Give Yourself the Gift of Peace of Mind

ALKHOBAR, 12 December 2006 — This is definitely the year that computers and online shopping have caught on in a big way in Saudi Arabia. Many expatriates who would have been standing in long lines at the post office have given up the “snail mail” experience and are using the Internet for everything from sending e-greetings to delivering gifts to their loved ones back home. Loads of people have also told me that with the recent drop in the prices of laptops, they plan to purchase a mobile PC for the first time.

All this IT activity is delightful, but it’s important to keep in mind that cyber-criminals are out there just waiting for an opportunity to cause some real pain. Phishers, spammers and all sorts of cyber-scammers are working hard to defraud consumers as they go online to purchase gifts for loved ones during this holiday season.

To stay safe, follow these suggestions when shopping online:

1. Make sure the Internet connection and website are secure. Shop from your home computer, not Internet cafes or places with unsecured wireless connections. URLs at secure shopping websites should start with “https:” and there should be a padlock symbol on the bottom corner of the web page.

2. Never go to a site by clicking on a link in an e-mail; type the address yourself.

3. Before you use your credit card online, check your bank’s policy in regards to fraud protection.

4. If you receive an invoice through e-mail for something you did not purchase, it may be a scam. Look up the name of the company via a search engine and contact the company that way. Replying to the e-mail may put you in the hands of a scammer.

5. Do not send your credit card details in an e-mail, this is not a secure means of transmitting information. E-mail can be copied easily to others.

6. Shop at trusted, recognized websites.

7. Double check the URL of the website before you place your order. Major retailers will not misspell their domain name, but a cyber-squatter might.

8. Beware of designer, luxury goods offered at low prices. It’s certain that a $10 “Rolex” is not genuine.

9. Keep copies of all online purchases and check them against credit card statements. Notify the bank immediately in writing of any discrepancy.

10. Verify with the recipient that gift you ordered was the one received.

If you are lucky to receive a new computer as a gift, follow these tips so the PC gives you maximum enjoyment and minimum grief:

1. Before connecting your PC to the Internet or any network, install a reputable antivirus program, anti-spyware program and firewall on the computer. Sign up for automatic updates and maintenance on the security software; it should check all attachments.

2. Register the computer and software with the respective vendors. Sign up for software updates and manufacturer notifications.

3. Regularly back up your data. At first this can be done with DVDs. Purchase a personal backup appliance to store your data.

4. Make copies of all software and keep software organized in one location.

5. Note down the brand, model number and serial number of the machine in case its loss or theft must be reported. Consider insuring your computer.

The final point to note today is in regards to disposal of old computers. After receiving a new computer, many people put their sensitive information in jeopardy by donating or selling their old machine. While there is software that claims to “wipe” or erase the data on hard drives, there is also software that can be used to recover that data. The safest way to protect your data is to physically remove the hard drive from the old computer. It can then either be installed on a new computer or stored until the data it contains is of no value. Even if your computer is to be used by your children or other relative — pull the hard drive. Access to the machine might not be restricted to other trusted individuals and retrieval of sensitive data by the wrong person could result in unpleasant consequences.