|
Identity theft occurs when personal
information is stolen and used for another person's gain. It can be
as simple as credit card theft or as complicated as someone assuming
the victim's complete identity. With an increase in online shopping
and banking, identity theft has become a major concern. In order to
protect customers, many businesses conduct transactions through secure
web sites. SSL (Secure Socket Layer) technology encrypts data preventing
anyone without a website provided certificate key from viewing it. When
sending personal or credit card information over the Internet, it is
reassuring if you can verify the web site uses SSL technology. SSL confirmation
can be verified one of three ways:
1. Security is associated with locks therefore
many browser windows use a padlock icon in the bottom right side of
the status bar to represent secure status. If the lock is closed the
window is secure. You can also click on the padlock for further information
and verification to make sure it is not just a deceptive picture.
2. Look at the prefix part of the web site
address. Most addresses start with the http:// prefix followed by
the www address such as http://www.familysafecomputers.org. A secure
web site denotes the letter "s" in the prefix such as https://.
3. SSL certificate providers/vendors usually provide a logo or seal
to the web site using its' product. This recognized seal is to be
placed in plain view and intended to provide peace of mind for customers
who may be more familiar with it than the web site they are patronizing.
The seal should be interactive by providing security information when
clicked or hovered over. Some primary SSL certificate providers are:
Verisign, GeoTrust, Thawte, InstantSSL, Entrust, Baltimore and SSL.com.
If in doubt, research the provider on the Internet to ensure legitimacy.
It is important to understand that even these
indicators can be mimicked to trick potential users. However, I would
rather give my personal information to a web site with these characteristics
than one without.
If you feel your identity
has been stolen, click this link immediately.
http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft/con_steps.htm
More info about identity
theft.
http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft
|
