This is the main feature of so-called secure web sites that encrypt data for all transactions. This is only necessary when sending information say as you pay your bill, you would notice the browser if you watch closely shift to some other mode which would become evident due to it working a bit slower than usual. After paying it again reverts to un-secure mode which is faster and allows more users to access the same data you are. Secure transactions are slower for the data is encrypted with a public key which is generated by the sending computer who then sends it along with the data, the receiving computer then uses the same key to decode the information and generates a verification file sending it back, again this is encrypted to verify that the transaction was a success. That confirmation file is the softcopy of the receipt you get when doing online purchses.

Most anti-virus programs of today come in packages that have different features. It may be the basic anti virus that intercepts or removes viruses before they spread. It may also come with email protection which scans all incoming and outgoing e-mail for viruses and other malignant programs preventing them from leaving your computer and infecting other. Some even come with firewall systems that add to window�s already robust encryption and data security. The best ones even have encryption and data security tools that encrypts all the files on your computer allowing you to restore the whole thing at the press of a mouse. It is best to have at least one anti-virus program installed on your computer to prevent malicious code from wreaking havoc on your computer and ultimately your life (at least till you get the computer back up and running again).

The Fraud Center of the National Consumers League lists the top Internet scams of last year. Fake Check Scams make up 29% of all compaints, making it the most common scam. Second and third are General Merchandise and Auctions, or goods bought online that are misrepresented or not delivered. Although Nigerian Money Offers are only fourth, the average amount lost is the highest at $4,043.14. Other complaints are Lotteries/Lottery Clubs (mainly foreign), Advance Fee Loans, Prizes/Sweepstakes, Phishing (getting personal information), Friendship and Sweetheart Swindles, and Internet Access Services. It is interesting to note that while Friendship and Sweetheart Swindles are only 1% of total complaints, the average amount that is lost is a considerable $3,038.31.

The new Ofcom report notes the continuing rise in media usage of under-55s, especially among the AB and C1 socio-economic classes and 16 to 24 year olds who spend more time online and engaging in more activities than individuals in other demographics groups. One important issue that was highlighted was the concern over identity fraud. Most people say they make checks on a website before entering personal details. ABC1s are cautious but do give out personal information on a new website. C2DEs and senior citizens are said to make fewer informed judgments and generally stay clear of entering personal details and registering on websites.

Online auctions offer just about every product imaginable. Although there are legitimate sellers, there is a danger that products may be misrepresented or not delivered. The Internet Crime Complaint Center shares the tell-tale signs of potential online auction fraud to Internet users.

Beware of a seller posing as a United States resident who then sends an email saying that he is overseas or asks for money under a different name. The fund requests are usually through Western Union, MoneyGram or wire transfers, and therefore cannot be recovered.

On the seller side, be wary of buyers who request for shipping to another country through ways that avoid customs or duties, and for credit card purchases where the cardholder’s address is not the shipping address. The authorization of the cardholder should always be obtained first.

If you find yourself victimized or targeted by Internet criminals, there are different ways to take action depending on the country and state laws. There are many avenues for airing complaints. One such organization is the Internet Crime Complaint Center, a partnership between the FBI and the National White Collar Crime Center. There are many forms of cyber crime including the violation of Intellectual Property Rights, Hacking, Espionage, Extortion, International Money Laundering, and Identity Theft. The IC3 provides the reporting mechanism and refers the complaints to the appropriate law enforcement agencies for investigation. It maintains ties with regulatory bodies to stay vigilant about new forms of cyber crime and keep a proactive stance in fighting it.

The IC3 does not conduct investigations itself. As such, other agencies may open investigations when necessary. Remember to keep all the original documentary evidence with you. These can include checks, invoices and receipts, chat or email printouts, and webpage printouts or electronic copies. In case of urgent complaints or threats sent online, alert your local or state police, as it is not assured that time-sensitive information can be responded to immediately. Terrorist information should be sent to the FBI, which can be contacted online through its online tipping system. For spam emails, copy and paste the entire email, including the header to the IC3.

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Victims of Internet fraud should approach the authorities and file a complaint immediately. A third party may also file a complaint. In either case, it is important to give as much detail as possible and to give all the documentary evidence. Internet crime refers to any illegal activity on the Internet, including email and chat. For crimes in which at least one of the two parties (fraudster and defrauded) is in the United States, the complaint can be made with ic3.gov. After submitting the complaint online, you will receive an ID and password for your case so that you can add information. Once received by the IC3, complaints cannot be canceled.