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Online Security

Computer Security is an important subject these days. Phishing scams are an increasing threat on the Internet. Phishing is an email scam in which you receive an email that appears to be from a trusted source like a bank, credit union, Credit Card Company or cable provider, etc. The emails warn you about risks to your personal information or warning that an account is about to be deactivated unless you update your personal information. The emails will sound threatening and pushy. The email will direct you to click on a link to go to a website and update personal information. The link along with the email will look legitimate right down to Logo's, but it will redirect you to a site designed to steal your personal information.

Forest Park Credit Union works hard to keep your online services with us secure. When you log onto E-Branch you are entering a secure encrypted website. However, there are several things you can do as a consumer to help protect your personal information. Below are some suggestions and resources for you to consider.

  1. If your computer accesses the internet via a broadband connection make sure that you have hardware router between your computer and your internet cable/DSL modem. A router will help to hide your computer to hackers on the internet. Do not directly connect your computer to your internet broadband modem.

  2. Install a software firewall. There are several good software firewalls available. A couple of the popular ones are Zone Alarm, Black Ice and Norton. Firewalls are becoming a necessity if you have a broadband connection. They too are designed to prevent hackers from directly accessing your computer.

  3. Install Anti-Spyware software. Just about everyone who browses the Internet has spyware on their computer. Malicious spyware can take over your browser, reset your home page and redirect you to web sites where you do not want to go to. Spyware can also install malicious software on your PC. Microsoft has a Beta version of their new Anti-Spyware program available on their web site that is free and works well. Two other programs that are highly rated are Web Root-Spysweeper and Sunbelt Software's Counter Spy. Spyware can slow your computer to a crawl.

  4. Clean out temporary internet files regularly. Over time you will acquire cookies, unwanted programs and spyware from browsing the Internet. While Cookies are not generally a bad thing they can track your web browsing.

  5. Consider using a different web browser. Internet Explorer has been the dominant web browser for a few years now but there are several excellent substitutes available. Mozilla's-Firefox is a free program that includes an excellent pop-up blocker. Opera and Netscape are also good alternatives.

  6. Make sure that Windows as well as all of your security software is updated with the latest patches. Microsoft releases updates frequently. Consider setting Windows to automatic update. If you are using Microsoft Office be sure to check for updates for that software as well.

  7. If you do not have a home network then turn off File and Print Sharing in you network settings.

  8. Don't use easy to decode passwords (pets name, etc.). Use random passwords with letters numbers and characters whenever possible.

  9. Do not respond to any emails that request personal information or passwords. Forest Park Federal Credit Union as well as other legitimate businesses will not solicit information from you this way. If you receive suspicious emails of this type that purport to be from Forest Park Credit Union please contact us as soon as possible. If you have followed one of these emails and given out personal or account information contact the credit union immediately.

  10. Educate yourself. There are several good informational websites out there.
    Federal trade commission
    Symantec (virus threat information)
    US Dept of Justice Cybercrime Division
    Experian (fraud or identity theft)
    Equifax (Fraud or identity theft)
    National Credit Union Administration





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