What are the risks of banking online?

The greatest threat to online bank customers comes from phishers, who pass themselves off as official financial institutions.

How do these phishers operate?

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 viruses, such as Trojan horses.

What can I do to protect myself?

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 basic practices to help you safely manage your money online.

1. Be wary of any email asking you to provide confidential information, especially financial information. 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.
2. Use secure sites to send and receive personal information. Look for a closed padlock or an unbroken key on the bottom of your browser or your computer task bar.
3. Check your bank statement regularly. If you notice anything irregular in your account, contact your bank immediately.
4. Make sure that you log off properly when you have finished banking online.
5. Secure your computer with a good personal firewall, and make sure your security solution protects you against spam, spyware, and viruses.

Where can I learn more about banking online?

Right here at Club Symantec. Visit our article "Minimize the Risks of Banking Online." It explains in more detail how to bank online safely and protect yourself from phishers trawling for personal banking information, and hackers looking for unsecured computers.

Does Symantec have a product that can protect my personal information and my computer?

Yes we do. Norton Internet Security 2006 is Symantec's most robust product that can help the fight against having your identity stolen or your bank account drained. It offers comprehensive protection from bogus emails, hackers, and destructive viruses.