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How to Protect Yourself

First, do not reveal your online Password to anyone else. Your online Password is designed to protect the privacy of your information, but it will only work if you keep it to yourself. If you think your online Password has been compromised, change it immediately online. Do not walk away from your computer if you are in the middle of a session. Once you have finished on the Internet, always sign off before visiting other Internet sites. If anyone else is likely to use your computer, clear your cache or turn off and reinitiate your browser in order to eliminate copies of Web pages that have been stored in your hard drive. How you clear your cache will depend on the browser and version you have. This function is generally found in your preferences menu. LoanGal.com strongly recommends that you use a browser with 128-bit encryption to conduct secure financial transactions over the Internet.

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Spyware

Financial institutions also incur risks when customers connect to Internet sites using computers infected with spyware. Customers can prevent and detect spyware by:

Installing and periodically updating anti-spyware, virus protection and firewall software. Carefully reading all End User Licensing Agreements and avoiding downloading software when licensing agreements are difficult to understand. Not opening e-mail from untrustworthy sources.

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Encryption

Encryption helps protect your private information so that it cannot be intercepted and read by a third party. Encryption is the scrambling of information for transmission back and forth between two points. A key is required to decode the information. When you request information about your accounts, the request is sent encrypted to LoanGal.com. We then decode your request for information and send it back to you in an encrypted format. When you receive it, your information is decoded so that you can read it. Until recently, no encryption requiring a key greater than 40-bit was permitted to be exported outside of the United States and Canada. This 40-bit encryption is known as international level, or export-grade encryption. The significantly stronger 128-bit encryption is referred to as U.S.- and Canada-only level, or domestic-grade encryption. If you are currently using a browser with 40-bit encryption, we would like you to upgrade now. With the release of 128-bit encryption capability and digital identity verification, you can download a Netscape or Microsoft browser that provides the highest level of encryption commercially available.

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40- or 128-bit Encryption - How to Tell the Difference

Most browser versions let you easily check your level of encryption:

For Netscape browsers.

Earlier versions have a key in the bottom left-hand corner of your screen, with one tooth for 40-bit or two teeth for 128-bit encryption. Later versions show a lock on the left side of the status bar. However, the lock does not make any visual distinction between 40- and 128-bit encryption. In these versions, to check your level of encryption, go to the "View" menu, select "Page Info," and look under the line that begins "Security."

For Microsoft browsers.

To check your level of encryption, go to the "File" menu, select "Properties," and then select "Security." Another way is to select "Help" then "About Internet Explorer." When you visit a site that requires encryption, your browser will display a key or a lock. If you are not in a secure area, the key or lock will be broken.

Keeping the Internet Safe

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LoanGal.com reviews and approves the use of different browsers to ensure that they meet our strict security standards. In addition to browser requirements, passwords and other safety features, LoanGal.com uses other methods to help ensure that your experience on the Internet is safe and secure. We have a precise authentication process to ensure that when you request information on your account, only you receive the information.

LoanGal.com's systems are protected by what's called a "firewall," allowing entry only to those who are authorized. For digital identity verification, we have a LoanGal.com digital server certificate by VeriSign that your browser uses each time you sign on to verify that indeed you are connected to LoanGal.com.

LoanGal.com does not request confidential information from customers via email or pop-up windows.

Additional Security Resources

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Prevalence of email and internet-related fraudulent schemes are increasing recently. To avoid becoming a victim, please visit the following web sites to learn more about online fraud.

"How Not to Get Hooked by the 'Phishing' Scam," published in July 2003, which is available at: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/online/pubs/alerts/phishingalrt.htm

"ID Theft: When Bad Things Happen to Your Good Name," published in September 2002, which is available at: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/online/pubs/credit/idtheft.htm

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