Don't forget, beginning Jan. 1, 2010, Microsoft is discontinuing security updates for its Windows 2000 operating system. As a result, Scottrade will no longer be able to offer support for this operating system.
To determine which operating system you currently use, do the following:
1. Left click on the Start button in the lower left hand corner of the screen.
2. Left click on "Run".
3. Type in "winver".
4. Left click on "OK" to view a pop-up window displaying your current operating system.
Click here or contact your local branch office for more information.
Online security, an ever-increasing concern of most online investors, can be achieved no matter where you are. Wireless Internet hot spots and mobile technology are providing the opportunity to work and trade 24/7 anywhere in the world on Scottrade Mobile (m.scottrade.com). This incredible power also comes with a degree of risk, but investors can easily learn to protect themselves on mobile devices.
By the year 2011, the International Data Corporation (IDC) expects around 75 percent of the U.S. workforce to be mobile. From managing bank accounts to placing trades on the go, security for your mobile device is just as important as security for your laptop or desktop computer. Here are five of the top things you can do to protect yourself on your mobile phone.
Use Password Protection
One of the biggest threats to security on your mobile phone is another person picking up your phone and using it. On most mobile devices, you can create a password that is required to log into the device. Check your user manual to find how to do this on your phone. This will provide extra security if your phone is stolen or picked up by someone other than you. To offer extra protection, Scottrade Mobile has a security mechanism in place that will automatically log you out of the account if left idle for 20 minutes. Of course, the best route to keep individuals from using your mobile device is to avoid leaving it unattended.
Be Aware of Wireless (Wi-Fi) Hotspots
Many times, mobile devices have the option to turn the Wi-Fi connection on and off. It is a smart practice to leave this option off and only turn it on when you are accessing a wireless network you trust. When your Wi-Fi connection is turned on, it may automatically connect you to any wireless network in range. Unsecured wireless hotspots can potentially be a portal for criminals to access any device connected to them; without the proper firewall settings and security software in place, this is an easy feat for almost any hacker. Protect yourself and only connect to networks you trust.
Switch Off Your Bluetooth
Along the same lines as turning the Wi-Fi on and off, it is also smart to turn the Bluetooth feature off when you are not using it. Bluetooth is a way to create a wireless network between devices in which information is transferred. To prevent potential virus and hacker attacks, simply disable the Bluetooth feature of your device until you need it.
Be Cautious of E-mail and Social Networking Sites
Keep in mind that e-mail is not a secure method for transmitting information, and you should be extremely cautious about answering e-mail requests for your personal information. Scottrade will never ask you to disclose your account information or personal information in an unsolicited e-mail.
It is also important to recognize that e-mail and social networking sites such as Facebook and MySpace are hot locations for malware to be lurking. Malware, or "malicious software", can extract information from computers and use it for the creator's personal gain. This potential threat can be avoided by being cautious of the e-mails you open and aware of the links you click in specific Web sites. You can also protect your mobile device from malware by installing anti-virus software.
Watch What You Store
Perhaps the most important step you can take is to be aware of what information you store on your mobile device. Not storing vital personal information on your mobile device will help eliminate the worry of identity theft. By keeping your device free of this information, the most you can lose is the device itself.
For more information on wireless security and how you can download your free one-year subscription of McAfee VirusScan Plus, visit Scottrade's Security Center. Another informative article that provides nine steps toward protecting yourself on your laptop or desktop computer is the August 2007 ScottradeELITE newsletter, Online Security Checklist. For specific questions, you may also contact your local broker.| Trading Web Site | 1/9/10 |
| ScottradeELITE | 1/9/10 |
| Trading Web Site | 1/30/10 |
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