On line usage is up, but so is identity theft.

One example we hear of often is an e-mail purporting to be from the IRS regarding a refund. The IRS has said categorically that they do not send out e-mails, so this is clearly a scam to get personal information.

So, as a financial planning matter, what do to protect your computer and your personal information?

Here are several good tips from WebRoot, a software company that provides related software, worth applying to your computers:

1. Keep Your Security Software Up to Date: At a minimum, your PC should have current antispyware, antivirus and firewall protection.
2. Watch Out for Email Scams: Never click on links sent in unsolicited emails, even if it appears to be from a legitimate source [the IRS example above is but one….].
3. Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Create passwords that are difficult to guess, and use different passwords for each of your accounts.
4. Shop and Bank on Secure Connections: Hackers can intercept data sent over unsecure wireless connections, so exercise caution when performing sensitive online transactions in public places.
5. Erase Cookies: Get in the habit of clearing cookies off your hard drive after you browse the web. Some privacy protection software can automatically do this for you

Be sure you have applied all of the tips to any computer not already protected. And, let me know if you have questions or concerns

Thanks,

Steven