Several precautions can be taken to safeguard your computer and information during everyday use. Each time you connect to the Internet to exchange information you open a pathway from the outside world to your computer. The security tips below can help you to closely guard that pathway and reduce the risk of malicious content making its way into your computer.
Anti-Virus Software
Installing anti-virus software on a computer helps to protect it from virus, worms, and Trojan horses. The software scans files that you download from the Internet or receive in an email. If the file contains malicious content the anti-virus software will warn you and destroy the file, should you desire. In order to be effective, it is important that anti-virus software is kept up-to-date since new viruses and worms are created every day.
Firewalls
While viruses can be used to attack a computer from the inside, hackers can also try to invade a computer from the outside. Firewalls can be used to block such attacks, filter infected files or emails and alert you if an unauthorized user tries to access your system.
Encryption
To protect information traveling over the Internet, the data is encrypted before it is sent. The stronger the encryption the less likely someone else will be able to read it should the data be intercepted. If a Web page is encrypting data, a lock (like this one will appear at the bottom of your web browser.
Passwords
A password is a key you use to access your information on a computer or through the Internet. If someone else figures out your password they too have the ability to access your information. The more complex a password is the less likely someone else will be able to figure it out and use it. When creating passwords for your online accounts at Bangor Savings Bank, and its subsidiaries, keep the following tips in mind:
- Whenever possible, use a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols in your password.
- Create a unique password for each application or Internet service that you use.
- Avoid using words, or even part of a word, that can be found in the dictionary.
- Do not create your password out of things that are closely tied to you, such as your name or birth date.
- Change your passwords often, even if the system you are using does not require you to.
Software Updates
It is important to keep your computer software up to date. Many viruses and worms take advantages of bugs in software for which patches and fixes already exist. Frequent updates will seal those areas which a virus could otherwise exploit.
Log-Off
Remember to log-off and close your browser when you are finished using a secure Web site or application. Should you forget to do so, the next person that uses that computer may be able to access your account. For this reason, it is best to access accounts with sensitive information from your home rather than from a public computer.
