Right Column

E-Consumer Tips - Is the Web Site Secure?

Top 10 Tips | Leaving Footprints in Cyberspace | Is the Web Site Secure? | E-Consumer Glossary | Links

Protecting your Personal Information

When buying online, be sure you're doing business on secure Web sites. Unscrupulous "hackers" can exploit unsecure sites to steal your Social Security number and your credit card number. This information could be used to steal your identity.

Most e-commerce Web sites secure your personal information by encrypting or scrambling the data. Netscape and Internet Explorer users can check Web site security by following these instructions:

1. Look for the Lock symbol
   Check the status bar at the bottom of your Web browser window for an unbroken lock symbol. This means your personal information is scrambled, and no one can read it but the e-business you've contacted.
2. Look for "https" in the Web Site's Address
   Secure sites have "https" at the beginning of the address, rather than "http." The "s" stands for "secure" and indicates the information you send is encrypted or scrambled, so it can't be read during transmission.

3. Check the Certificate
   Double-click on the lock symbol to view the security certificate. Make sure the certificate is "Issued to" the Web site and the "Valid from" dates are current.
   - Internet Explorer

   - Netscape
   

4. Verify Your Security Level
   Your Web browser should have at least "128-bit encryption." For Netscape, check the "View/Page Info" menu item. For Internet Explorer, check the "File/Properties" menu item. If you don't have "128-bit encryption," you can download it for free at: www.microsoft.com or www.netscape.com.

   - Internet Explorer

   - Netscape

   If you have any doubts about the Web site's security, consider placing your order by phone.