Safe online transactions

In general, for all transactions online that require a level of security (involve a credit card or require use of a password and/or an account number), here are some good tips to remember:

• The most secure way to enter a site is by typing in the URL yourself
• Never follow a link from an email to a secure website.
• Change your passwords regularly and use strong passwords.
• Don't use the same passwords on different sites.
• Don't share or write down your passwords or save them on the computer.
• Do the Net basics. Install a basic firewall, anti-virus programme and anti-spyware programmes and keep them and your operating system all updated.
• Don't leave your computer unattended when engaged in an online transaction.
• Always log out when ending a secure transaction.
• Look for the padlock in the bottom right of your screen (which denotes a secure, encrypted session).  Learn about padlock certificates and what they should show and check that the certificate has a valid date. Also check that the :http on your browser has changed to :https to indicate a secure transaction.
• Conduct online transactions only with businesses that have a good reputation and exemplary privacy and other policy statements readily available.
• Be aware that if something goes awry in a transaction with a business outside of the country where you live, that it may be very difficult to get assistance to resolve the problem.
• Make hard copies of any online purchase transactions.
• When comparative shopping, be wary of any company where the price is dramatically lower than their competitor's for the exact same item (e.g. a well known laptop model being 50% less from one company).

Learn more about reducing risk while shopping online by visiting the 'Adults' section of this website.