Cybershopping
Rith a few key strokes and the click of a mouse you can shop at home from your computer. Sounds great, right? No traffic. No parking problems. No lines or crowds. No hassles with the weather. Online shopping can give new meaning to convenience and choice. But before you visit your favourite boutique on the net, take care to make your cybershopping experience. Think security, starting with your connection - the way your computer connects through telephone wires to contact the Internet - and your browser - the software that acts like a telephone to receive information on the Internet.
Unsecured information sent over the Internet can be intercepted. That's why you should consider a secure browser, which will encrypt or scramble purchase information. Use a secure browser that complies with industry standards, such as Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) or Secure Hypertext Transfer Protocol (S-HTTP). These often are included with Internet connection services. The credit and charge card industry is working on an enhanced level of security using Secured Electronic Transactions (SET). SET protocol provides a highly encrypted communication between card issuers, merchants and card members.
If you don't have encryption software to assure the security of your transaction, consider4 calling the company's 800 number, faxing your order, or paying by check or money order.
Shop with companies you know. If you'd like to try a new merchant, ask for a paper catalogue or brochure to get a better idea of their merchandise and services. Determine the company's refund policies before you place an order.
Never give out your Internet password.
Be original when creating your password(s). Consider using a combination of numbers, letters, and symbols, or use a phrase to remember it. For example:UR2G$48* - "Your are to give money for eight stars."
Avoid using established numbers for your password, such as your house number, birth date, or a portion of your telephone or Social Security numbers. It's a good idea to use different passwords to access specific areas on the Internet, such as the World Wide Web.
Be cautious if you're asked to supply personal information, such as your Social Security number, to conduct a transaction. It's rarely necessary and should raise a red flag. The
Comments