Keep your money safe on the Internet

Look for the lock.

Secure Web sites -- which encrypt your data and store it securely -- display a tiny locked padlock or unbroken key icon in a lower corner. If you don't see this, don't submit any financial information to that Web site.

Protect your password.

Don't use the same password for your online banking, bill paying or investing that you do for non-financial sites. Don't write down your passwords (unless you've got a fool-proof code!) and don't choose ones that are easily guessed.

Invest in security.

• It pays to have the latest anti-virus software (spring for a program that will update itself automatically) and to install updates to your operating system whenever they are available (newer versions of operating systems can check for updates and download them automatically, if you choose).
• Consider an additional layer of security: a personal firewall, which provides a protective barrier between your computer and those scammers out there. This is the number one security you can put up quickly. A lot of people don't realize that they can have one on their PC, they think they are only for businesses. That's not true.
• Patch and update your software regularly. Software companies are finding holes in their systems all the time -- sometimes because a hacker pointed them out. Make sure you get all the appropriate patches that your operating system needs.
• Dump insecure browsers, such as Microsoft Internet Explorer. There are free and better alternatives, such as Firefox, Opera, Safari, etc.
• Don't use Microsoft Outlook for your Emails, it is just too vulnerable. Better are Thunderbird, Eudora, Evolution, KMail, etc.

If you are sick of Anti-Virus, Anti-worm, Anti-Spyware and updating them constantly, then do not use Windows, but another Operating System (OS) which is less vulnerable, such as Mac OS-X or Linux.

Be suspicious

Viruses and worms are hiding even in the friendliest of places: e-mails, instant messages, and pop-up adds.

The Department of Homeland Security recommends computer users, "Don't download, install or run a program unless you know it's been written by a person or company that you trust."

Be wary of opening any unexpected attachments in e-mail and clicking on any URLs in instant messages. If you have children using your computer, make sure they understand these guidelines.

Don't share files

File-sharing is not just for teenagers. People of all ages are swapping music, movie and other entertainment files over the internet.

Aside from being illegal sometimes, file-sharing also puts you in hacker harm's way. Using this technology makes you susceptible to risks such as infection, attack, or exposure of personal information.

There is really no way to know whether the individual you are sharing files with is trustworthy. File-sharers might tack spyware, viruses, and worms onto the files without your knowing. You're best off avoiding the practice altogether.

Use your head.

A dash of good, old-fashioned common sense will go a long way. If something doesn't feel right, it probably isn't. Treat unsolicited e-mails from senders purporting to be financial institutions with extreme caution. Never provide any type of financial or personal information to any unknown e-mail sender or Web site. Remember that the "delete" button is on your keyboard for a very good reason.

THE BOTTOM LINE:

There's no reason not to use the Internet with confidence to manage your money. But to protect your financial information, you need to keep your guard up and take a few key steps.