| Online banking is a very convenient tool. But, before | | | | now, it is WPA2, known as WPA-PSK. Don't ever |
| you start conducting most of your bank business | | | | leave your network unsecured. |
| online, is your network safe enough? Is your security | | | | - Passwords are important and can be the deal |
| level for your wireless network at the proper setting to | | | | breaker. Don't use simple passwords like 'password' or |
| ward off hackers? | | | | anything else that is easy to guess. This includes your |
| You would want to make sure of your online security | | | | name, your birthdate, etc. A good strong password |
| before you type in any of your passwords. If that | | | | that will deter hackers is one that does not correspond |
| connection is not secure then someone, an evil person, | | | | to any known words and that uses letters and |
| can easily steal your password and login to your | | | | numbers and weird characters if allowed. |
| accounts and steal your stuff! | | | | - Turn of file sharing if you don't need it. If turned on, |
| But, don't let this scare you away from banking on a | | | | hackers can get to your files much easier. However, if |
| wireless network. As long as you have the proper | | | | you need to use it, make sure your firewall is turned |
| security settings, you are good to go. I've listed below | | | | on. |
| the things you need to aware of for a properly | | | | - Turn on the firewall that comes with your router. |
| secured connection. | | | | - Make sure you are using a router and not a switch |
| - Look at the top of your internet browser. Make sure | | | | to create your network. |
| the address begins with HTTPS and not HTTP after | | | | - When in public places and if your bank offers it, take |
| you sign in. This means that the connection you have | | | | advantage of single use codes to access your |
| is an encrypted on. Very important! Some phishing | | | | account. This prevents possible attacks from lurkers |
| sites will emulate the look of your bank's site with this | | | | and over-the-shoulder thieves. |
| being the only difference. | | | | It takes only minutes to setup your router with a |
| - Use adware and spyware removal programs like | | | | password. It is worth the time it takes to figure it out |
| Ad-Aware. You can use more than one of these | | | | and then to setup your computers to access your |
| programs. This is not to be confused with antivirus | | | | network. It is a one time setup that will save you |
| programs, only one of which should be installed at any | | | | headaches later on if others find your unsecured |
| one time. | | | | network. |
| - Always use the latest encryption standard. Right | | | | |