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Internet users who access bank accounts, e-currency accounts orany source of personal information online, should be aware ofthe following methods used by criminals to convince you toreveal your confidential information.

Here are some simple steps to help keep your information secure

1. Avoid being a victim of fradulent email requests for personalinformation

This method is called "Phishing" and is a popular way forcriminals who are acting as legitimate businesses to steal yourpersonal information. This is usually accomplished by sendingyou an email with a hyperlink to a fraudulent website made tolook like the real one. Once you have entered your informationthe perpetrator will have access to your account, many timesunknown to you.

One way to avoid falling victim to this sort of scam is to neverprovide any personal details in response to an email. Legitimatebusinesses will never ask you for your password by email. Beaware of suspicious emails from unknown individuals. Deletebefore opening anything that you think might be harmful.

2. Make sure you visit your bank, e-currency or financialwebsite via your Internet browser with the correct websiteaddress.

3. You should take care to never follow any suspicioushyperlink, url, or open an unknown senders attachment.

If you inadvertently reply to a "Phishing" email or respond towhat you think could be a fraudulent website, contact yourassociated financial institution immediately for advice. Do notdelay in seeking help. Check your account for any unusualactivity.

Ways to protect your computer

1. It is important to use only a trusted and secure computer toaccess your Internet banking account. 2. Using publicly sharedcomputers, such as those at Internet cafes, is stronglydiscouraged.

4. Remember that after you install virus protection it isnecessary to update the software so the protection remainscurrent.

5. Avoid using the "remember my user name and password" featurewhen accessing sensitive financial information.

6. Make sure not to store your passwords and account informationon your computer.

7. Use a different password for your bank than you would foryour email address.

8. Do not use easy to guess passwords, or passwords that closelyrelate to you. Your birthdate, name or favorite pet make poorpasswords.

9. Create passwords that have both numbers and letters.

10. If you use a wireless network it is important that you neverleave your computer unattended.

11. Take extra precautions around wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi)hotspots that provide free Internet connections. Coffee shops,Internet cafes, airports and libraries can pose significantsecurity threats. Avoid conducting sensitive business in a Wi-Fihotspot.

Sniffing and Evil Twinning are two methods devious criminals areusing to steal confidential data. Sniffing is the act of using aprogram to search for certain information like passwords andcredit card numbers over a Wi-Fi network. Evil twinning mirrorsthe setting of a Wi-Fi hotspot. When the unsuspecting personuses the evil twinning hotspot the hijacker uses sniffertechnology to access anything the victim might be sending.

12. When accessing bank accounts online, confirm that your datais encrypted between the bank and your computer by looking forthe padlock symbol on the bottom right hand corner of thebrowser window.

13. Close your Internet browser after logging out at the end ofeach online banking session.

14. Beware of any windows that 'pop-up' during an online bankingsession.

Most financial institutions have detailed information on theirwebsites on how their customers can protect themselves fromOnline fraud attempts. Visit their website or contact them viaemail or telephone for information on how you can protectyourself from online criminals.

About the author:Matt Sherborne is the creator of "Get Rich Trading E-Currency"and "Email Auto-Pilot."