed our information to others. And this information can be stolen by hacker.

So we should take some activities to safeguard our personal and financial data. There are some ways to protect our personal and financial data:


1. Do not reveal personal or private financial information in public. Do not used public computer such as library, Internet café and school computer lab to log on to check your bank balance and shared information with others. If have use public computer, make sure have to close the browser window. It will avoid someone to access your private or personal information.

2. Install a firewall. A firewall is a software program designed to allow good people in and keep bad people out. Nowadays, most new computers come with firewalls integrated into their operating systems. But, if you have an older computer or use dial up, you may need to buy a firewall separately and install it yourself.

3. Install and update antispyware and antivirus programs. There are many antispyware software such as Microsoft and numerous application vendors offer users regular updates to existing antispyware programs, so be on the lookout. As for antivirus protection, Symantec and Norton antivirus are popular choices.

4. Update your browser. On time updating your browser can help plug up security holes, so make it a habit.

5. Using strong password. Strong password can prevent someone to access your personal information and protect you to reveal private data.

6. Don't open mystery attachments. Attachments can contain viruses and links can lead unsuspecting users to dummy sites where they are asked to input financial information. So do not open an attachment or click on a link sent to you by an unknown party.

7. Look for "locks." How can you tell if your financial site is really secure before you log on? The Web address should start with "https," instead of "http," says Weston. Also, look for small lock icon in the lower-right corner of the browser window.

These several ways can prevent you to reveal information to others. So user must careful when using computer to do financial transaction and etc.

References:

1. http://ecommercesite.wordpress.com/2008/06/20/how-to-safeguard-our-personal-and-financial-data/
2. http://finance.yahoo.com/banking-budgeting/article/103893/Six-Ways-to-Safeguard-Your-Online-Assets
3. http://amazingcommerce.wordpress.com/2008/06/18/how-to-safeguard-our-personal-and-financial-data/