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 |

Ask your bank if they can assign a second active user name associated with the same account. Explain that you access your online bank account a lot in a public environment, and you want the additional security of a limited-rights user name. Some banks gladly add the second access avenue. When accessing your online bank publicly, use only that second access information set.

Phishing (read: ‘fishing’) is a term used to refer to the method used by many internet scammers and fraudsters to illegally obtain personal information from you. This information will include your name, passwords, user IDs, PIN numbers, credit card numbers, bank account details, and other such data that they can use to either assume your identity or access your financial accounts to make unauthorized transactions.

In short, if you have a Windows-based operating system and an unpatched PC, you will be attacked or infected in a little over 2 hours. When looked at in these terms, securing your computer becomes a mission.

Here’s another interesting fact: most thieves still obtain our information the old-fashioned way, so keep an eye on your wallet and take cautionary measures with your snail (i.e., paper) mail. Remember it’s actually tougher offline without the spyware programs and password/security question protections we’ve come to expect on the web.