Foil cybercriminals this festive season

Doros Hadjizennonos

Recommendations

These can assist in helping consumers stay clear of some typical and not so typical holiday security threats.

• Make sure it is the real deal. Use caution when clicking on email links from retailers for offers, even if they appear to be from a big brand company. Malicious links could exploit your computer with malware or take you to a phishing site designed to steal your information. One way to determine the legitimacy of an offer or deal is simply to go directly to the company's website.

• Only shop from secure sites. When paying online, verify that you are on an SSL secured site (the Web address will start with https:// and have a little padlock icon next to it). Websites that are SSL secured will encrypt sensitive information, such as credit card numbers during the transaction. You can also click on the padlock icon to verify the identity of the certificate owner.

• Don't fall for phony holiday sweepstakes. Don't respond to emails or text messages, claiming that you have won a contest or sweepstakes that you never entered. Though these types of phishing scams are commonly distributed by email, they are now infiltrating mobile phones. Called smishing, these text message scams, requesting you text a 5 digit code to a specific mobile keyword, could lead to unwanted SMS fees and subscription costs. Simply delete the text message.

• Update your browser. Make sure your browser is updated with the latest version. This will help prevent cybercriminals from taking advantage of vulnerabilities in older versions of your browser during the holiday shopping season. Although it is inconvenient, you may consider disabling Java. The program is battling a slew of security vulnerabilities. This will sacrifice some websites' functionality, but it will prevent potential drive-by download attacks that could infect your PC.

• Use virtual credit cards. Consider using "virtual credit cards" for online shopping instead of your actual every day credit or debit card. These are temporary or disposable digits that are issued by banks or credit card companies free or a small fee. Virtual credit cards are usually one-time use only or have a limited amount on them, so if a cybercriminal gets hold of this number, your actual bank account is not at risk.

• Set up a separate email. Many retail sites require an email address to set up an account, login and make purchases. Set up and use a separate email account for your holiday shopping. This can help reduce spam and phishing attacks on your personal, every-day use email account and it lowers the risk of your personal information being stolen.

• Update your security software. As always, make sure your security software is running and up-to-date. There are wide varieties of free security solutions out there from which to choose, such as ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus + Firewall. However, at a minimum, pick a solution that has antivirus and a two-way firewall. Without minimum protection, you leave yourself highly vulnerable to online attacks.

Cybercriminals will always try to exploit the holiday season and target Internet users. However, by following a few simple precautions and trusting your gut, you will be well prepared to take advantage of online sales on all sorts of fun merchandise this year.