Question: I'm going to be doing some holiday shopping online this year. How do I know if the website is "secure"?

Answer: When your web browser and the website are in secure mode, then information you send (like a credit card number) is kept secret until it arrives at the store's website. This is so that in-between computers cannot obtain your actual credit card number or passwords.
Most Web browsers use visual symbols to let you know whether or not they are in secure mode. The symbols are displayed either at the bottom left or bottom right of your browser window. Some use a key symbol, some use a lock symbol, and that symbol will change when the connection is or isn't secure. See your browser's Help documents to know exactly how your browser indicates its secure status.
You can also check secure mode in the Web site address that your browser displays. The address will begin "http://" in standard, non-secure mode, but will be "https://" in secure mode. The "s" stands for "secure."
You can find more information at the Federal Trace Commission Shop Safely Online website.

ValleyNet

58 North Main Street, PO Box 486, White River Junction, VT 05001 Voice 802 359-4162  |  Fax 802 359-4164