Online Shopping Tips: How to ensure computer security before shopping online

Computer securityBefore shopping online, there are important steps to take to ensure that your computer is secure before making online purchases. These steps require responsible vigilance to protect your machine against potential security threats and will minimize possible Internet misfortunes when shopping online.

To ensure that your computer is secure, OnGuardOnline.gov, which is maintained by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recommends the following fundamental practices to make sure your online shopping experience is safe:

  1. Security Software
    The security software on a machine is a crucial and should include anti-virus software, anti-spyware software and a firewall at a minimum. It is critical that the software be set to update automatically and used on a regular basis.

    1. Anti-virus software
      Anti-virus software protects a computer against viruses and worms that can wreck havoc including slowing the performance of a computer, causing it to crash or giving spammers the opportunity to use your computer to send spam email. Top rated anti-virus programs by PC Magazine that require fee for service include:

      • McAfee AntiVirus Plus
      • Webroot SecureAnywhere AntiVirus
      • Symantec Norton AntiVirus Basic
      • Kaspersky Anti-Virus
      • Bitdefender Antivirus Plus

      A popular free anti-virus program is AVG Anti-Virus Free that was awarded an PC Magazine rating of 4 out of 5.

    2. Anti-spyware software
      Anti-spyware software protects your computer from spyware being downloaded to your computer without your consent. It blocks and eliminates illegal computer activity monitoring. Examples of threats include spyware that causes pop-up ads and spyware that redirects your browser to websites that you did not intend to go to.

      More serious spyware threats include those that monitor the user’s Internet surfing and keyloggers that record keystrokes made on a computer keyboard that can cause the theft of personal information. Consumer Affairs top choices for anti-spyware software include:

      • Total Defense
      • Total Defense
      • Panda Security
      • Panda Security
    3. Firewall
      Firewalls are similar to a security guard that safeguards a computer from outside infiltration. A firewall stands guard to block communication from outside unauthorized sources. Windows operating systems provide a firewall. To be sure that the firewall is enabled on your machines, check your manufacturer’s user manual.
  2. Operating Systems
    Make sure that your Windows or MAC operating system has the latest security patches. These security patches are issued by the manufacturer if and when security holes are discovered. You may choose the option to have the latest updates downloaded automatically. Ensuring that your machine has the latest security patches for your machine’s operating system will help defend it from potential security threats.
  3. Browsers
    Browser updates are released on a regular basis when security enhancements have been implemented. Hackers may take advantage of security flaws in browsers. Downloading the newest version of your favorite web browser is a vital step to be certain that your browser has the latest security features. Additional browser safety tips to increase browser security:

    • Internet Explorer
      Go to Tools > Internet options > Browsing History and delete temporary files, history, cookies, saved passwords and web form information.
    • Firefox
      Go to Tools > Options > Security and make sure security boxes are checked. For Privacy, start at Tools > Options > Privacy. Under Cookies, select the drop down box to “keep until: I close Firefox”. This will remove cookies from the browser. Under Private Data, check the box next to “Always clear my private date when I close Firefox.”
  4. Disconnect your computer’s Internet connection or turn it off when not in use.
    As an additional precaution measure, OnGuardOnline.gov recommends disconnecting the computer from its Internet connection when not in use. For wireless connections, you may either disconnect the wireless connection or simply turn off the computer for additional security. When a computer is disconnected, it is obviously not vulnerable to the intrusion of hacker attacks.

Bringing it Home
By implementing security precautions on your machine that are recommended by experts before you shop online, you will safeguard your computer and minimize potential threats.

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