Designate a computer for online transactions.

The FBI and the American Bankers Association (ABA) advise small and midsize companies to designate a computer for online transactions rather than allowing transactions to be executed via several channels.

The business media have cited the rise of criminal activity directed against small companies and their banks. Large companies generally can invest in and install the expensive technology and systems that help to thwart cyber criminals' theft efforts. Consequently, gangs of cyber thieves are targeting more fertile territory: small firms, local governments, schools, and nonprofits.

However, any company can take one concrete action in its own defense: designate a computer to be used for nothing but online transactions. The FBI and the ABA advise small and midsize companies to do this because lots of malicious software (malware) and Trojans are introduced via e-mail and over the Internet. If a company does not use a computer for e-mail and Web browsing, it can greatly cut the chances of an intrusive incident.

Cyber criminals have flooded the Internet with banking Trojans, which enable them to covertly access and manipulate online accounts; however, a PC not used for e-mail or Web browsing is less likely to encounter a banking Trojan.

The cyber criminals are infecting small organizations with Trojans to manipulate two banking technologies: Automated Clearing House (ACH) transfers and wire transfers. ACH transfers are used to deposit salaries, pay suppliers, and receive customer payments. Wire transfers usually are used to move larger sums of money.

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