Taken from PCWorld Magazine, March 2013

Buying products online speeds up shopping and reduces hassle, but it also comes with risks. Here are some easy ways to lock down your online security and still get all your shopping done quickly.

• Secure your computer and devices by making sure your browser is updated, you have a decent antivirus and anti-malware program installed, and stick to the apps and websites you know.
• Pay attention to the address-bar padlock symbol and look for SSL encrypted sites (they will start with https:// instead of http://)
• Buy from reputable sellers.  If you are unsure, check with the Better Business Bureau or do a Google search for “company name complaints”.
• Give out as little detail as possible, and beware of sites seeking excessively personal information such as your Social Insurance Number.
• Never send your credit card number by email.  Make sure the payment site is SSL-encrypted, or use online payment services such as Paypal.
• Use common sense – if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. If a seller is making you uncomfortable, take your business elsewhere.