How to safeguard our personal and financial data?

Friday, June 26, 2009

As Internet criminals grow smarter and sneakier, it's increasingly difficult to keep your personal and financial information safely. If you don't take basic steps to protect your information, you may find yourself a victim of fraud or identity theft. However, maintaining as much control as possible over your personal information can go a long way toward protecting your privacy.

There are some practical tips on how you can protect your personal information yourself::

1. Protect Your Personal Data
Evaluate the sites you visit, and don’t give away personal information on sites that are not secure. Read privacy policies to find out what a site will do with any personal information you divulge.



2. Managing Your Access ID/PIN/User ID, Password and Security Codes
Create passwords and PINs that provide grater security. Change your Password regularly and use combinations of letters, numbers, and "special characters". Memories your User ID and Password and do not record it anywhere.

3. Avoid Sharing Personal Computers
Avoid using shared personal computer such as those in cyber cafes to access financial or sensitive personal information. If you really need to do so, make sure that the computer is free of viruses.

4. Install computer’s security software
keeping your personal computer up-to-date with security software is the primary step in protecting your personal information and maintaining online security. The following security features are recommended for every personal computer:
• Up-to-date anti-virus software
• Up-to-date anti-spyware software
• A personal firewall
• Security updates, installed regularly



5. Clear your cache
It is strongly advice that you clear your cache after each financial and personal data transaction you made. Clearing it occasionally or regularly can protect your privacy and this is a secure ways to protect your data from stolen by others