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Consumers urged to be vigilant when online shopping this festive season
[Wed 30/11/2011 11:58:41]
With Australian shoppers expected to flock to the internet in unprecedented numbers this year to do their Christmas shopping, anti-virus software company AVG warns this season is a popular time for cyber criminals to cause problems.
It has advised against online shopping using public Wi-fi because anyone can download software, which steals information from public networks.
Checking the URL twice is another handy tip as the small screens on smartphones don’t show the full web address. Hackers can take advantage of this and add to the URL to lead shoppers to corrupt sites.
“The fastest and easiest way to score a great deal may be online – but shopping on your computer, tablet or smartphone also creates opportunities for cybercriminals to attack,” says Michael McKinnon, security advisor at AVG (AU/NZ).
“Online holiday shopping is a prime time for hackers to re-route funds, steal personal information and trick consumers into online scams. Before shoppers kick off the holiday season, we want to remind consumers to be smart and stay safe, and ensure their computers and mobile devices are properly protected with anti-virus software.”
Consumers are also urged to download free link scanning software which prevents shoppers from going to sites designed to steal personal and financial data.
But we’re also urged to be careful when out and about as pickpockets can steal information on mobile phones from a distance. Security software is available for mobiles as well as computers.
“As you Ho, Ho, Ho through the peace and quiet of your online Christmas shopping, please be careful that the bargain you’ve just found doesn’t come with any unwanted extras. Think before you click,” McKinnon adds.
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