Safety While Online Transactions
Ralph Winn | Jun 29, 2011 | Comments 0
The invention and continuous development of the World Wide Web has enabled so many possibilities that were just but a dream in the 80s and 70s. Today, one can be able to shop for goods and services from the comfort of their own homes, transfer funds online and conduct meetings via videoconferencing amongst other activities. Whereas, the web has simplified the way business is transacted in the present generation it has not come without a price. There are hundreds of online threats such as, viruses, hacking, identity theft, worms, phishing sites and Trojans amongst others that users are constantly exposed to every time they are online.
As a result, many have lost vital data, their identities and above all money whilst transacting business online. Therefore, it is extremely paramount that every online user takes certain precautionary steps to ensure that they are protected 24/7.
This article discusses into detail some of the precautions which online users need to take before going online or logging into a particular website:
Tips and guidelines
Tip # 1 – Secure your system
Before anything else, you need to make sure that your computer system has been secured from likely online attacks. This can be done by:
- Installing and updating an effective antivirus. This is a program that safeguards your computer from virus attacks and eliminates viruses that are already in your computer system. Viruses evolve on a daily basis and it is important that your keep your antivirus program database updated at all times.
- Installing and updating antispyware. There are certain malicious programs that are sent through emails or are disguised as vital downloads and may escape antivirus but are detected by antispyware. Fortunately, most antivirus security applications are incorporated with antispyware. Nonetheless, you can still install and update a separate antispyware.
- Installing a firewall: A firewall is a security program that monitors and filters traffic to and from your computer. This will prevent malicious codes from sending vital information from your PC and getting into your local area network (LAN).
Tip #2 – Domain change
When transacting business online make certain that you have verified the domain name of the website you are using. There are malicious online criminals who use domain names that are similar to some online stores so as to confuse online users. These are also known as phishing sites. For example if you are used to shopping at Beatstore.net and it the URL changes to Beetstore.net the moment you click on “check out” you are being taken to a different site and you need to immediately cease all activities. If you enter information on that site you are but giving away your personal details. Consequently, take time to analyze the URL. It has to be the exact web address you have been using character by character. What’s more, check that the URL changes from http to https. The latter indicates that you are in a secure environment.
Last but not least, avoid transacting on websites that hide their domain name details. In case the site hides its details, then you need to be aware.
Filed Under: Identity Theft
