Shopping Safely Online

•  Targeting vulnerable computers – If you do not take steps to protect your computer
  from viruses or other malicious code, an attacker may be able to gain access to
  your computer and all of the information on it. It is also important for vendors to
  protect their computers to prevent attackers from accessing customer databases.
• Creating fraudulent sites and email messages – Unlike traditional shopping, where
  you know that a store is actually the store it claims to be, attackers can create
  malicious web sites that mimic legitimate ones or create email messages that
  appear to have been sent from a legitimate source. Charities may also be
  misrepresented in this way, especially after natural disasters or during holiday
  seasons. Attackers create these malicious sites and email messages to try to
  convince you to supply personal and financial information.
•  Intercepting insecure transactions – If a vendor does not use encryption, an
  attacker may be able to intercept your information as it is being transmitted.

• Use and maintain anti-virus software, a firewall, and anti-spyware software –
  Protect yourself against viruses and Trojan horses that may steal or modify the
  data on your own computer and leave you vulnerable by using anti-virus software
  and a firewall. Make sure to keep your virus definitions up to date. Spyware or
  adware hidden in software programs may also give attackers access to your data,
  so use a legitimate anti-spyware program to scan your computer and remove any
  of these files.
• Keep software, particularly your web browser, up to date – Install software patches
  so that attackers cannot take advantage of known problems or vulnerabilities. Many
  operating systems offer automatic updates. If this option is available, you should
  enable it.
• Evaluate your software's settings – The default settings of most software enable all
  available functionality. However, attackers may be able to take advantage of this
  functionality to access your computer. It is especially important to check the
  settings for software that connects to the Internet. Apply the highest level of
  security available that still gives you the functionality you need.
• Do business with reputable vendors – Before providing any personal or financial
  information, make sure that you are interacting with a reputable, established
  vendor. Some attackers may try to trick you by creating malicious web sites that
  appear to be legitimate, so you should verify the legitimacy before supplying any
  information. Locate and note phone numbers and physical addresses of vendors in
  case there is a problem with your transaction or your bill.
• Take advantage of security features – Passwords and other security features add
  layers of protection if used appropriately.
• Be wary of emails requesting information – Attackers may attempt to gather
  information by sending emails requesting that you confirm purchase or account
  information. Legitimate businesses will not solicit this type of information through
  email.
• Check privacy policies – Before providing personal or financial information, check
  the web site's privacy policy. Make sure you understand how your information will
  be stored and used.
• Make sure your information is being encrypted – Many sites use SSL, or secure
  sockets layer, to encrypt information. Indications that your information will be
  encrypted include a URL that begins with "https:" instead of "http:" and a padlock
  icon. If the padlock is closed, the information is encrypted. The location of the icon
  varies by browser; for example, it may be to the right of the address bar or at the
  bottom of the window. Some attackers try to trick users by adding a fake padlock
  icon, so make sure that the icon is in the appropriate location for your browser.
• Use a credit card – There are laws to limit your liability for fraudulent credit card
  charges, and you may not have the same level of protection for your debit card.
  Additionally, because a debit card draws money directly from your bank account,
  unauthorized charges could leave you with insufficient funds to pay other bills. You
  can further minimize damage by using a single credit card with a low credit line for
  all of your online purchases.
• Check your statements – Keep a record of your purchases and copies of
  confirmation pages, and compare them to your bank statements. If there is a
  discrepancy, report it immediately.