Consumer confidence in the safety of online shopping is riding high according to a recent survey carried out by Kaspersky Lab. Experts however warn that users and online retailers still need to be alert to threats as criminals become more intelligent and their methods become more sophisticated.
In their survey, Kaspersky Lab found that 85 percent of the people questioned have plans to shop online before Christmas.
This statistic shows the growth and confidence in online shopping, which is thought to be synonymous with the fact that many consumers have never been hit by an attack, simply because theyve been lucky and not because theyve been more astute with the threats of online shopping.
It is therefore essential to raise awareness of the threat of cyber crime to the average consumer and how it can be prevented.
LaughingDeals is an online shopping website affiliated to over 200 well known businesses, e.g. Sony, Dell, PC World, and more. The site is designed to guide consumers to the best online deals from top vendors.
It therefore only seems natural for us to help the online shopper by preparing a concise guide on how to make online shopping a more secure and rewarding experience.
We have teamed up with internet security specialists at Ambleton Computing to bring you this 10 point guide.
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Always Use Secure Sites.
You can tell a site is secure using several methods. Please note that not all symbols and methods need to be applicable or present to designate a secure site:
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Look at the top of your screen where the web sites address is displayed. Here you should see https:// and not http:// - note the added s at the end of http.
This "s" denotes that the web site is secure.
Often, you will not see the https:// until you actually move to the payment page on the web site.
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A closed (locked) padlock at the bottom or top of your internet browser is also another way of determining if the site is secure.
If the lock is open then you should assume the site is not secure.
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The final symbol to look out for is a symbol of a key.
An unbroken key designates a secure site.
When a site is secure the information that is transmitted between you and the merchant is encrypted to prevent hackers from snooping on vital information.
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Check Digital Certificates.
Where possible, only use a website with an approved SSL (Secure Socket Layer) digital certificate. A site with a good digital certificate will provide assurance for Internet security and enable the strongest SSL encryption available to every site visitor.
Digital certificates are often recognised by a symbol emblazoned on the page when you make payment you can click on this logo for more details of the certificate and to verify its authenticity.
There are many big names that issue digital certificates, including Verisign, Thawte, GeoTrust and more.
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Check Payment Methods.
Some websites may not accept some credit / debit cards. In these instances it is best to avoid these websites and to find another one offering similar services / products.
When it comes to paying for products and services online, using credit cards is one of the safest means.
Avoid all websites that ask for money transfers through Western Union or BACs transfers.
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Secure Your PC.
Secure your PC with good anti-virus and anti-spyware software.
Not only this, but make sure that the automatic updates settings is enabled, so you have the latest protection against the latest attacks.
There are many free anti-virus and anti-spyware solutions available to consumers.
Tip:
Our recommendations for good anti-spyware software :
SpyBot (Search and Destroy) - http://www.safer-networking.org/
Ad-Aware - http://www.lavasoft.de/
Our recommendations for good anti-virus software :
AVG Anti Vrus - http://free.grisoft.com/
A personal firewall is also highly recommended and can prevent unauthorised access to your machine. If you have a broadband router or modem then its highly likely that you already have firewall built-in to the router / modem. Check the manual and confirm that this is enabled.
Windows XP and other operating systems also come preinstalled with a firewall so again ensure that this is enabled.
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Use Low Limit Credit Card.
The safest way to pay online is by credit card as they come with additional protection and limited liability.
When using a credit card it is advisable to use a low limit card to minimise the damage someone can do if that card is compromised.
Debit cards are a different ball game as they are more like cash transaction in that when they are used cash is deducted almost instantly. If you use a debit card then have an account with a small balance for online transactions.
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Check Your Credit Report and Credit Card Bills.
Pay attention to your credit report as well as your credit card bills. If your identity is stolen and you dont complain, no one will know the difference.
Check your statements for purchases you didn't make and follow them up.
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Research Website.
Only shop with an online store that you trust and are confident with.
Carry out a few background checks on the business by;
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checking on the seller's reputation
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looking for feedback comments from other customers
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perform a few web searches on Google and see what comes up
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give the store a call and talk to someone on the other side to vet the authenticity of the business.
If anything looks out of place dont be afraid to ask questions or look somewhere else.
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Keep Records.
Maker a note of all confirmation numbers and order numbers.
We suggest you retain the following records for all online shopping transactions :
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A printout of the web pages indicating the seller's name, postal address, and telephone number;
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A printout of the web pages describing the item(s) that you ordered;
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A printout of the web pages or pop-up screens that provide the seller's legal terms;
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Printouts of any e-mail messages (for example, confirmation messages) that you send to or receive from the seller. This includes:
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Those that might show that the seller indicated that the product would be suitable for the specific purpose for which you needed it
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Those in which you notify the seller of problems with the merchandise that you have received
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Those that would show your good faith attempt to resolve with the merchant a charge that you do not feel should have been made to your credit card.
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Notes or e-mail confirmations of any telephone conversations that you have with the seller.
Make sure all records are dated.
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Be Wary of Emails and Phishing Sites.
Be cautious of all e-mails that ask for personal information, even if the email takes you to a website that looks like the business youre dealing with its very easy to make a website look genuine by copying the HTML code.
Legitimate businesses dont send e-mails claiming problems with an order or an account to lure the "buyer" into revealing financial information. If youre concerned then call the contact number on the Web site where you made the purchase to ask if there was a problem with your transaction.
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Take Your Time.
Always take your time and be in the best frame of mind when sending personal details online. Do not hurry through a transaction and be completely aware of the item you are purchasing, where youre purchasing it from and how youre purchasing.
Be attentive to all messages and warnings properly and dont just click on OK.
The trend for online shopping is only set to increase and become a greater part of our everyday lives therefore its crucial for consumers to be e-wise with the possible threats of online shopping in order to make their experience more rewarding.
LaughingDeals Daily Deals Online
http://www.laughingdeals.com/
Sponsored by Ambleton Computing Professional Internet Consultants
http://www.ambleton.com/
