VALIC realizes how important Internet security is to you, so we have taken a number of steps to help enhance the safety and confidentiality of information that is transmitted through the Internet to this site. The most important aspect of any security policy, however, is careful monitoring by you.

A: VALIC requires the use of a "secure Internet session" through a protocol called Secured Socket Layer (SSL) whenever confidential information is passed over the Internet. This includes any account-specific e-mail inquiries or use of VALIC Online.

A: During a secure Internet session using SSL, your computer and VALIC's server exchange "keys." These keys are used to scramble ― or encrypt ― the conversation. This creates a private conversation that only your computer and VALIC's server can understand.

A: SSL requires two components: an SSL-compatible browser, which you supply, and a Web server to perform the "key exchange," which VALIC supplies. Most of the current browsers support SSL; examples include Netscape ^â  Navigator (Communicator 4.0) and Microsoft ^â  Windows Internet Explorer. If you don't already have a browser that supports SSL capabilities, you should download one and install it before using the secure sections of this Web site. You can download an SSL browser from either of the links below:

• Netscape Navigator

• Microsoft Internet Explorer

A: Nearly all Internet Service Providers (ISPs) automatically enable SSL sessions, as do online services such as America Online ^â , CompuServe ^â  and Prodigy^TM. If you are using your company's internal connection to the Internet and you find that you cannot access this Web site's secured pages with an SSL-enabled browser, your company may be blocking access with a "firewall." Please speak to your company's Internet access system administrator for further details on your particular network setup.

A: The following sections are secured using SSL technology due to personal information being transmitted across the Internet:

• Contact Us — our e-mail section

• VALIC Online — account access section

A: The login ID and PIN are an additional level of security above the secure Internet session. It lets VALIC verify exactly who you are and prevents unauthorized access to your account information or to account-related transactions. You should NEVER share your PIN with anyone. If you feel that your PIN has been compromised, you should contact the VALIC Client Care Center at 1.800.448.2542 immediately.

A: Internet browser software often "caches" pages (temporarily stores them locally on a computer) as you look at them. If you are using a "public" computer, you may want to clear away these temporary files so that other users will not be able to see your information. Most browsers have features that allow you to clear these temporary files. You can also clear the cache by closing your browser software.