Email this pagePC Tools Predicts November 24th could be the worst day for Internet attacks during holiday shopping season
UNITED STATES, San Francisco - November 19, 2008: Leading security software vendor, PC Tools, announced today that Monday, November 24, 2008 is likely to be the most dangerous day of the year for online holiday shopping when it comes to online threats.
Research conducted using PC Tools’ global ThreatFire community, which now includes over 500,000 computer users, determined that last year the highest incidence of prevented spyware attacks occurred November 19, 2007, just three days before Thanksgiving. If this trend continues, the highest incidence of online attacks is likely to occur this year on Monday, November 24th 2008.
According to the 2008 eHoliday Study, conducted by Shop.org, a division of the National Retail Federation, “cost-conscious shoppers are making their way online and into stores earlier this year in hopes of stretching their holiday dollars” 1
“PC Tools is releasing this information so consumers can ensure they have the right protection when they shop online this holiday season,” said Michael Greene, PC Tools Vice President of Product Strategy. “One of the best ways to protect yourself is to use security software that features behavioral technology. PC Tools’ security software includes this technology, which gives users an unparalleled level of protection.”
Greene adds, “While traditional security software protects you from some threats, by adding our behavioral technology you receive better protection from all the latest threats. Behavior Guard is built on the award-winning ThreatFire™ product and is now seamlessly integrated into PC Tools Internet Security 2009 and available for registered users of Spyware Doctor 6 with Anti-Virus. PC Tools also offers the Browser Defender™ toolbar which provides website safety alerts while users browse and search the Internet, including patent pending browser exploit protection for Internet Explorer.
“If you’re shopping online you must protect yourself with a security product that is not only award-winning and credible, but that also includes behavioral-based technology with the ability to stop the latest threat outbreaks in their tracks,” said Greene.
PC Tools have provided 8 tips for safe online holiday shopping to educate consumers and assist in reducing their chances of being a victim of online attacks and fraud.
1. Use web browser protection
While shopping online you may come across what appear to be legitimate-looking websites created with the express intent of committing financial or identity fraud. Hackers can also infect legitimate or reputable websites, such that by merely going to a website, you could infect your family’s computer and expose your personal details and financial welfare to risk.
Reputable browser protection, such as PC Tools Browser Defender™, warns you about potentially dangerous websites and identifies websites that are trying to infect or harm your computer.
2. Install comprehensive security protection
You can also help protect yourself from malicious attacks by installing reputable security software such as Spyware Doctor® with AntiVirus or PC Tools Internet Security™ which are recommended by leading independent publications. Make sure your security product has real-time and browser protection, which can block attacks as they happen and while you surf the web, as well as behavioural protection, which helps protect against new and unknown threats.
3. Do your homework
Check out the website’s refund and returns policies, privacy policy and legal notices. These documents should be readily available on online websites. You will want to know for example, what your rights are in relation to any goods you buy on line and how a company deals with your personal details.
4. Be click aware
Be wise about clicking on links in emails from online retailers. Cybercriminals wanting to steal your personal information can now create emails that look exactly the same as those that come from well-known online stores. Even emails that may appear to be from a legitimate company may be dangerous. Make sure you have a powerful spam filter that automatically detects suspicious emails as they arrive in your inbox.
5. Look for the signs
Using your browser, you can view the site’s security certificate and verify that it is issued to the web site you intended. A security certificate is designed to give you comfort that the information you send from your computer is kept secure from access by other parties. You should also check that the security certificate is registered to the website you are visiting. You can do this by double clicking on the security icon and verifying that the name in the certificate matches the name of the retailer.
6. Pay using a secure method
If you use a debit card when purchasing from an online shopping site, the purchase amount will be immediately withdrawn from your account and will be more difficult to get back if the transaction turns out to be fraudulent. If you use a credit card you can contest transactions before you pay your monthly statement. Frequent online shoppers should consider setting up a separate credit card with a low limit, so that if their details do get stolen, a thief will be limited in the amount of money they can charge to the card.
7. Don’t give out too many details
Online retailers should only require your basic contact details (for example, name, billing address and contact number) and card details in order to process a credit/debit card payment. If you are concerned that a retailer is requesting too much information, contact them by phone to find out why they need so much information, how they plan to use it and if they have a privacy policy to protect you.
8. Keep records of the transaction
Make sure you print and save records of any online transactions, including the product description, price and the receipt of payment. If the site turns out to be fraudulent, you’ll need this information to advise the relevant authorities in order to try to get your money back.
ABOUT PC TOOLS
PC Tools is a global software leader with a cache of security and utility products, including the multi award-winning Spyware Doctor®. PC Tools is an industry leader in real-time anti-spyware and has a number of key patents pending.
The PC Tools Malware Research Center monitors trends and emerging spyware issues and provides security solutions for the consumer and enterprise marketplace. The company is headquartered in Sydney, with offices in San Francisco, London, Shannon (Ireland), Melbourne, Kiev, and Boulder. PC Tools has a global network of distributors, resellers, and retailers.
Media Contacts
Lauren YoungPublic Relations Manager
PC Tools Software E: pr@pctools.com
Phone: +61 (0) 2 8922 6394
Mobile: +61 410 541 562
Magida Ezzat
Communications Manager
PC Tools Software E: pr@pctools.com
Phone: +61 (0) 3 9691 3576
Mobile:+ 61 411 156 152
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