Cyber Security

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Cyber Security And Online Shopping

With the fame of Internet shopping nowadays, the importance of cyber security becomes necessary to everybody. Shopping, even in the real life, involves money and wherever there is money, there go the crooks. And since much shopping is now going on in cyber space, these crooks lost no time in following the money trail targeting online shoppers.

Online shopping became stylish when people discovered one is free from stress and fatigue caused by crowds and traffic. There's also the convenience of exploring whatever it is you want from your house, at your most convenient time, and paying for it without waiting in line. All of these with only a couple of click of a mouse.

Even so, the Internet is also a handy place for cyber crooks, as well They target the Internet shoppers, fraudulently obtaining data they can use for their own fiscal gains. These crooks use the three basic ways in assaulting the online shoppers.

Unprotected computers
Unprotected computers are easy prey for computer viruses and other malevolent codes used by cyber crooks to gain access to the data inside it. On the other end, Internet vendors have to protect their computers, too, against attackers who may access their customer databases.

Fake sites and e-mail messages
In the virtual Internet world, a site (or an Internet store) can be faked by these crooks, with no one the wiser. These fake web sites mimic the legitimate ones and inherit the business, at least until they are caught or noticed.

Charities had been misrepresented before, especially during natural disasters or holiday seasons where people pour in contribution money and aid. Most often, though, these attackers collect data for their own illegal use.

Cyber safety measures
Maintaining an cutting-edge anti-virus program, a firewall and anti-spyware is always the three-pronged first line of defense in cyber security. They protect you against computer viruses and Trojan horses that can steal or modify your information and make your computer vulnerable. Spyware could also give the attackers access to your information.

Updated browser
Web browser are the gateway between your computer and the World Wide Web. They must be updated first. Also, open the option of automatic updates to your computer so that the operating programs and utilities are up to date.

It is also important to check the default settings of your computer and apply the highest level of security. This will preempt the attackers to use default setting of the programs. This applies principally to web browsers, e-mail clients, etc. because these are the connectors to the Internet.

Reputable vendors
This is where care ought be taken because cyber crooks are very adept at mimicking the Internet sites of legitimate vendors and make it appear real. You need to verify their authenticity before furnishing any data. Keep the phone numbers and the physical addresses of these vendors which you can use in case of troubles.

Security features and private policies
As always, passwords and other security features add protection, if correctly used. Check into the site's privacy policy before handing out personal or financial data. You have to realize how your data is stored and used.

Encrypted data
Make sure the data you give out are encrypted. To check if it is, see if it includes a URL that begins with "https:" instead of "http:" and a padlock icon. If the padlock is closed, the data is encrypted. Know where the padlock icon is located in your favorite browser since some attackers use false padlock icons to trick users.

Use your credit card
Credit card regulations have laws that limit your financial obligation in case of fraud. This may not be the case for your debit card. Because debit cards withdraw money directly from your bank account, unauthorized withdrawals could leave you broke. Needless to say, a record of your purchases should be kept. Report at once any discrepancy.

Shopping online is truly a time saving, hassle-free, and fun way of buying whatever you want on the World Wide Web. The presence of the ubiquitous cyber criminals stalking at every cyber corner demands the need of cyber security also.

It is everyone's obligation. SJA