The Vault
Your online safety checkup -Things you need to know - Part 2
by Graham Barber

PC Internet Explorers users

- Select "Tools" from the pull-down menu (IE 5.01 SP2 or higher)

- Select "Internet Options"

- Select "Content" and in "Personal information" select the "AutoComplete" button

- Select "Clear Forms" and then "Clear Passwords" to remove previously saved information and configure "AutoComplete" settings to only save "Web addresses"

Remember to log out

After you've conducted any online transaction, be sure to log out. For financial Websites, click on the "Log Out" button - usually in the top of the banking screen. If you forget, some sites will log you out automatically after a period of no activity, but this may not be the case all the time.

Protect your personal information

When you are conducting online banking, do not, for example, send any personal information (account number, credit card number) to the bank by email, as these channels are not always secure. Only the bank's online banking site, once you log in, is protected.

Be wary of public access computers

Avoid using public access computers to conduct online financial transactions, as the person who logs on after you may attempt to retrieve the Web pages you have accessed. This includes Internet-connected PCs that are available at airport terminals, libraries or cybercafés. These have also been known to have software that records your personal information, which can be used fraudulently.

If you absolutely have to use these computers, ensure that you log out after you finish. Do not simply close the browser and assume that you are logged out. You should physically click on the "Log out" button to ensure that you are properly logged out. Also ensure that the "AutoComplete" function is disabled before you start. Upon closing your session, clear the cache and history (as outlined above). Also watch out for individuals nearby who may be "shoulder surfing".

Start with a clean slate

Close all other web pages before you start conducting transactions online, since some web sites can contain untrusted Java or ActiveX programming code. As such, never conduct financial transactions while Web pages for other sites are open on your computer.

Protect yourself from fraudulent Web sites and emails

Be aware of scam/bogus emails, which portray to be from legitimate service providers or well-known institutions requesting you to provide personal information. For example, watch out for websites that deliberately use a name or Web address similar to, but not the same as, that of a real institution.

The intent of the fraudster is to lure you to clicking onto their Website or responding to an email and giving your personal information (for example, account numbers and passwords). Always check to see if you have typed the correct Website address before conducting a transaction online, or use Bookmarks/Favourites to save the sites URL, so that you don't have to re-type them again. Always be aware of anyone who is asking for your information. When in doubt, contact your service provider or the institutions directly.

Stay up-to-date

"Safe Computing Practices" evolve over time in response to changes in technology and other events. As such, it is important that you check your banks and other Websites regularly. For more information, visit http://www. scotiabank. com/safecomputing.

The proceeding information was provided by Graham Barber, Branch Manager of Scotiabank, Alcona Branch. The Scotiabank, Alcona Branch, is located at 1161 Innisfil Beach Road, (705) 431- 6116.

The Vault is a weekly series of articles provided by Graham Barber with financial advice and suggestions.