More people than ever are going online to shop and manage their day-to-day finances. In fact, according to a survey by the Pew Internet and American Life Project, more than 50 million people in the US — about 44% of all Internet users in the country — now bank online. And by 2010, close to 80 million people could be banking online.

Most people find it faster and more convenient than driving to their local branch. It may also be safer: Because online account holders have quick, round-the-clock access to their account records, they may spot errors or fraud more quickly than people who wait to receive a statement in the mail. Here are five Internet security tips that will go a long way toward protecting you:

1. Check for Web page security before making a transaction.
   Check for a key or padlock icon at the bottom right of your browser window before transmitting sensitive information over the Internet. Make sure that the Web address or URL next to the icon that appears when you double-click on the icon matches the URL of the page you are viewing.
   
   
2. Keep your operating system and browser up-to-date.
   Make sure your computer is running the manufacturer’s current recommendations. You can usually download upgrades over the web.
   
   
3. Be password savvy.
   Choose passwords that are easy for you remember but difficult for other people to guess — ideally a combination of letters and numbers. Change passwords regularly. Memorize passwords rather than writing them down and leaving them near your computer or in your wallet. And avoid using auto-logon programs or selecting “Remember my password.”
   
   
4. Use anti-virus and firewall protection.
   Anti-virus and personal firewall software not only protects the data on your computer, but also prevents it from being used as a platform to attack other computers. Update it regularly: The latest versions will alert you when the manufacturer has updates available.
   
   
5. Back up your data.
   Back up your important computer files to a zip disk, CD, or USB drive at least once a month.