BitDefender Cautions Online users Against Online Scams

With cyber crooks always on the prowl and ready to take advantage of any opportunity to attack, BitDefender, a provider of Internet security solutions says that consumers, especially online shoppers, need to exercise caution while using the Internet to buy that perfect gift to celebrate Mother's Day.

BitDefender, the creator of internationally certified security software, warns users against being tricked by online scams while offering a few tips to minimize the threat.

While Catalin Cosoi, BitDefender Head of Online Threats Lab, agreed that shopping online was a great way to browse for the perfect gift without leaving the comfort of home, he also stressed on the risks that users exposed themselves to and how important it was to be aware of the potential dangers that cybercriminals posed.

Cautioning online users, Cosoi said, “Cybercriminals know people shop online all the time, which is why they are leveraging this information to try and trick users with various online scams. The more educated a computer user is about these risks, the safer they will be when it comes to making a purchase."

BitDefender asks users to look out for Phishing sites and make sure that the connection to the Website is an https. Although this may not be foolproof, in most cases it ensures that the site is a genuine one. With fake shops being opened all the time, users need to research a site before using its services and would benefit by doing business with stores that they have used previously.

While shopping with a mobile device, users need to enter the complete URL manually, or check the Website's SSL certificate before entering sensitive data. This will prevent users from entering spoofed Web pages, which look very much like the original.

Introducing camouflaged malware and trojans through e-mails and greeting cards is an all time favorite with cybercriminals and Bit Defender warns users against opening e-mails and attachments from unknown users and cautions them while opening electronic greeting cards.

In another news story, Bit Defender, an award-winning provider of innovative internet security solutions, has announced the release of the free BitDefender Security Scan, which is designed to provide information needed to keep Windows machines running safely and smoothly, in a convenient, speedy way.