How to Safeguard Our Personal and Financial Data?

Why should we safeguard???
Having the thought of ,the personal data and your financial data being exposed to others. Who knows, some one will just hack your account or computer to steal all the information?
It is crucial that we have steps to guide us to prevent all these happened.
How do we prevent these?

• Use and maintain anti-virus software and a firewall

Protect yourself against viruses and Trojan horses that may steal or modify the data on your own computer and leave you vulnerable by using anti-virus software and a firewall.Make sure to keep your virus definitions up to date.

• Clear your browser cookies after every session.

>To take erasing your footprint a step further, do not accept any browser cookies by
default.Change your local username daily. Browsers and other software have been known to pass local

• Regularly scan your computer for spyware

>Spyware or adware hidden in software programs may affect the performance of your computer and give attackers access to your data. Use a legitimate anti-spyware program to scan your computer and remove any of these files.

• Avoid accessing financial information in public

>Resist logging on to check your bank balance when working from a coffee shop that offers wireless access. These systems are convenient, but also unknown.

• Look for "locks."

>How can you tell if your financial site is really secure before you log on? The Web address should start with "https," instead of "http," says Weston. Also, look for small lock icon in the lower-right corner of the browser window.

• Password

>Coming up with and storing secure passwords to protect the personal financial data. Like choose the passwords that would be difficult for someone who can figure out, do not use personal information, and keep a record of important passwords that guard financial data

Sources:
http://gigaom.com/2007/12/26/how-to-safeguard-your-privacy-online/
http://finance.yahoo.com/banking-budgeting/article/103893/Six-Ways-to-Safeguard-Your-Online-Assets
http://cordis.europa.eu/ictresults/index.cfm/section/news/tpl/article/BrowsingType/Features/ID/88408
http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/tips/ST06-008.html