They should tell you how your financial account numbers and other personal information are safeguarded during transmission, and whether that information is protected afterward if it is stored. Usually the information is encrypted (scrambled in a private code) so no one else can read it.

• Don't believe Web sites that tell you that your financial or other personally sensitive information doesn't have to be encrypted.
   
• It's important for a Web site to tell you not only how your information is protected during transmission but also what safety precautions it takes to prevent outsiders from "hacking" into its customer databases and to prevent employees from abusing the information.
  

Do business with companies you know and trust.

Be sure you know who the company is and where it is physically located. Businesses operating in cyberspace may be in another part of the country or in another part of the world. Resolving problems with companies that are unfamiliar can be more complicated in long-distance or cross-border transactions.

Watch the address bar at the top of the computer screen.

At the point that you are asked to provide your financial account information, Social Security number, or other sensitive personal information, the letters at the beginning of the address will change to either "https" or "shttp," depending on the security system the Web site uses. To make sure you can see the first letters, highlight the address, click either the right or left arrow key (it doesn't matter which) and then click the home key.

• If you're not sure whether it's safe to give your payment or other sensitive information online, you may be able to provide it by telephone or some other offline method.
   
• If you have any questions about a Web site's security practices, contact the site directly to ask.
  

Your browser may show you that the information you give on a Web site is secure.

Look for a symbol at the bottom of your computer screen such as a broken key that becomes whole or a lock that closes. The "Help" section on your browser software or in your manual should describe any feature that confirms that proper security is being used. Don't send your credit card number or other sensitive information by email, since it is not usually secure.

• Contact your software manufacturer if you can't find information on security in the "Help" section of your browser or in your manual.
   
• If your browser doesn't include a security detection feature, consider updating it to one that does.
  

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Avoid catching a "virus" on your computer.

Don't open attachments to emails from strangers. There may be a virus planted in the attachment that could damage your computer programs or your files. It also could expose sensitive information you may have stored in your computer, such as financial accounts, to prying eyes. If the message looks like it's from someone you know but the heading seems strange, check with that person before opening the attachment. Delete suspicious messages. Viruses also may be hidden in programs you download from the Internet. Consider using and regularly updating anti-virus software on your computer that can alert you to possible infection.

• Don't forward email attachments or programs you've downloaded to others unless you're sure they're virus-free.
   
• If your computer has caught a virus, you may be able to use anti-virus software to clear it. Some viruses can't be easily removed. Depending on the problem that a virus has caused, you may need to delete all the programs from your hard drive and reinstall them or replace some hardware. Contact the manufacturer of the affected systems for advice.
  

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Know your rights if your payment information is stolen.

Federal law limits your responsibility for unauthorized credit card charges to $50, and most credit card companies don't require any payment if you report the problem as soon as you discover it. You also can challenge unauthorized use of your debit card or withdrawals from your bank account. Your legal rights in those cases aren't the same as with credit card charges, but your bank or debit card company may voluntarily offer greater protection.

• Check your credit card and bank account statements promptly to spot mistakes or unauthorized charges. If you keep your account records online, look at them regularly.
   
• In addition to mathematical errors and purchases you didn't make, you can dispute credit card charges if you never received the goods or services or they were misrepresented.
   
• Notify your credit card issuer or bank immediately if you find any problems.
   
• Some online services are charged to consumers' telephone bills. If anyone else uses your computer and agrees to such charges, you may be held responsible. Tell every person who has access to your computer not to download programs, even if they are advertised as free, without checking with you first. Contact the telephone company and your state public utility commission to find out about your rights regarding disputed telephone charges.
  

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Take extra security precautions when you have broadband Internet access.

Broadband services, which provide consumers faster access to the Internet, are increasingly available through telephone companies, cable companies, and by satellite. If you have broadband service, you're always connected to the Internet when your computer is turned on.

• When you're connected to the Internet through broadband service you're more vulnerable to "hackers" who may try to get financial and other personal information that is stored in your computer.
   
• You can protect yourself by using a "firewall," special software that creates a barrier so unauthorized people can't get into your computer system.
   
• If you are not using your computer for extended periods of time, make sure you turn it off. A hacker cannot access a computer that is not on.
  

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