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HomePersonal BankingWealth ManagementSmall BusinessCommercialCorporate & InstitutionalAbout BMO

Security Glossary

Account takeover - A form of Identity Theft where a criminal gains complete control of your account(s) and blocks you from accessing them.

Application fraud - A form of Identity Theft where a criminal uses your personal information to open new accounts and applications without your knowledge.

Cache - Website files stored on your computer by your web browser to reduce the loading time when you re-visit a page.

Database - A collection of information used by virus scanners and anti-spyware programs to identify and remove threats to your computer.

Email encryption - A security feature used to scramble emails so that only you and an authorized representative can transmit/receive your confidential information.

Ethernet connection - The standard 'wired' connection to a cable or DSL modem.

Firewall - A program or device used to screen and identify threats in the data going to and from your computer.

Hard drive - The physical storage device for your computer's data.

Malicious software - Fraudsters install malware programs on your computer through various methods, such as hidden attachments to downloads. The malware programs can generate many different fraudulent and nefarious activities.

Network connection - How your computer connects to the Internet.

Phishing - A common Internet scam where criminals obtain confidential information by impersonating a trusted source through email.

Router - A common network device used to connect multiple computers to the same cable/DSL modem.

Session - The time between logging-in and logging-out of a secure website.

Spyware - Programs that intercept and transmit your personal information without your permission.

SSID - The unique name that you give your router.

Unsolicited email - An email that arrives requesting action/response when there is no grounds for such communication.

Virus - A destructive self-replicating program that spreads between computers by exchanging files between users.

Wireless connection - A way of connecting to the Internet without using wires, typically through a wireless router or access point.

Wireless encryption - A way of restricting access to a wireless connection by enforcing a password.

Worm – A self-propagating form of virus that can spread without users actively trading files.

BMO Financial Group is providing you with the information contained on these Security pages for your personal use only on the understanding that you agree that BMO Financial Group has no liability to you for providing you with this information, whether or not you rely on it. BMO Financial Group does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information. Links from this Website to other Websites, or references to products, services or publications other than those of BMO Financial Group, do not imply the endorsement or approval of such Websites, products, services or publications by BMO Financial Group.

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