Online Security Tips

• If you suspect a Web site is not what it claims to be, leave it immediately.  Do not follow any of the instructions it presents. Only do business with the companies you know and trust.
• Only use your credit card number on Internet sites that have a secure, encrypted system (look for the "HTTPS" in the address line or lock icon).
• Only use your credit card with well-established, trusted merchants.  When asked if you'd like the merchant to save your credit union for next time, always say no.
• Choose passwords or Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) that are difficult for others to guess (NOT your birthday or street address or the last four digits of your Social Security number), and use a different password for each of your Internet accounts. Change these passwords frequently. Use both letters and numbers and a combination of lower- and upper-case letters if the passwords are case-sensitive.
• Be alert for fraudulent (sometimes called "phishing") emails. They may appear to come from a reputable business or a trusted friend but are actually designed to trick you into downloading a virus to your computer or directing you to a Web site to disclose sensitive or personal information.
• Never send your personal information via unsecured email.  If an email from an unknown - or unsolicited - sender contains an attachment of any kind, do not open it.  Delete the email immediately.
• Keep your anti-virus software up-to-date.  Anti-virus software needs frequent updates to guard against new viruses.
• Use a firewall to protect your computer from unwanted attack.
• Maintain current versions of your computer's operating system and Internet browsers.

The following programs, in addition to anti-virus software, can help protect your computer from ad-ware, spy-ware and other forms of potentially dangerous software. Additional information can be found on the sites linked below.

SpyBot
Spyware Doctor
Ad-Adware
Webroot Spy Sweeper