Farmers Bank N.A.

General Do's and Don'ts for the Internet

Set up automatic anti-virus scans for your computer. On average, a scan is run each time the computer is started. ALWAYS keep your anti-virus software up-to-date and do not let the subscription run out
Set aside time to do periodic spy ware scans. Spy ware scans will look for little files that a pop-up screen or email will implant in your system without your knowledge. With the spy ware, someone could see all the keystrokes that you make. (Spy ware software examples are Spybott, Webroot and Ad-Aware)
Check and delete unnecessary emails on a regular basis to prevent a full in-box and tie up memory
Turn the auto update on in Windows 2000 and XP, so that your software is automatically checked and you are notified if there are new updates
Internet security should be set at least at a medium level, in order to catch more viruses or suspect material. Low security levels leave your computer open to be infected and become corrupted
By having firewalls and pop-up blocker software on your computer, you reduce your chances of receiving viruses and spy ware
If you are entering any personal or financial information on to a website, ALWAYS check to make sure that the website is secure. A secure website will have a lock or padlock in the lower corner

If you receive an email from a person or company that you don't know or recognize, don't open the email and just DELETE it
Don't give ids or passwords to anyone. If you need to write passwords down, keep them in a place where no one can find them
When making up passwords, avoid using any part of your social security number, birth date, middle name, spouse's name, kids' name, pet's name, mother's maiden name, address, consecutive numbers or anything that a thief could easily deduce or discover
If you use a password to view a site, don't leave the site open if you need to leave your desk
Don't email any personal or financial information in an unsecured email. (Secured email is scrambled when it is sent as opposed to unsecure email, therefore making unsecured emails easier for unauthorized persons to view in hopes of obtaining useful information.)
Instead of clicking on a site link, that someone emails you to view, re-type or cut and paste the web address in the address line. (By clicking on the link, some hidden software -spy ware- could be put into your computer. This software can alert others to the sites that you view and possibly instigate pop up screens that could contain inappropriate material.)
Don't give out any personal information, unless you have initiated the contact and you trust the company that you are dealing with