Analysts Predict Online Spending to Increase Six Billion Dollars This Year Although 78 Percent of Americans Are Not Fully Protected From Cyber Crimes

Are you going online to shop for the holidays this year? Some of us do it to avoid crowds, some to save gas and some for the thrill of shopping at any time day or night. Experts are predicting consumers will spend more money and more time shopping online this holiday season than ever before. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation's consumer protection agency and the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA), a non-profit organization devoted to cyber security education and awareness, announced ten simple tips to help consumers better secure their personal information and ensure they have a festive experience shopping online this holiday season.

A recent Forrester Research study reports that 11 percent of online shoppers said they would do 75 percent or more of their holiday spending online, translating to an estimated $33 billion in 2007, up from $27 billion in 2006. However, according to a recent McAfee/NCSA Online Safety Study, 78 percent of Americans' computers are not fully protected from hackers and cyber criminals. Moreover, 64 percent of Americans cannot determine whether a Web site is safe before visiting it. By following simple cyber security tips, consumers can better protect themselves and their computers while shopping online this holiday season.

"The Monday after Thanksgiving is known as Cyber Monday and it's the biggest holiday shopping day of the year. Last year, Cyber Monday online sales generated a record $608 million compared to $457.4 million on Black Friday," said Ron Teixeira, executive director, NCSA. "It's clear that more Americans find it convenient and easy to do their holiday shopping online while they're at home or work. However, just because people are shopping online doesn't mean they can let their guard down. Like in the physical world, cyber criminals don't take a vacation during the holiday season, so it's important for shoppers to protect computers and personal information by following a few simple tips."

  1. Check out the seller. If you're thinking about shopping on a site with
     which you're not familiar, do some independent research before you buy.
     -- If it's your first time on an unfamiliar site, call the seller's
        phone number, so you know you can reach them if you need to. If you
        can't find a working phone number, take your business elsewhere.
     -- Type the site's name into a search engine: If you find unfavorable
        reviews posted, you may be better off doing business with a
        different seller.
     -- Read the site's privacy policy to learn how it uses and shares your
        personal information.
     -- Consider using a software toolbar that rates websites and warns you
        if a site has gotten unfavorable reports from experts and other
        Internet users. Some reputable companies provide free tools that may
        alert you if a website is a known phishing site or is used to
        distribute spyware.

  2. Read return policies. Despite your best intentions, some gifts may need
     to be returned or exchanged. Before you buy, read the return policy.
     Some retailers give customers extra time so gifts can be returned or
     exchanged after the holidays; others give purchasers as little as a
     week -- if they accept returns at all. A number of retailers offer
     shorter return windows for certain products and some charge
     "restocking" fees. Find out who covers the shipping cost -- the
     customer or the merchant -- on a return or exchange, and if your online
     purchase can be returned to a brick-and-mortar store.

  3. Know what you're getting. Read the seller's product description
     closely. Name-brand items at greatly reduced prices could be
     counterfeit.

  4. Don't fall for a false email or pop-up. Legitimate companies don't send
     unsolicited email messages asking for your password or login name, or
     your financial information. But scammers do. In fact, crooks often send
     emails that look just like they're from legitimate companies -- but
     direct you to click on a link, where they ask for your personal
     information. Delete these emails. They're an attempt to get your
     information and to facilitate identity theft or other crimes. In
     addition, just clicking a link in a fraudulent email could install
     spyware on your computer.

  5. Look for signs a site is safe. When you're ready to buy something from
     a seller you trust, look for signs that the site is secure, such as a
     closed padlock on the browser's status bar, before you enter your
     personal and financial information. When you're asked to provide
     payment information, the beginning of the Web site's URL address should
     change from http to shttp or https, indicating that the purchase is
     encrypted or secured.

  6. Secure your computer. At a minimum, your computer should have
     anti-virus and anti-spyware software, and a firewall. Security software
     must be updated regularly to help protect against the latest threats.
     Set your security software and operating system (like Windows or
     Apple's OS) to update automatically. Visit OnGuardOnline.gov or and
     staysafeonline.org to learn more about security software, firewalls,
     and other ways to secure your computer. To sign up for free cyber
     alerts and tips from the Department of Homeland Security visit:
     US-CERT.gov.

  7. Consider how you'll pay. Credit cards generally are a safe option
     because they allow buyers to seek a credit from the issuer if the
     product isn't delivered or isn't what was ordered. Also, if your credit
     card number is stolen, you generally won't be liable for more than $50
     in charges. Don't send cash or use a money-wiring service because
     you'll have no recourse if something goes wrong.

  8. Know the full price, and check out incentives. If you're looking for
     the best deal, compare total costs, including shipping and handling.
     The holiday season is prime time for online retailers, and many are
     offering incentives like free shipping. But some "free" shipping deals
     may come with strings attached, such as requirements to spend a minimum
     amount or buy certain products. Consider whether one company offers a
     more generous return policy. If you use a price comparison site to find
     a bargain, enter the product's model number, and be as specific as you
     can about its features.

  9. Keep a paper trail. Print and save records of your online transactions,
     including the product description and price, the online receipt, and
     copies of any email you exchange with the seller. Read your credit card
     statements as soon as you get them to make sure there aren't any
     unauthorized charges.

 10. Turn your computer off when you're finished shopping. Many people leave
     their computers running 24/7, the dream scenario for scammers who want
     to install malicious software on your machine and then control it
     remotely to commit cyber crime. To be extra safe, switch off your
     computer when you are not using it.

About The National Cyber Security Alliance

The National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) is a collaborative effort among experts in the security, non-profit, academic and government fields to teach consumers, small businesses and members of the education community about Internet security. The NCSA aims to increase awareness about the risks associated with using Internet technologies and how to help protect against them, while also providing free tips, checklists and best practices for remaining safe while online.

Source: National Cyber Security Alliance

For more information:
http://www.onguardonline.gov/
http://www.staysafeonline.org/