ONLINE SHOPPING SAFETY TIPS

SAFE ONLINE SHOPPING:
THE MOZILLA CHECKLIST

• Download a secure browser
  Download a Web browser like Mozilla’s Firefox that supports Anti-Phishing and Anti-Malware to protect you from spyware and warn you about potentially fraudulent sites.

• Keep your software update: Make sure any software you download to your desktop or your mobile phone – including apps and add-ons – stays up to date. Manufacturers regularly release security updates to protect customers from evolving threats.

• Secure your passwords: Using a variety of upper and lower case letters, numbers and punctuation, create a unique password for each account you log into. CNET has a quick how-to on creating and remembering secure passwords; and the Firefox Password Manager securely stores usernames and passwords.

• Look for the 'S.' Never buy anything online from a site that doesn’t have SSL encryption. You’ll know because the site’s address will start with https:// instead of http://, and make sure not to provide your credit card information via email.

• Don’t sacrifice security for mobility: Don’t just stop at your home computer. Extend your security to shopping from your mobile phone by making sure you’re always connected to a secure wireless network or your mobile provider’s 3G network before you enter any personal information or passwords.

• Talk to your entire family about online safety: Make sure if your kids are using social networking sites, their privacy settings are set correctly and they are only talking to people they know. Just like in “the real world,” there is no better way to protect your children than giving them the knowledge and tools to make smart decisions. The FBI and American Academy of Pediatrics both have comprehensive guides to internet safety for parents.