The Internet is a convenient way to access your accounts. Tennessee Bank & Trust wants to make sure your online experience is safe and secure. Here are some things to remember:

Online Security

• Keep all passwords secret. Never share any passwords or PINs. Remember, whomever has your password, has access to your account funds and personal information.
• Never write down your password, memorize it.
• Change your password often, every 30 to 60 days.
• When creating passwords, make them difficult. Do not use obvious passwords like your birth date, zip code or Social Security number.

Online Banking

• Never leave your computer unattended when signed into your account.
• Always sign off when you're done. Never leave your account information available when you are using a computer others have access to.
• When providing financial information, be sure the site is secure. One way to determine this is to look for a closed padlock icon, usually at the bottom of the page. Double click on the icon and a pop-up window will appear with information about the website, which should match the website you're visiting.
• Do business only with financial institutions that you know and trust.
• Watch out for suspicious websites that may try to look like financial institutions or other well-known companies. You might want to make sure you're visiting a legitimate site by typing the business' address into your browser.
• Verify that the financial institution is FDIC insured.
• Be cautious when using public computers, such as in a library, Internet kiosks or wireless businesses. They may not be as secure as your personal computer.

Online Shopping

• When placing orders online, check for the "closed padlock," usually located in the bottom corner of the page. This indicates your information will be sent securely.
• Shop only with merchants you know and trust.

Internet Browsing

• Keep your browser updated with the latest versions. They will have the newest safety features to protect you and your computer.
• Be careful about what you download as some downloads can compromise your computer's security. Do not download any software you do not recognize.
• Make certain your computer is using the latest ant-virus software.
• Do not leave personal information on public computers. Someone else may be able to access your account or information. Delete the cache memory and remove any signs that might trace what sites you visited.
• Be aware of spyware that can track your computer usage without your knowledge. Spyware may be attached to your computer when you visit certain sites, open unsolicited emails or click on email links. Anti-spyware software can be purchased at most large retail stores.

Email

• Because viruses can pass between emails, be cautious when opening unsolicited emails. It is always best to not open any email when you do not recognize the sender or subject.
• Never respond to emails that ask for any personal information or ask you to update information. This includes passwords, Social Security numbers, PINs, credit or check card numbers, or other confidential information.
• Be cautious even from banks and companies you do business with. Almost all banks have a policy to not contact customers by email without their knowledge or for a specific reason.
• Trust your instinct about emails you receive.

Credit Card Security

• Because credit card fraud costs cardholders and banks hundreds of millions of dollars every year, use these tips to help minimize the chances of fraud:
• When your card arrives in the mail, sign it immediately.
• Keep your PIN in a safe place and memorize it. Do not write in down or keep the number in your wallet or purse. Store your PIN in a safe place at home.
• Do not enter your card number online unless you're on a secure site. Do not send your number to anyone in an unsecured email.
• Keep a record of all your account numbers, expiration dates, and card customer service phone numbers in a safe place. If your wallet or purse gets stolen, you will need all this information.
• Report a lost or stolen card immediately.
• Save your receipts and compare them against your billing statements. If you see any suspicious transactions, contact your bank immediately.
• Carry only the cards that are necessary, leaving the others at home.

ATM Security

• Avoid going to the ATM alone at night. If you do, make sure the ATM is in a well-lit, public place where other people are gathered.
• Be aware of what's going on around you and don't use an ATM in an area that seems suspicious or isolated.
• Don't count your money while at the ATM.
• When at a drive-up ATM, stay inside the car with the doors locked and keep the car running.
• Prepare for your transaction before you arrive at the ATM.

Report suspicious activity to the FTC. Send the actual spam email to: uce@ftc.gov. If you believe you've been scammed, file your complaint at www.ftc.gov, and then visit the FTC's Identity Theft website to learn how to minimize your risk of damage from identity theft.
For more information on how to protect yourself from identity theft and the steps you can take to safeguard your computers and personal information, review the online educational tool on FDIC's Web site.
http://www.fdic.gov/consumers/consumer/guard/index.html