When you shop online you use a credit card which can put you at risk of identity theft. But there are simple ways to make it a safe shopping experience.
First, before you go browsing online you need to ensure your computer is safe. Think of it as locking the doors before you leave the house. That means you have to ensure you have all the latest operating system updates installed. Particularly, all the security patches for Internet Explorer. And you should use the most up-to-date version of whatever browser you use.
When it comes to security software, get the latest updates and scan your computer before you do your internet shopping. That way you can eliminate threats like keystroke loggers: internet prowlers who record your passwords, credit card numbers and pin numbers.
Finally, only go to sites you know -the names you recognize - and type in the web addresses yourself. Don't use links you've received in an e-mail. In summary: plug all the holes before you sail into the internet.
Once you're surfing different websites, be prepared to encounter scareware. Scareware attacks are pop-up windows that look like they come from your own computer warning that you've been infected with a virus. They then direct you to a site to buy and download anti-virus software to fix the problem. But the anti-virus software isn't anti-virus: it is a virus or several of them, along with other malware. And the worst part is the bad guys now have your credit card number.
Microsoft has been warning the public that scareware attacks are on the rise and now the company is fighting back. Microsoft has filed lawsuits against five companies, accusing them of being the source of scareware attacks.
If you get one of these pop-up warnings force the window to close through your task manager. Then do a virus scan with real software.
With a report from CTV British Columbia's Chris Olsen.
