Shopping online has its risks, even for your Valentine!

Staff Writers
Thursday, 05 February 2009 15:31

IT Industry - Market

It may not necessarily all be love, romance and flowers on Valentine’s Day if you don’t heed the warning by one security company about the risks associated with purchasing gifts online for your Valentine.

With 14 February fast approaching, RSA, the security division of EMC, has issued a timely reminder to consumers that, while banks and financial institutions are continuing to ensure the online protection of their customers, “consumers still need to be aware of the risks associated with purchasing gifts online for their Valentine this year.”

Geoff Noble, RSA’s banking and finance specialist, Australia & New Zealand cautions that, while  "we've come a long way in protecting banks and their customers, we still need consumers to be aware of some important tricks to ensure their online safety".

Noble says there are a number of ways consumers can ensure that they are protected when shopping online and, amongst his tips to ensuring a happy Valentine’s Day, are:
• Don't give out information simply because it is requested. Give as little information as possible, and if sites  insist on information that doesn't seem justified, leave the site immediately.
• Choose strong passwords, update them regularly and make your password as long as possible.  Try not to use dictionary  words, and use a combination of numbers, letters and other characters.  Don't use variations of your name, address,  or any other personal information.
• Clear your cookies. Clearing these allows you to start afresh and helps protect you from potential hackers.
• Use reputable sites, go with companies you've heard of, which you have traded with successfully, and you know have  good reputations.
• Make sure the site's server is secure.  The website address shouldn't change or re-direct you to another site.   Instead, a closed padlock or key should appear on the page, letting you know your personal information will be  encrypted or scrambled.
• And finally, if you can, don't use shared computers for financial transactions.  It is easier for hackers to load  keyloggers on shared computers which means everything you type is captured before it's encrypted.