Credit Professional 2018 Spring_2018_magazine | Page 20

continued from page 18 that encrypts (scrambles) the information as it travels to and from your computer. Look for a padlock symbol on the page and a Web address that starts with "https://." The "s" stands for "secure." Also, current versions of most popular Internet browsers and search engines often will indicate if you are visiting a suspicious website or a page that cannot be verified as trusted. It's best not to continue on to pages with these kinds of warnings. Review your Internet browser's user instructions and explore the "tools" and "help" tabs to learn Wi-Fi in public areas can be more about the security set- used by criminals to intercept tings and alerts offered. your device's signals and as a collection point for Be careful where and how you personal information. connect to the Internet. A public computer, such as at The bottom line, especially an Internet café or a hotel for sensitive matters such as business center, may not have online banking and activities up-to-date security software that involve personal and could be infected information, is to consider with malware. only accessing the Internet using your own computer with Similarly, if you are using a secure, trusted connection, a portable computer (such as and to only connect laptops a laptop or mobile device) for and mobile devices to online banking or shopping, trusted networks. avoid connecting it to a wireless (Wi-Fi) network at a public For more tips on computer and "hotspot" such as a coffee shop, Internet security for bank hotel or airport. customers, watch the FDIC's multimedia presentation "Don't Be an Online Victim: How to Guard Against Internet Thieves and Electronic Scams." Also, visit www.OnGuardOnline.gov for information from the federal government on how to be safe online. The site includes videos from the Federal Trade Commission on what to do if your email is hacked or if malware attacks your computer. CREDIT EDUCATION RESOURCES FOUNDATION Serving CPI members: Through scholarships for continuing education, grants for consumer credit education programs, funds to publish this Magazine and recognition of CPI members via the Helen B. Sawyers HERO Award. Serving consumers through:: Sponsorship of credit education programs and financial support of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, including NetSmartz®, and an inte rnet safety program.. Spring 2018 19 The Credit Professional