Security systems are also in place to monitor which computers you use to log on to the bank site. Whenever you log on to the site from a computer that is not your regular home computer, you are asked to provide additional information. Most banking systems will generate a security question that you answered during account setup… Protect Your Identity | Part I | Part II | | Part III |

No matter how expensive or highly-rated an alarm system is, or no matter how many precautions someone takes, a home invasion is always a possibility.


I often witnessed a breach of security due to human error while using Redbox’s movie rental system while it was still in its early days. The Redbox system simplifies the entire DVD renting process, using a network connection to process payments and send receipts. Since they only accept credit or debit cards, they added the requirement of entering a zip code in order to safely process the transaction. Unfortunately, it didn’t end up being quite so safe.

Online banks accelerate the purchasing process by allowing websites to connect with your bank information and have near-real time transactions appear on your account. With all the wonder of such easy purchasing power, you have to puzzle over how they keep all that information so secure. With bank account numbers and personal information floating around in virtual space, how do you protect that information from being compromised by hackers?

Have you ever had your account information hijacked before? Or maybe you know someone that has?

Before entering an access code at banks, store checkouts, or ATM machines, insure that no one is observing from behind you. Warily watch your back while logging onto websites or inputting personal identifying data from your job, as well. After concluding your transaction, clear the browsing history to avoid unauthorized access via inadvertently stored passwords.