Follow these steps to stay safer:➟ Make sure your computer has up-to-date versions of
anti-virus and anti-spyware software, and continue to
install all updates you receive from the software.➟ If you open an account with an online-only bank,
confirm that the bank is legitimate and that your
deposits are insured.➟ Create strong passwords (see Chapter 3 for informa-
tion about how to do this) for accessing your
account, and keep personal information private and
secure.➟ Never conduct financial transactions from a public
computer because you don’t know if these computers
are infected with malicious programs that may be
stealing your information.➟ Always type your bank’s Web address into your brow-
ser yourself or use your bookmark. (See Chapter 4.)
You can find the Web address on your statements or
by searching for your bank’s Web site using a search
engine.) If you click a link provided in an e-mail, you
may land on a site that looks legitimate, but isn’t.Protect Your Identity Online
Identity theft is a serious crime, and it occurs when criminals steal and
use your information to commit financial fraud or other crimes. These
actions can have a serious impact on your financial credibility and
security. Thieves or cyberbullies may use your information to ruin your
reputation, steal and sell your medical records, obtain loans in your
name, or misuse images of you. Whatever else these criminals steal and
do, at a minimum they take away your sense of security and safety.The total cost of identity theft is astounding. In 2007, the cost in the
U.S. was $45 billion dollars. Business loss drives up business costs, so267