If you're a Firstrade account holder, you probably already know that we take protecting your privacy seriously. We're always reviewing and upgrading our security procedures and equipment. But have you done your part? Read on for some tips on how to protect your computer.
Virus Protection
Malicious code such as viruses, worms, and Trojan horses can infiltrate personal computers, allowing attackers to compromise the integrity of software packages or even take control of your computer. It's up to you to protect your critical information.
Fortunately, it's easy to safeguard your computer against viruses and malicious code. First, install antivirus software to protect, detect, and repair attacks from most viruses. Second, and just as important, ensure that software is up to date. New viruses appear daily. Your antivirus software is only as good as its last update.
Personal Firewalls
High-speed Internet access is now available to most U.S. residents, offering tremendous speed and 24-hour connectivity to the Web. But being continuously connected to the Internet exposes your computer to online threats. Hackers' virus-like worms are constantly "knocking on doors" looking for available targets. You can help protect your computer by using a firewall.
Personal firewall software takes its name from the barriers built into cars and buildings that separate potentially hazardous environments from protected areas. Similarly, firewall software on computers protects them from the hazards of the Internet by monitoring the types of activity or attempted activity between the computer and a network. Computers guarded by a firewall can refuse attempted connections that aren't initiated by you or that are suspicious.
Firstrade recommends that all shareholders install, use, and update personal firewall software. Windows XP now includes free firewall software. You should also look for included firewalls if you're purchasing home networking equipment such as a router. As with antivirus software, your firewall software must be kept up to date.
Update Computer Software
Your computer uses many pieces of software, including an operating system (such as Windows, Mac OS, or Linux), Web browser software, and other applications for finances, personal productivity, and entertainment. Threats from viruses and attackers often take advantage of vulnerabilities in these software packages. Most vendors offer a system to help customers keep their computer software up to date. Contact the software vendor directly to access any available updates.
Spyware
Even computers that are protected by a firewall and safeguarded against viruses can be targeted by spyware. Spyware is software that appears to offer some tangible benefit, but actually monitors your behavior, typically to deliver targeted popup advertising. This illegal access is often used to intercept the user IDs and passwords to your online accounts. Firstrade recommends that shareholders install anti-spyware software, which will help combat and remove spyware from your computer.
To protect yourself and your computer from spyware software, follow these steps:
- Use anti-spyware software to scan and delete spyware programs on your computer. Configure the software to scan your computer weekly.
- Verify any software you install on your computer. If you encounter a Security Warning window when installing a program that reads "Do you want to install and run [name of program] issued by [name of company]?" and you do not recognize the company, click No to stop the install.
- Install a popup blocker to prevent spyware popup windows. (Spyware is often installed after clicking deceptive links in popup windows.) Note: You may want to change the settings in your popup blocker program to allow for popup windows on Firstrade.com and other reputable sites that you use.
- Keep your computer's antivirus program up to date.
- Install a firewall on your computer.
Password Precautions
Your best line of defense on the Internet is your password. No amount of technology can protect you if your password becomes compromised or is easy to guess. Here are a few tips for keeping this personal information safe.
- Change your password regularly. Make it a regular habit to change passwords to your financial institutions. Never share your password or user name with anyone or store them on your computer.
- Practice smart password management.
- Create longer user names and passwords; generally, they're more secure than shorter ones. On Firstrade.com, user names can contain up to 16 characters and passwords up to 16.
- Refrain from using your name as part of your user name or password, it's too easy for someone to guess.
- Use a unique user name and password for Firstrade's site and different ones for hobby or leisure websites.
Aggregation Services Offered by Other Companies
There are currently companies that offer aggregation services to consolidate online account information. While we understand the popularity and convenience of these services, there is potential risk when confidential account information such as User IDs and Passwords are provided to the aggregator or a third party. This may result in unauthorized access to your accounts and use if sufficient security measures are not in place. Please check with your aggregation service provider to ensure that your information is kept private and secure.
If you provide your information about your Firstrade account, including User IDs and Passwords to an aggregation service, we will consider these transactions to be authorized by you. Firstrade reserves the right to disable aggregation from these providers anytime, without prior notice. If you elect to cancel your subscription to a third party aggregation service, please change your password for your Firstrade account.
Please be advised that it is your responsibility to safeguard your login information. You agree to keep this information confidential to prevent unauthorized access and use to your account. Security experts also recommend maintaining different logins for other sites such as banks, credit cards, e-mail and other financial institutions.
Email Security
Don't share personal information via email: We will never ask you to enter your password or financial information in an email or send such information in an email. You should only share information about your account once you have logged in to http://www.firstrade.com/.
Website Security
Type in the Firstrade URL: To safely and securely access the Firstrade website or your Firstrade account, open a new web browser (e.g., Internet Explorer or Firefox) and type in the following: http://www.firstrade.com/
Use Your Account Wisely
Look for legitimate sites: Examine all privacy and security seals before doing business with a particular website and make sure they are legitimate.
