Shopping Tips

Before shopping online, you need to ensure the security of:

• Your PC
• Your Credit Card
• Your Online Shop

Your PC can get Spyware. These are unfriendly programs residing on your PC, that may have been copied there without your knowledge or consent. They typically "spy on" or "record" specific activities you perform on your own PC. They often arrive on your PC if you have downloaded programs such as music-copying programs, or sometimes even by visiting infected sites. The most dangerous of these are known as "keyloggers", as they can actually record the keys pressed on your keyboard. This means your password may be recorded when you type it in.

To remove these unfriendly programs, use one of these free spyware hunting programs. Both are excellent quality. Periodically check to ensure you have the latest version of these programs, and run them frequently, at least weekly.

Adaware  Free spyware
detector and deleter.

Search and Destroy - Free spyware detector and deleter.

It is also quite easy for somebody to remotely take control of your PC. To prevent this, use a firewall.

ZoneAlarm - Free firewall

Norton Internet Security has an excellent paid firewall and combination spyware detector.

If possible, have a separate credit card, with a low credit limit, for use on the internet.

Check that sites you purchase from use encryption for any financial transactions.

The Australian Government has a page on shopping advice at www.consumer.gov.au/html/shoppingelectronicage/brochure.html