CYBER SHOPPING &
 

ONLINE SECURITY

MINIMIZE. MONITOR. MANAGE.

MINIMIZE being a victim of fraud and identity theft

 
Be ALERT to use familiar trusted websites. Look for the Lock or SSL (secure sockets layer). The URL for the site starts with HTTPS:// instead of HTTP:// and will have a locked padlock icon typically at bottom of web browser or next to URL.
 
Be ALERT to protect against malware with regular updates to your anti-virus program.
 
Be ALERT when sharing your personal information. AVOID providing personal information in exchange for prizes or special offers as they can trick you to give away sensitive information.
 
Be careful when using public Wi-Fi networks. The safest public networks are those where you have to type in a password.
 
Be AWARE to use credit cards instead of debit cards as they offer better protection against unauthorized purchases.
 
Be ALERT to calculate the total price of your purchase. Before clicking on "buy," be ALERT the price includes shipping and handling, taxes and anything else that you expect from the purchase, such as discounts or coupons.

 

MONITOR

 
Be AWARE to monitor your statements. Regularly check online statements for fraudulent charges before bills arrive.

 

MANAGE

 
Be AWARE to use different strong passwords and change regularly for EACH site. 75% of people use their e-mail password for Facebook.
 
Passwords. Write out a short favorite movie title, poem, etc. Take the first letter of each word, add a symbol(s), capitalize one or two letters and place in a document. Copy and paste password in your document into your sign-in email. AVOIDS typing in a password as key strokes are found by hackers to gain entry.
 
Be an organized shopper. AVOID last minute panic shopping. Be ALERT of your budget, set limits and shop within your means to AVOID debt.
 
Shop safely. Be ALERT and AWARE to AVOID the risks of being a target when shopping online.