More people are banking online every day. And why not? You can manage your money, and reclaim free time. Check account balances, transfer funds, and pay bills online - all while still wearing your bathrobe. Banking online is a convenient way to access your bank's services. And banks that support online banking go to great measures to ensure the security of the site, your confidential information, and your money.

Still, if you bank online, it pays to look out for scammers out to drain your bank account or unleash devastating viruses.

The good news? You can continue to enjoy the convenience of banking online and keep your identity and your money safe. Good judgment, smart choices, and reliable security tools from a trusted security software provider will substantially lower the risk of being taken in by scammers. Here are a few tips to help you safely manage your money online.

Guard against online banking scams

The greatest threat to online bank customers comes from phishers, who pass themselves off as official financial institutions. They build a fake bank web site that looks just like the real one. And then send emails to millions of that bank's customers, alerting them to an irregularity in their bank account, and demanding immediate action or the account will be closed. Customers who comply, risk having their bank accounts drained and their computers infected by information seeking virus's, such as Trojan horses. But you can learn how to recognize the danger signs of online fraud.

Be wary of any email asking you to provide confidential information, especially financial information. Financial institutions rarely, if ever, request sensitive information by email.
If a suspicious email contains a link to a web page, don't click it. Instead, navigate to the Web site by typing the purported company's URL into the address bar of your browser.
se secure sites to send and receive personal information, such as name, address, passwords, and certainly any credit card information or other sensitive data. Look for a padlock or key on the bottom of your browser or your computer task bar. A locked padlock, or a key, indicates a secure, encrypted connection and an unlocked padlock, or a broken key, indicates an unsecured connection.
Install an antispam program from a trusted security software provider to reduce your exposure to phishing spam. Use a personal firewall, antivirus software, and an antispyware tool to protect your data from hackers, phishers, viruses, worms, and Trojan horses.
Download the latest security updates (or patches) for your web browser and operating system.

Take the same precautions you practice every day

When you go to the ATM machine, you make sure to stand in front of the keypad as you type your PIN. You don't leave an open checkbook or wallet on the counter when it's your turn to talk to the teller. And you wouldn't store your savings in an unsecured building, one with no windows or doors. Online banking requires the same precautions and common sense.

Make sure that you log-out properly when you have finished banking online.
Store your bank password somewhere other than your computer.
Do not use the same password for banking online hat you use for online banking at any non-banking sites.
Check your bank statement regularly. If you notice anything irregular in your account, contact your bank immediately.
Make sure to sign out of your banking site when you've finished banking.
Always follow your bank's terms and conditions so you'll be protected should some disreputable character drain your account.

Protect your identity and your money. Reduce the likelihood of being fooled by scammers by practicing everyday vigilance and keeping your security software current. Be sure to visit Club Symantec and Symantec Security Response regularly, to get the latest information and to make sure all your security components are up to date.