Exercise Paranoia while Shopping Online

A survey conducted by security outfit Sophos revealed that 71% of computer users will do their holiday shopping online in 2006. This figure has determined Sophos to advise online shoppers to exercise caution to the point of paranoia when it comes to giving out confidential details on their identity or banking information.

"A web poll of 280 computer users, conducted by Sophos, has revealed that 71% will shop online this holiday. According to APACS, the UK trade association for payments, an estimated �1.2 million ($ 2.3 million USD) is lost to card fraudsters everyday, with an incident of online fraud occurring every nine seconds," stated Sophos via a press release.

Sophos additionally presented a number of security tips designed to increase their online safety. First off, it is crucial that home users deploy some sort of security solutions on their machines, preferably a bundle of anti-virus and firewall. Moreover, sensitive information should be entered only on a safe computer.

In the end, the only protection that will make a difference is the end user and his ability not to fall victim to social engineering phishing schemes. That is why Sophos advises making online transactions only via reputable sites.

But even here there is a catch. According to another Sophos study dating back to July 2006, in excess of 75% of phishing emails are directed to eBay and PayPal users. "Reasonable levels of paranoia when shopping online can save you from being targeted by cybercriminals,"said Carole Theriault, senior security consultant at Sophos. "People should treat the internet as they would a power tool: it can take the pain out of a task, providing it is used responsibly. Safety precautions are there for a reason."