Ally Bank Offering Free Security Software to Customers
Ally Bank announced last week in a press release that it’s offering security software free of charge to customers for downloading to protect their entire online experience. One of the important precautions to take if you bank online is to have the latest antivirus and anti-malware software installed on your computer. Ally Bank customers can now do this without any cost.
The security software is Webroot® SecureAnywhere. It’s not as well known as McAfee or Norton, but it has received good reviews at PCMag and PCWorld. According to Ally Bank’s overview of the software, Webroot SecureAnywhere does the following:
- Blocks viruses, spyware, phishing attacks, and other threats
- Continually updates itself so it's always current
- Identifies unsafe links and search results before you click
- Prevents malicious programs from changing your settings
One way hackers can break into your bank account is to steal your username and password by secretly installing keyloggers onto your computer. As you log into your bank account, the keylogger will record your username and password and send those to the thieves. Blocking spyware like keyloggers is one way a program like Webroot SecureAnywhere can protect you.
This service from Ally may not be helpful for some of us who already receive free security software from our internet access providers. For example, ATT provides McAfee free of charge to its U-verse customers. The only problem with this is that it makes it harder for you to change internet access providers. If you have the security software from Ally Bank, you can change providers without worrying about changing your security software. We just have to hope that Ally Bank will keep this service and keep it free for the long-term.
Another thing to keep in mind about online banking is that even if hackers are able to steal money from your personal account (not a business account), you will still be protected due to the Electronic Funds Transfer Act. Here’s what the FDIC says about this Act:
Suppose a thief obtains your ATM card and uses it at an automated teller machine to withdraw money from your bank account. Under the Electronic Funds Transfer Act, your losses are limited to $50 if you report your ATM card lost or stolen within two business days of discovering the loss. If you wait between two and 60 days of discovering the loss, you can be liable for up to $500 of what a thief withdraws. If you wait more than 60 days after receiving a bank statement that includes an unauthorized transfer, the law doesn’t require your bank to reimburse you for any losses. You’re not responsible, however, for any funds withdrawn after you notify your bank that the ATM card is lost or stolen.
At the top of Ally Bank’s security center, Ally lists its Online & Mobile Security Guarantee:
We guarantee that you will not be liable for any unauthorized Online or Mobile Banking transaction as long as you report the unauthorized transaction by calling us at (877) 247-2559 within 60 days from when your statement is made available.
So if you have avoided online banking due to fears of hackers, it’s time to reconsider your fears. Online banking offers many advantages over depending on visits to brick-and-mortar branches, phone calls and paper transactions. If you take reasonable precautions like maintaining security software and regularly monitoring your accounts, there is nothing to fear.
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2410545,00.asp
I do have Norton 360 on this computer and that is suppose to cover everything. I have used Norton for many years when I had 3 Dell's. Not sure what my first computer was in 1978 but got it before Windows. It was 40 hard drive. We used Dos. So far as I know Norton has protected me.
I used to be able to "rely" on CNET for decent software downloads, but no more. When I was downloading a specific product, a ton of other sh*t would tag along onto my laptop, causing all sorts of issues. I no longer even visit the website, regardless of the recommendations from CNET's editors.
So, that said, can any of you blokes or gals recommend a product along the lines of System Mechanic? I currently have iobit installed, but I am not happy with this software. My laptop (it's two years old) is slower than ever. I've removed all unnecessary extensions, add-ons and plug-ins, which is the biggest culprit.
Thanks in advance. And, apologies to Ken from kinda bringing this off-topic post into the conversation....kinda. :-P Happy Thanksgiving to everyone, and please be safe if you're traveling.
1. If you have a PC (Windows), first make sure you don't have a virus or malware by running a scan with your current security software or the free of charge Microsoft Security Essentials.
2. You can go to Control Panel> System and Security> Action Center>Troubleshooting>Check for Performance Issues.
3. You can go to Control Panel>System and Security>Administrative Tools>Free Up Disk Space and Defragment Your Hard Drive.
Often it's a trial and error process with some of these issues. Software conflicts and registry errors can exist. Many of these quick-fix deals like System Mechanic don't accomplish anything at all. Try what I recommended above and see if it helps. You didn't mention what browser you are utilizing so that could be a factor also. Good luck and Happy Thanksgiving to you.
But who owns the data on that computer? Who can consent to release of same? The car owner? The lessor/insurer? If no coll/comp? Is a warrant needed...especially if nothing criminal alleged? How does one deactivate same?