Is it safe to do online banking while being monitored by free internet security like avg or avast!!!`

Question

Please help me clear this issue

Answer 1

Internet security packages are a good start, but by themselves the packages don't make online banking "Safe"

The biggest concern with online banking is what is called "Phishing."  This means criminals create fake bank websites which look like the real thing.  Users then enter their real user information (name, social security #, etc) to the fake site.  The criminals then steal the user's identity.

Also, "Spyware" does the same thing---criminals create software which monitors what you are doing, so their software can send them your information.

Good security means doing the following:

- Install AVG/AVAST and make sure their antivirus definitions are up to date.  If they aren't, they are useless.

- Install Windows Defender AND a package like Lavasoft's AdAware.  These protect you from Spyware.  

- Setup your AVG/AVAST and Windows Defender to run automatic system scans every week or so

- Make sure you have Windows XP Service Pack 2, at a minimum and turn on the Windows Firewall.

- Make sure you have the latest Windows updates

- Use a browser like Mozilla's Firefox browser (it has anti-phishing protection that warns you if you are visiting a known phishing website)

- Do NOT provide ANY sensitive information (passwords, social security #, address, phone #) to websites from links in your email.  

- Do NOT post any sensitive information on MySpace/Facebook/etc, even if it is in a "private" area.  

- Do NOT install "free" software from pop-ups such as screensavers, Limewire, etc (often these contain spyware)

- Use different passwords for each web site

With all of that, you will have much more security.  But, keep in mind, security isn't perfect.  The best computer security still needs you to take care of your sensitive information.

Answer 2

Is safe on your own computer not a public one make sure you clean the cookies and temporary files to be extra sure  

Answer 3

A good antivirus is obviously important, and for that I use and recommend Avast;

BUT for online security for matters such as banking, a top firewall to keep you hidden from the bad guys is probably more important.

For this I use and recommend the Comodo Firewall Pro (it is free despite its name).

> Comodo Firewall Pro: http://www.personalfirewall.comodo.com/

Edit: As mentioned above, it's also probably a good idea to clear your temp files afterward just to be on the safe side. A good safe temp file cleaner is ATF Cleaner.  

Another more aggressive cleaner is CCleaner, but ATF Cleaner will serve the purpose.

> ATF Cleaner: http://majorgeeks.com/ATF_Cleaner_d4949....

> CCleaner: http://www.ccleaner.com/