• Only install software from trusted sources and known origins. Software sent via email is particularly dangerous as viruses are often transmitted via email.
• Install and maintain antivirus and anti-spyware software on your computer.
• Update browser software to benefit from the latest security protections.
• Pay attention to warning messages presented through your browser. Browser warning messages may indicate a security threat.
• Use caution when reviewing privacy policies and acceptance terms for online products and services.
• Be suspicious of any email with urgent requests for personal financial information.
• Phishers typically include upsetting or exciting (but false) statements in their emails to get people to react immediately.
• They typically ask for information such as usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, social security numbers, etc.
• Phisher emails typically are not as personalized and may contain spelling errors while valid messages from your bank or e-commerce company generally are accurate in the way they spell your name and your financial institution's name.
• Don't use the links in an email to get to any web page. If you suspect that the message might not be authentic, call the company on the telephone instead, or log into the website by typing the web address in your browser directly.
• Avoid filling out forms in email messages that ask for personal financial information.
• Only communicate information such as credit card numbers or account information via a secure website or the telephone.
• Always ensure that you are using a secure website when submitting credit card or other sensitive information via your web browser.
• A secure web server designation can be found by checking the beginning of the web address in your browser's address bar - it should be "https://" rather than just "http://".

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON ONLINE SECURITY & IDENTITY THEFT VISIT: http://onguardonline.gov/