At Home - Be Sure, Be Secure this Festive Season
Many of us choose to use the Internet for purchasing gifts, particularly at this time of year so it is important to remember the need for vigilance.
Being on guard online helps you protect your information, your computer, yourself and your family. There are a few simple guidelines that will help make shopping online more secure.
Do:
- ensure that you know who you are dealing with. Anyone can set up shop online under almost any name. Confirm the online seller’s physical address and phone number in case you have questions or problems;
- ensure that you know exactly what you are buying. Read the seller’s description of the product closely, especially the fine print. Words like "refurbished," "vintage," or "remainder" may indicate that the product is damaged or obsolete. High-value-label items with "too good to be true" prices are indeed probably too good to be true – i.e. counterfeits;
- be aware of what it will cost. Check out websites that offer similar goods and then compare prices;
- pay by credit or charge card. Do not send cash under any circumstances.
- email your financial information - email is not a secure method of transmitting sensitive personal information.
Everyone should be aware of the risks and as a minimum install the following three fundamental protections to help guard against online threats:
- anti-virus software;
- spyware protection;
- a firewall.
