How to shop online safely

How to shop online safely

With some simple tips, make shopping online a safer experience this holiday season

Lexy Savvides/CNET

As holiday season approaches, shopping online is an attractive option for grabbing plenty of bargains.

Like any transaction, there are security issues to keep in mind when buying online, but with some common sense you can minimize the risk.

Even if you consider yourself a seasoned online shopper, it's always worth a reminder to make sure your experience is the safest it can be.

General tips

• Don't send your credit card details via email, post them on social media (even in a private message), or enter them on an unsecured website
• Don't give away more information than you need. Retailers generally don't need to know details like your date of birth or social security number, so why disclose it if you don't have to?
• Check for a physical address and contact details like phone numbers for the vendor before buying
• Remember to log out of your account after making a purchase

Keep your PC, Mac or mobile device up to date

This means regularly checking for updates to your operating system, as well as ensuring apps and browsers are also kept up to date with the latest version. Running regular antivirus and malware scans is recommended to help avoid compromising your personal details to tools such as keyloggers.

Also, get into the habit of using strong, unique passwords for each online store you buy from. If you haven't changed your password for an existing account in some time, do it now. Password managersare a great tool if you have trouble generating and remembering unique passwords.

Keep it private (and separate)

Avoid using public Wi-Fi or public computers when shopping online. This includes library or airport PCs.

If you have to make a purchase when out and about, turn on cellular data on your mobile device rather than using Wi-Fi. A VPN is also a great option for adding another layer of security.

Firefox on the left and Chrome on the right.Lexy Savvides/CNET

It's worth using a separate browser that you regularly keep up to date for shopping and banking online, and another for everyday web use.

Consider opening a second email account specifically for online shopping purposes to help minimize spam, and keep a track of which service is using your email address for what purpose.

If you have a Gmail account, you can append a plus symbol (+) to the end of your username to help filter your email. For example, you could enter your email address in the format of "johndoe+amazon@gmail.com" and then set up a filter within Gmail so everything sent to that address goes straight to a label called "Amazon".

Research your retailer

Make sure to fully check out the retailer's credentials if it's not a big name you have heard of before. A quick search of the site name should turn up results and reviews about the service, but keep an eye out for overly positive reviews on user forums that might not be legitimate.

Both a lock and https in the URL show you that the site is using a secure connection via SSL.Lexy Savvides/CNET

Ensure that the site is using a secure connection, which is marked by https:// in the browser bar and a number of other indicators including an image of a lock. Some sites have an icon called a trust indicator or security seal that shows that the retailer is independently verified by a third party, such as an antivirus provider.

Use a payment method with buyer protection

Lexy Savvides/CNET

Although debit cards ensure you are using your own cash to make a purchase, many do not offer the same robust buyer protection as other options if something does go wrong. A credit card, PayPal or a virtual wallet option give you more flexibility when it comes to requesting a chargeback.

A chargeback is when a transaction is reversed and a refund is given to you as the buyer. It can either be initiated by your bank on detection of fraudulent activity, or you can initiate a chargeback depending on the situation. Check with your bank for details.

Another option that you might consider using to add another layer of protection is a single-use credit card number. These are tied to your regular credit card but provide a unique number to be used for one transaction so your actual credit card number is not compromised. This is particularly useful if there is a breach somewhere along the chain that might reveal your credit card details. Again, check with your bank to see if this is an option.

Although it makes it very convenient to make repeat purchases, it is worth unchecking any option that lets the retailer store your credit card details on file. This way if your account is compromised, at least your financial details are not revealed.

Shopping on your smartphone or tablet

Apart from the tips outlined above, there are a few things to be aware of when shopping on a mobile device. Set a password, pattern or PIN lock on your smartphone, and adjust the settings so the screen locks automatically after a set period of inactivity.

The vendor's own app might be a convenient way to make a purchase, but find out if it is using a secure connection to transmit your personal information and transaction details. If unsure, it's best to use the website through a mobile browser.

Lexy Savvides/CNET

Turn off Bluetooth if you are not using it, and check what permissions applications are asking for before you install them. Also, jailbreaking or rooting your device may open up more features but it can leave it more open to threats.

Finally, if you lose your device and it has personal information on it such as credit card info, or you left it logged in to an account which has access to your credit card or bank details, make sure you can remotely wipe and disable your device. For iOS, enable Find My iPhone from the settings. Androidusers can use Google's Android Device Manager to remotely lock and erase the handset or tablet. Windows Phone owners can use the Find My Phone feature on windowsphone.com to erase the handset if lost.

Calculate the total cost

Take into account shipping, sales tax and any other taxes or charges that might apply, especially when importing goods from overseas. Product doesn't suit or you need to get a refund? Check the retailer's policies before making the purchase to work out if you need to cover return costs and any extra fees or charges you need to pay.

It's also worth shopping around to find the best deal on the same product. Don't just assume your favourite online retailer is always going to have the best price, as you might be able to find a better deal elsewhere.

Something went wrong?

Your first port of call if something goes wrong with an online transaction should be the retailer. If you need to report identity theft or fraud, each country has a local service where you can report the issue.

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Staying healthy with technology

Staying healthy with technology

Living a healthy lifestyle is easier than ever before thanks to an array of fitness apps, wearable devices, and other smart products. Here's how you can harness the power of technology to lose those extra pounds.

Sarah Tew/CNET

Hundreds of thousands of people make resolutions to start the new year off right. Given today's society, which puts an increasingly amount of emphasis on appearance and self-image, the most popular resolutions deal with losing weight or living a healthier lifestyle. Every January the treadmills and ellipticals are filled with eager gym-goers. Like clockwork, however, after a couple of weeks the gym returns to its normal state of isolation.

Resolutions are hard to keep and living a healthy lifestyle can be even harder. With the demands of work, raising a family and other obstacles we are met with, it's just too much of a hassle for most people to count calories, make healthy food choices and get to the gym a couple of times a week.

Luckily, we are in a golden age for technology. Companies big and small are creating devices and services to help simplify our everyday lives, and that includes numerous technologies that can help you achieve your health goals.

From various apps to wearable devices, here are some of the best tools to help you lose weigh and maintain a healthy lifestyle:

Apps

We use smartphone applications to connect with friends and family, meet new people, and even order food. It would only be natural that we also use these devices to help us stay in shape. There are numerous cross-platform applications that can turn any smartphone or tablet into the perfect personal trainer and help you shed those extra pounds.

There's an old saying: perfect abs aren't made in the gym, but are cooked up in the kitchen. Lifting weights and cardio are important for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but eating right is just as, if not more, beneficial as working out.

Calorie tracking 
There are hundreds of fitness apps out there, but one of my favorites for keeping track of the foods I eat is MyFitnessPal, an app that simplifies the process of counting calories. MyFitnessPal is free and available on all major mobile platforms: iOS, Android, BlackBerry and Windows Phone.

Dan Graziano/CNET

After supplying the application with information about your weight, goal weight, gender, height, birth date and daily activity level, you will be ready to go. MyFitnessPal gives users all the tools they need to lose weight and live a healthy lifestyle with features such as meal tracking and daily calorie intake recommendations.

Calorie counting has never been so easy. Food can be entered in manually, chosen from a user-generated catalog of more than 1 million items or even scanned with your smartphone's camera. You can also set reminders to ensure that you never miss logging a meal.

Dan Graziano/CNET

MyFitnessPal is just one of the many calorie-tracking applications available for mobile devices. Similar programs you can check out include Lose It, Calorie Counter by FatSecret and Noom Coach, all of which are available for Android and iOS.

Running partners

RunKeeper

When I was in college I always had friends and coaches to train with. It's easy to lose motivation for working out, especially on cold or rainy days, but a training partner can help fix this. While a physical person is best for training with, there are also apps available to those of us with lazy friends.

Apps like RunKeeper, Runtastic, and Endomondo (to name a few) are perfect for runners with years of experience or even newcomers. All of these apps track your distance, time, pace, and calories burned, the downside being that you must run with your smartphone. They also provide you with vocal updates regarding your pace and speed after you reach a certain distance.

Each app also has unique features that may appeal to you. RunKeeper allows you to set workout reminders, Runtastic has a "Story Mode" feature to make runs more entertaining, and Endomondo hosts numerous challenges that puts you head-to-head (virtually) against other members of the app's growing community.

RunKeeper, Runtastic, and Endomondo are available in free and paid versions on Android and iOS; all three also offer monthly/yearly subscriptions for premium features. Other running apps you may want to check out include Nike+ Running and MapMyRun, both of which are available for free on Android and iOS.

Fitness games

What better way to stay in shape than to play a game? Apps like Zombies, Run! and Fitocracy offer a fun and entertaining way to stay active. The Zombies, Run! app is one of the most unique fitness apps available today. Not only are you told a story while running, you are living it.

Along with tracking your distance, time, and pace, the app includes numerous "missions" for runners to complete, such as picking up virtual supplies. The app takes place in a post-apocalyptic world, which means you will sometimes hear and be chased by zombies, and the game doesn't end once your workout does. The virtual supplies you picked up on your run can be used to help strengthen your base and community to survive the hordes of zombies.

Zombies, Run! makes running and working out more enjoyable than ever before. The is available on Android and iOS for $1.99 with additional in-app purchases.

Screenshot by Dan Graziano/CNET

Another app you may want to check out is Fitocracy, an MMORPG-inspired fitness gaming app and social network. Each time you log a workout you earn points that will help you level up. The idea is similar to a game like World of Warcraft, but rather than controlling an orc or an elf, you are the character.

The company's extensive database also explains how to do a vast amount of workouts, which makes Fitocracy more appealing to first time gym-goers. Fitocracy can be accessed on the Web and from the company's free Android and iOS apps.

Wearables

Wearable devices are slated to become the next big thing in tech, and we here at CNET have embraced the future. Numerous devices have come our way, many of which are aimed at fitness and helping you live a healthier lifestyle.

Activity trackers

Activity trackers are becoming smarter, more accurate, easier to use and (at least in some cases) more affordable. Most trackers can track things like steps taken, distance traveled, calories burned and sleep. There are also some other trackers with unique features. Fitbit's trackers can track the amount of steps you have climbed, while others (such as the Fitbit Charge HR, Microsoft Band and LifeTrak Zone C410) can track your heart rate monitor.

Sarah Tew/CNET

These devices provide an endless supply of data that can be used to track your daily activities. You can even set goals to ensure that you are walking 10,000 steps per day. Most activity trackers tend to be compatible with iOS and Android devices, although there a few (Microsoft Band and Fitbit) that also work with Windows Phone.

These devices are perfect for the average consumer that, although they can be a bit pricey. Most activity trackers range from $100 to $200, although some can be had for as little as $50.

GPS running watches

For runners, I recommend checking out either the the Garmin Forerunner 15 or Polar M400. Both of these watches include tracking for daily activities like steps, distance and calories, in addition to a GPS chip to track time, pace and distance when running. These bands also include support for wireless heart rate monitors, although some watches, such as the Adidas MiCoach Smart Run, includes optical heart rate monitors right on the watch itself.

Sarah Tew/CNET

Smart scales

You've heard of smartphones, smartwatches, and maybe even smart socks , but did you know there are also smart scales? That's right, a scale that is smart. What does this mean? These scales, depending on the specific product, can calculate your body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage, and weight. Two products to consider are the Withings Smart Body Analyzer and the Fitbit Aria , both of which have their own benefits.

Sarah Tew/CNET

The Smart Body Analyzer is capable of measuring heart rate, indoor air quality, and is compatible with apps such as MyFitnessPal, RunKeeper, and Endomondo, among others. The Aria syncs wirelessly with Fitbit's Web site and mobile apps, and also integrates with the company's wearable devices like the Force and the Flex.

The Smart Body Analyzer is available for $150, while the Aria can be had for $129, both a relatively steep price to pay for a scale...no matter how smart it is.

Sarah Tew/CNET

The Internet

The last and most effective tool that can help you lose weight is arguably the most important piece of technology from the 20th century. It's the Internet, the single greatest resource for discovering new information and connecting with others.

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How to protect your credit card online

How to protect your credit card online

Keep your credit card details away from prying eyes and avoid fraudulent transactions with these tips for shopping online

Sarah Tew / CBS Interactive

There's nothing like the feeling of snapping up a hard-earned bargain when shopping online.

There's also nothing like the feeling of falling victim to credit card fraud.

With a number of high-profile breaches this year alone, it's always a good time to be alert -- not alarmed -- about using your credit card online.

On top of these general tips for safe shopping, here are some card-specific tips to keep in mind when virtually swiping your plastic.

Only enter your credit card details on secure sites

By now, you hopefully know the drill. Look for an https connection in the URL, as well as a padlock or another digital security certificate to ensure that you are only entering your details on a site that encrypts the transaction end-to-end. Don't send your credit card information over email.

Buy a prepaid card for online transactions

MasterCard

For those who want to keep online purchases completely separate from everyday credit card transactions, prepaid cards are an option to consider. These can either be bought online or from a traditional bricks and mortar retailer for a small fee.

Prepaid credit cards allow you to load a set amount of money at the time of purchase. The advantages are plentiful when it comes to using a prepaid card for online shopping, but the big one is that even if the card's details are compromised somewhere along the chain, there is a limit to the amount of money that can be taken.

Some banks and financial institutions will let you generate a virtual credit card number to complete purchases. This is generally a single-use number that you can enter in place of your regular number.

Watch statements for any unusual transactions

While many banks have sophisticated 24/7 monitoring systems designed to detect fraud and unauthorised credit card use, it's important to also keep an eye out on financial statements both online and on paper. If you spot anything suspicious, call your bank immediately.

Turn on your credit card's added layer of security

Many credit cards will have an additional layer of security that might not be enabled by default. MasterCard has a product called SecureCode, which is a private code that you enter every time you make a transaction on a supported site, and is never disclosed to the retailer.

Lexy Savvides/CNET

Verified by Visa, on the other hand, offers a personal message that greets you when you are making a transaction, as well as a password to authorize a purchase. Check with your bank or financial institution to see if one of these options is available. The check for SecureCode is here, while Verified by Visa can be found on your region's Visa page.

On top of these safeguards, some banks also have their own verification system in place that works in place of SecureCode and Verified by Visa. This may include the bank sending a one-time PIN or security code to your phone as a second layer of authorization.

Check with your bank or credit institution to work out what other protections you have if your details are compromised. Both MasterCard and Visa offer Zero Liability protection against fraudulent transactions for both online and offline use.

Check your browser settings

Turn off your browser's autocomplete settings to avoid it inadvertently storing your credit card or personally identifiable information.

In Chrome, go to Settings and select Show Advanced Settings. Under the Passwords and Forms section, click Manage Auto-fill Settings. Delete any credit card information that is automatically stored there, then uncheck Enable Auto-fill to fill in web forms in a single click.

Screenshot by Lexy Savvides/CNET

In Firefox, click the Menu button and choose Options. Find the Privacy panel and look for the History drop-down box. Here, choose Use custom settings for history. Then, uncheck Remember search and form history.

Screenshot by Lexy Savvides/CNET

In Safari, find Preferences. Click on the AutoFill tab and then uncheck the options to remember form data, including the credit card option.

In Internet Explorer, click the settings cog and choose Internet Options. From the Content tab, click Settings next to the AutoComplete section and uncheck Forms.

Be sensible about where and how you use your card

Reduce the chance of falling victim to a large-scale breach by not allowing the retailer to store your credit card details on file (if applicable). Enter your credit card details each and every time you make a purchase.

MasterCard

Also, make sure to use a separate password for every account you make with an online retailer. It should be different to passwords used for email accounts and other online services.

Something that you might not think about is the physical location where you enter credit card details.

It sounds obvious, but don't type your details out in public view where people can see your screen. For example, on public transport it might be super convenient to whip out a tablet and make a quick impulse purchase, but think about who might be watching over your shoulder.

Use another service to make it easy

Blur (formerly known as DoNotTrackMe) offers a service that helps to add another layer of security between you and the online retailer. For premium subscribers, it offers a masked credit card feature that generates a new number for every purchase you make. You can also assign a set value for that transaction, so there's no chance of taking more money than you designate. It's $39/year but only available for users in the United States, although the service will roll out to a select number of other countries soon.

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