Protecting Yourself Online

Online security starts with you!

As your financial partner, we work hard to protect you from fraud. But you and your computer are the front line of defense. In just a few simple steps, you can help keep your computer—and your finances—safe.

1. Secure your passwords

In general, a good password should:

• Not be based on personal information that can be easily guessed (your pet’s name, birth date, etc.)
• Not be a word that can be found in any dictionary of any language.
• Contain at least 8 characters with numbers, punctuation and both uppercase and lowercase letters.
• Not be the same as any password you use for anything else.

And remember, always memorize your password and do not write it down. Old National strongly recommends changing your passwords every 45 days.

Old National does not ask for your online ID or password by telephone OR by email!

2. Secure your computer

There are certain precautions you should take to keep your computer safe from viruses and hackers.

• Keep your operating system and browser up to date.
• Use up-to-date anti-virus and anti-spyware software – and set them to update automatically.
• Use a personal firewall.
• Activate a pop-up blocker.

Keep in mind:

• Security software that comes pre-installed on your computer typically works for just a few months unless you pay to extend its usage.
• Avoid buying software in response to unexpected pop-up messages or ads that claim to have scanned your computer and detected malware. That's a tactic scammers use to spread malware. OnGuardOnline.gov can connect you to a list of security tools from legitimate security vendors.

3. Be wary of spyware and malware

About spyware.

Spyware is software loaded on your computer without your knowledge. It collects personal information about you and your Internet browsing habits in order to launch pop-up ads or change the configuration of your computer. It can also access your usernames and passwords, slow down the functions of your computer and send information from your computer to a third party without your knowledge or permission.

Generally, spyware is downloaded to your computer from websites you visit, or comes along for the ride (unannounced) when you download a new program or feature. In some cases, the spyware is mentioned in the fine print of a user agreement you’re asked to accept for downloading a program.

Clues that you may have spyware on your computer:

• You experience a number of pop-up ads when browsing the Internet
• Your Internet browser takes you to sites you’re not attempting to visit
• You experience a sudden and/or repeated change to your Internet homepage
• New toolbars or icons appear
• You experience error messages that seem random, and/or your computer’s performance drastically slows down

Check your system regularly for spyware. Several third party vendors provide anti-spyware applications you can download, some free of charge. Learn more at OnGuardOnline.gov

About malware.

Malware is malicious, unwanted software or code that generally is transmitted online. It is often used to enter a computer system without conforming to standard authentication procedures. Common forms of malware include:

• Adware – software that displays ads in an unexpected and often unwanted fashion
• Backdoor – software that is often installed through a vulnerability in the operating system or through an existing piece of malware
• Bot – A software application that performs automated, unwanted tasks online
• Computer worm – a program that self-replicates and spreads by exploiting vulnerabilities and bugs in operating systems and old applications
• Rootkit – One or more programs designed to hide the presence of other malware from users and anti-virus programs
• Trojan horse – A form of malware that seems to provide a positive function but actually gives criminals access to your computer
• Virus – A program that self-replicates without the user’s knowledge or permission.

Clues that you may have malware on your computer:

• Advertising pop ups begin to appear every few seconds
• Extra toolbars appear in your browser and can’t be removed
• Your Internet browser takes you to sites you’re not attempting to visit
• Unexplained system slow down and/or sudden system crashes

Check your system regularly for malware. Several third party vendors provide anti-malware applications you can download, some free of charge. Learn more at OnGuardOnline.gov

4. Be smart online

Aside from securing you passwords and computer, the most important thing you can do is simply be careful – and use common sense – online.

Here are some good general rules to follow:

• Maintain current software and take advantage of updates
• Never share passwords or passphrases
• Do not click on random lor unknown inks
• Beware of unknown email and attachments – if you don’t know what it is or who it’s from, don’t open it
• Don't download unknown software off of the Internet
• Don't play along with hoaxes or chain mail
• Log out/lock your computer when you’re not using it
• Remove unnecessary programs
• Restrict remote access to your system
• Frequently back up important files
• Treat sensitive data carefully
• Remove data securely
• Use encryption whenever possible