| |
Help protect your computer from viruses, spyware, Trojan horses, and other vulnerabilities by practicing safe computing.
With advancements in computing and Internet technology, it is increasingly important that you take appropriate precautions to protect your computer and your personal information from harm. Unlike the early days of personal computing when viruses were spread through floppy diskettes, the Internet makes it possible to easily pick up viruses, worms, Trojan horses, adware, keyloggers and spyware simply by downloading files, opening documents or just by surfing the Web. These malicious programs are unknowingly acquired or downloaded and are becoming an increased threat to privacy and security. Keyloggers and spyware are particularly troublesome because they can be used to secretly track and record your browsing habits, your computer use and your personal information including your IDs and passwords.
Online Security is a Shared Responsibility
At RBC, we take security and privacy extremely seriously and we are continuously working to ensure that we are protecting our network against viruses and other malicious code to provide a safe and secure online environment for you to visit and transact with confidence. However, online security is a shared responsibility. It is important that you also take steps to help keep your computer well-protected from threats and vulnerabilities by following safe computing practices. Using anti-virus software, keeping your software up-to-date and being critical of files that you download or receive will go a long way in helping you protect your online activities.
Safe Computing Tips
-
Install and use an anti-virus program and keep it up to date. Always use up-to-date anti-virus software that is capable of scanning files and email messages for viruses, worms and Trojan horses. This can help prevent your computer system and files from being corrupted or lost. A variety of anti-virus software packages are available on the market today and many of these products install anti-virus updates automatically, as long as you have the update feature enabled.
-
Use a personal firewall. Any computer or device connected to the Internet that is not properly protected may be vulnerable to a variety of malicious Internet intrusions and attacks. A personal firewall can help protect you from intrusion because it creates a barrier between your computer and the rest of the Internet. A number of firewall solutions are available in the marketplace today. They can be a hardware device, a software application or a combination of the two. Most firewalls can be set up to alert you if anyone tries to access your computer system.
-
Use strong encryption. The stronger the encryption your Web browser uses, the more difficult it is for intruders to intercept your online activities. It is recommended that you ensure your browser supports at least 128-bit encryption.
-
Use unique passwords and change them regularly. Always choose unique passwords that are difficult to guess. Longer passwords that have eight or more characters and mix letters, numbers and special characters are much more difficult to figure out than shorter, more straightforward ones. Don't share your passwords, use different passwords for different accounts and remember to change them regularly.
-
Keep security patches up-to-date on your computer. After software has been released, security holes or bugs that may have been missed prior to its release are sometimes identified. Most major software companies today provide software patches or updates to address these issues. It is important that you regularly visit your software vendor's Web sites and stay informed of any security related patches and updates they provide. Evaluate these updates and install them as necessary.
- Be aware of the risk posed by installing software or files from unknown sources. Avoid downloading programs and software from sources you are not familiar with and don't download or use pirated software. These programs may contain viruses or other malicious code that could cause harm to your computer or be used to steal private or confidential information like account numbers and passwords. These programs may also come bundled with other programs that you may not be aware of. Programs such as spyware and adware may also be simultaneously installed on your computer for the purpose of tracking and reporting on your computing and browsing habits. It is important that you read the terms and conditions that come with any program or software carefully before installing it on your computer.
What action should be taken if you suspect a threat or security breach?
If you suspect that your computer has been compromised and you have concerns related to conducting online interactions with RBC, contact us immediately at 1-800-769-2555.
|
|
