State of Oklahoma
Monthly Security Tips
NEWSLETTER
November 2009 Volume 4, Issue 11
From the Desk of CPT Jeff Elliott, Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security
Online Holiday Shopping Tips
The holiday season is approaching quickly and many of us will be shopping online. ComScore
estimates that in one day alone last year --Cyber Monday on December 1--$846 million was spent in
online shopping, marking a 15% jump from 2007. With the increased volume of online shopping, it’s
important that consumers understand the potential security risks and know how to protect
themselves and their information.
The following tips are provided to help promote a safe, secure online shopping experience:
- Secure your computer. Make sure your computer has the latest security updates
installed. Check that your anti-virus/anti-spyware software is running and receiving
automatic updates. If you haven’t already done so, install a firewall before you begin
your online shopping.
- Upgrade your browser. Upgrade your Internet browser to the most recent version available.
Review the browser’s security settings. Apply the highest level of security available that still gives
you the functionality you need.
- Ignore pop-up messages. Set your browser to block pop-up messages. If you do receive
one, click on the "X" at the top right corner of the title bar to close the pop-up message.
- Secure your transactions. Look for the "lock" icon on the browser's status bar and be sure
“https” appears in the website’s address bar before making an online purchase. The "s" stands for
"secure” and indicates that the webpage is encrypted. Some browsers can be set to warn the
user if they are submitting information that is not encrypted.
- Use strong passwords. Create strong passwords for online accounts. Use at least eight
characters, with numbers, special characters, and upper and lower case letters. Don’t use
the same passwords for online shopping websites that you use for logging onto your
home or work computer. Never share your login and/or password.
- Do not e-mail sensitive data. Never e-mail credit card or other financial/sensitive
information. E-mail is like sending a postcard and other people have the potential to read
it.
- Do not use public computers or public wireless to conduct transactions. Don’t use public
computers or public wireless for your online shopping. Public computers may contain malicious
software that steals your credit card information when you place your order. Criminals may be
monitoring public wireless for credit card numbers and other confidential information.
- Review privacy policies. Review the privacy policy for the website/merchant you are visiting.
Know what information the merchant is collecting about you, how it will be used, and if it will be
shared or sold to others.
- Make payments securely. Pay by credit card rather than debit card. Credit/charge card
transactions are protected by the Fair Credit Billing Act. Cardholders are typically only
liable for the first $50 in unauthorized charges. If online criminals obtain your debit card
information they have the potential to empty your bank account.
- Use temporary account authorizations. Some credit card companies offer virtual or
temporary credit card numbers. This service gives you a temporary account number for
online transactions. These numbers are issued for a short period of time and cannot be
used after that period.
- Select merchants carefully. Limit your online shopping to merchants you know and trust.
Confirm the online seller's physical address and phone number in case you have questions or
problems. If you have questions about a merchant check with the Better Business Bureau or the
Federal Trade Commission.
- Keep a record. Keep a record of your online transactions, including the product
description and price, the online receipt, and copies of every e-mail you send or receive
from the seller. Review your credit card and bank statements for unauthorized charges.
What to do if you encounter problems with an online shopping site:
If you have problems shopping online contact the seller or site operator directly. If those attempts are not
successful, you may wish to contact the following entities:
- the Attorney General's office in your state
- your county or state consumer protection agency
- the Better Business Bureau at: www.bbb.org
- the Federal Trade Commission at: www.ftc.gov/
For additional information about safe online shopping, please visit the following sites:
For more monthly cyber security newsletter tips visit: www.msisac.org/awareness/news/
The information provided in the Monthly Security Tips Newsletters is intended to increase the security awareness of an
organization’s end users and to help them behave in a more secure manner within their work environment. While some
of the tips may relate to maintaining a home computer, the increased awareness is intended to help improve the
organization’s overall cyber security posture. Organizations have permission--and in fact are encouraged--to brand
and redistribute this newsletter in whole for educational, non-commercial purposes.
Brought to you by: www.msisac.org