Safeguarding Personal & Financial Data

Internet is a public network connecting millions of computers throughout the world. We need to fill in some personal information in order to register as a member of the website. The information is including name, date of birth, gender, address, telephone, e-mail address and so on. “Personal Financial Information” means any record containing a customer of a financial institution, whether in paper, electronic, or another form, that is handled on behalf of the institution.

If online purchase, the company will record customer information such as names, addresses, phone numbers, bank and credit card account numbers and so on. Is it secure to protect customer been embezzled by other party? There is always a question in our mind whether the system is reliable?

Here are a few approaches on how to safeguard our personal and financial data:

• Choose your password wisely

Avoid using password that are easy for someone to guess, such as the date of birth. A strong password with a combination of letters, numbers and symbols will provide more security. Never write down the information and carry it in the wallet.

• Do not reveal your particular to anyone

Always remember to logout properly after using the financial data services. Remember to close the browser window after using the public computer such as in a public library, school computer lab or Internet cafe to prevent other users from reading your personal information and mail.

• Pay attention when using an ATM machine

Pay attention when using an ATM and keep your eyes peeled for anyone who seems a little too interested in your transactions. Use your free hand to shield the keypad when entering your PIN.

• Always keep your card close

Whenever you are out for shopping or eating, watch how the clerks handle your card. Then take the receipt with you and never throw it away in a public place.

• Install antispyware and antivirus software

Avast,Symantec, Norton and AVG antivirus are popular software use by computer users. Its clean computer and protect personal information, financial data. Use as many tools as you can to guard your computer information from the nefarious. Failing to protect your computer is just as bad as leaving your door unlocked and invite the burglars to come in.

• Web owner can use access control mechanism

This system can help to which limits actions that can be performed by an authenticated person or group. It determines who can use the network resource and what resource can be used.

• Keep credit card to a minimum

Only keep the ones you actually use and destroy any that you no longer use by shredding them. For example the mail-order and online purchases. It's all too easy for a dishonest party to use your credit card information. Also, it is advisable to keep the card to a low credit limit so that other party would not be able to rack up many bills.

• Shred old documents

You can protect yourself against potential fraud or identity theft by eliminate your own paper trail. A basic desktop shredder will work for a few sheets at a time, but for large quantities you may want to contact a commercial shredder who will also handle household needs.

Hopefully the above few ways can help to safeguarding our personal and financial data.

Reference:

Retrieved from
http://www.congressionalfcu.org/aboutus/securitycenter/Visa%20-%20Safeguard%20Your%20Personal%20Information.pdf