The Business of Broadband

Don't get burned while shopping for Valentine's Day.

Ahhhh, Valentine’s Day. Love is in the air, and cupid is busy at work. Even the fountain in the center of downtown is dancing the V-Day dance with red and pink water displays bursting out every hour. Some of your customers prefer to brave the terrors of last minute shopping in stores to pick up that ‘out of the dog house’ gift. Others prefer the warm and fuzzy feeling of shopping online from the comfort of their homes wearing their New Orleans Saints Snuggie, of course, or at the nearest Internet cafe while sipping those foamy lattes.

Your customers will need to feel completely at ease when shopping online, especially when identity theft and security threats are reaching heightened levels. Why not provide them with the reassurance they are looking for by helping them take Internet security measures?

Secure Web Browsers
As your customers’ first defense, a secure and updated web browser will ward off any potential attempts at exploiting secure information when shopping online. Customers need to understand the importance of downloading web browser updates, as continued updates provide further security mechanisms and functionality that previous versions may have lacked.

Mozilla’s Firefox web browser has often been revered for its security precautions although Windows Internet Explorer continues to remain the most prevalently used web browser. Both are equally and arguably secure when updated properly. Apple’s Safari web browser thwarts attacks for Mac lovers while inching its way onto the Windows platforms for Windows users who wish to have the added ‘feel’ and security of Apple software.

Surf Safely Away from Home
While updated web browsers may keep your customers safe on a secured network, what happens when their broadband modem is fried by the latest power surge, and they rush to connect to the nearest Wi-Fi hot spot? Most customers are not aware of the relentless browser-cache poisoning that can be unleashed while connected to an open network. Manually deleting web browser cache or using ‘private browser mode’ as available with Mozilla Firefox, can combat these attacks. Their sweethearts will be sure to receive those coveted calla lilies that look so great on the dining room table.

Sweet Security Suites
There is an abundance of Internet security software available, and your customers have the choice of selecting software that they think will prove to be adequate for their needs. Many of them are undecided on what to choose and often rely on your recommendations.

Trend Micro Internet Security is our preferred application, as it contains robust components that can ward off pesky spyware, provide identity theft protection, and decrease other security vulnerabilities that can cause online shopping to become an inconvenience.

AVG Internet Security has also beefed up its Internet security components to ensure that customers may fearlessly store their passwords and credit card information. Symantec’s Norton Internet Security and McAfee’s Total Protection remain among the favorites with protection that is user friendly and continuously evolving.

More Ways to Shop Safely
Other security precautions that your customer may take when shopping online include shopping from reputable websites and purchasing from websites containing supported industry security standards.

Most people know the hugely commercial websites are reputable, but what about those obscure ‘mom and pop’ websites that are trying to gain momentum on the Web? Seals of approval from the Better Business Bureau is a likely indication that it is okay to get those discounted chocolates.

Completing purchases from websites using SET (Secure Electronic Transaction) or SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) should eliminate the fear that AMEX will be calling questioning why a $4000 spa retreat has been charged. BBB, SET, and SSL labels are most often prominently displayed on a website; however, having these labels does not always mean that the site is actually practicing a particular standard. This information can often be ’spoofed’ and may be difficult to distinguish at times.

Nothing is more inviting than being able to save money and avoid some states’ sales taxes while shopping online, but providing your customers with resources and suggestions on Internet security can enhance those experiences. Below are resources that are available that you may provide to your customers. Please feel free to leave any comments below, and we will be glad to locate helpful information for your customers.

Web Browsers

• Mozilla Corporation: Mozilla Firefox

• Microsoft: Windows Internet Explorer

• Apple: Safari

Internet Security

• Trend Micro: Trend Micro Internet Security

• AVG: AVG Internet Security

• Symantec: Norton Internet Security

• McAfee: McAfee Total Protection

Other Security Precautions

• Better Business Bureau

• Secure Electronic Transaction (SET)

• Secure Sockets Layer (SSL)