Triona's Tech Tips

The federal government predicts that online retail sales will reach over $235 billion this year. Here’s how you can shop safely online this holiday season.

• Before you shop, make sure you have adequate computer security protections, and that they are up to date. Where possible, consider using a browser other than Internet Explorer (like Firefox, Safari or Opera). If you must use Internet Explorer, be sure to use the latest version, and check update.microsoft.com for Windows and Microsoft Office security fixes.
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• You should also be sure that other programs like Flash and Adobe Acrobat Reader are up to date (here’s why). Secunia Online Software Inspector provides a quick way to do this for Windows users. Mac users should check Software Updates under the Apple menu, and visit web sites like adobe.com for common software to check for new versions.
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• Never shop from a public network or WiFi hotspot. Only do your shopping from a secure Internet connection, such as the one at your home or office.
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• See if your bank offers a virtual or one-time credit card number that you can use for online shopping. Or, get a credit card with a minimal limit (like $500) that you use exclusively for online purchases. Don’t use a debit card online, because it’s easier to get fraudulent charges removed from a credit card.
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• Shop with known retailers. If you’re thinking about doing business with a site you’ve never used before, do some Web searches for reviews to assess other customers’ satisfaction.
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• Never click an email link to reach the site. Such emails are often phishing scams trying to lure you into visiting malicious web sites. It’s safer to type the store’s Web site directly into your browser.
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• Only shop at sites that offer secure checkout. Look for the “https” (instead of “http”) in the address bar of your browser, but be warned that even secure sites can be compromised.
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• Beware of bad web links that may lead you to malicious ads.
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• Keep an eye on your credit card statements for erroneous charges or theft.
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• To avoid spam, create a separate email address for online purchases.
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• Print your receipts, either to paper or electronically to a PDF file. PC users will need a PDF program like FoxIt to do this. Mac users can simply select Print To PDF from the Print window.
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• As with anything else online, if a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is.

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