|
||
|
Web Browsers
A web browser is a software application for viewing webpages. Microsoft Internet Explorer, Mozilla FireFox, Opera, and Apple Safari are the most common web browsers.
Also known as a URL bar, the address bar is the box at the top of your web browser that shows the URL or web address of the page you are viewing.
A safer browser has the following characteristics:
For most browsers, you can find out by opening the browser, clicking Help, and selecting About <browser name>.
HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol) is a protocol used to send data over the internet. HTTPS (HyperText Transfer Protocol using Secure Socket Layer) is a protocol that encrypts data to send it over the internet more safely. When you enter a URL into a browser, the address will begin with either HTTP or HTTPS (as in https://www.paypal.com). HTTP isn't encrypted and, as such, can be more vulnerable to hackers and fraudsters. HTTPS is encrypted and not as vulnerable to hackers and fraudsters. The best way to see that a site uses a secure protocol is to look for HTTPS in the URL. You can also look for the padlock icon on the webpage, an indication a site is more secure. SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is a secure communications protocol used by browsers, websites, and applications to protect information sent over the internet. SSL protocol uses encryption and authentication technologies to make sure only the intended parties can read the information.
Extended Validation SSL Certificates The EV SSL Certificate is a digital certificate used to provide secure connections to websites. The certificate is an improvement over standard SSL Certificates because it requires corporations to pass extensive audits and certification processes to confirm they own their site domains.
Yes. Keep in mind that they’re primarily for large companies whose customers have been victims of phishing. Because it’s rare for small business customers to be phished, you may not need to buy an EV SSL certificate. Contact your Certificate Authority for more details about the certification process, which should include confirmation of the following:
Internet Explorer 7 IE7 helps you to make safer decisions when visiting websites and to avoid fraud and data theft if lured to fake sites. It incorporates the following security features:
The IE7 download is available on the Microsoft website: www.microsoft.com/IE7
From the Tools menu in the upper right corner of the IE7 browser, select Phishing Filter, then Turn on Automatic Website Checking. In the dialog box, click OK.
The colors in the address bar (green, red, yellow, and white) signify varying degrees of security. To learn more about what each color signifies, visit Safer Web Browsers: Internet Explorer 7 Colors in the PayPal Security Center.
What should I do if I’ve entered my personal information on a site that with a red address bar?
First, change the password and security questions on your account. Contact your bank and credit card company right away to let them know, and check your account for suspicious transactions. If you see a suspicious transaction, log in to your account and report the transaction in the Resolution Center.
Other Personal Information includes Social Security, driver’s license, bank account, and credit card numbers, any PINs, user IDs, passwords, and other similar identifying information.
Phishing is a form of fraud. Phishers pose as legitimate organizations in an email, over the phone, in person, on a website, or in a pop-up window to get you to disclose personal information, such as your credit and debit card numbers, account passwords, or Social Security number.
Malware is malicious software that is installed on your computer without your knowledge. Other terms used to describe malware include computer virus, virus, trojan horse, spyware, and adware. To help combat malware, install the latest anti-virus software on your computer.
Find out more with Safer Web Browsers: Overview and Safer Web Browsers: Internet Explorer 7.
To learn more Online Safety Essentials, go to:
| ||