Protect Your Computer

At Clear Lake Bank & Trust Company, we believe it is important for our customers to understand the risks associated with the Internet, such as viruses & spyware, as well as the tools available to mitigate those risks.

Check out the information below and visit the CERT Coordination Center's Home Computer Security web page.

If you use the Internet to conduct financial transactions (banking, credit card purchases, stock trades, etc.) or you store personal and confidential information on your home computer, consider the following:

• Install & periodically update anti-spyware, anti-virus, and firewall protection software to protect your computer, transactions, and personal information.
• Install a hardware firewall.
• Be cautious when visiting unknown web sites and clicking on links, as this simple Internet function can be harmful.
• Avoid downloading software, screen savers, desktop pictures, and toolbars from unknown or non-trusted web sites.
• Apply Windows updates as soon as they are available.
• Do not open emails or email attachments from unknown sources or that appear generic in nature.  They may contain viruses or spyware.

If you need help with the above items or have questions, consult the yellow pages to find a qualified computer expert.

Spyware

The term spyware refers to technologies that collect information about a user without his or her knowledge and reports that information to a third party.  Certain forms of spyware can intercept sensitive and confidential information about an organization or user, including passwords, credit card numbers, and other identifying data.

Spyware is usually installed without a user's knowledge or permission.  However, users may intentionally install spyware without understanding the full ramifications of their actions.  A user may be required to accept an End User Licensing Agreement (EULA), which often does not clearly inform the user about the extent or manner in which information is collected.  In such cases, the software is installed without the user's "informed consent."