Following a rash of recent phishing attacks, more financial institutions are getting serious about the security of their online banking services.  So if you're asked personal questions before you log in, make sure you can remember the answers.

More online consumers are getting locked out -- for the right reasons.  Increased security efforts, due to consumer worries over online fraud and phishing, include stronger authentication processes for logging into accounts.  And that's good for you.  The median cost of an phishing incident increase to $850 this year, from $165 in 2005, according to Consumers Union (9/2006).

What's tripped up some consumers, though, is forgetting the precise answer to a question they set up.  Can't remember the name of your first boyfriend?  Can't come up with your high school mascot?  Don't recall the name of your first pet?  Sorry, you'll have to call and create an easier set of online questions for yourself.

The National Consumers League and the National Cyber Security Alliance offer these tips to stay safe online:

• Watch for "phishy" e-mails.  If a financial institution sends an e-mail asking you to confirm your personal information or claims that your account is about to be closed or frozen, delete the message and report it.  Don't bite -- legitimate companies and government agencies don't ask for personal information in this manner.

• Don't click on links within the e-mail messages.  If you do, you likely will be lured to a fake website that looks just like the real one, and your money will go into the pockets of identity thieves.

• Beware of "pharming."  This secretly plants a virum or malicious program in your computer and hijacks your web browser.  When you type in the address of a legitimate website, you're routed to a fake site without realizing it.  If you give your password or account information on the fake site, your account is open to fraud.

• Steer clear of giving personal information in a pop-up screen.  Even if you're on a legitimate site, an unauthorized pop-up screen created by a scam artist may appear and contain blanks for you to fill in your personal information.  Again, companies and government agencies do not collect information in this manner.

• Download and install spam filters, antivirus and anti-spyware software, and a firewall, and keep them up to date.  Go to www.onguardonline.gov for more information.

• Watch out for "vishers."  Phishers are turning to the phone to lure you into giving out personal information.  If you get an e-mail message urging you to call a phone number, and during the call you're asked for personal information, it's likely you've been "vished."

If you think you've been a victim, contact the Federal Trade Commission's ID Theft Clearinghouse at www.consumer.gov/idtheft or call 1-877-438-4338.