A recent survey of more than 5,000 active Internet users across 10 cities in India suggests that
users are becoming increasingly concerned about online security. According to the VeriSign
commissioned study, ninety 1 % of the respondent Internet users have experienced some case

of cyber fraud, such as Phishing, key logging, identity theft and account takeover. Despite the
exposure to cyber fraud, a majority of respondents were unaware of ways to combat it. This
study clearly indicates that while users may be unaware of how to protect themselves online,
their desire to be safe is high. The key is to keep one step ahead by knowing how to protect
ourselves online, embracing best practices and using the latest technologies. Awareness and
knowledge are the keys to combating cyber fraud.

Look for visual cues. Prominent misspellings and frequent grammatical errors are signs that
a Web site is fraudulent. You can also look for simple visual cues that show that the site is
authenticated and protected. Cues include a green address bar in high-security browsers such
as Internet Explorer 7 and 8, Firefox 3.0 and higher, Opera 9.X and higher, Google Chrome,
Safari 3.2, Safari 4, Flock (social networking browser) and the iPhone. Other visual cues include
a padlock icon in either the lower or upper right-hand corner of the screen and https:// in the
browser; both of these indicate the site is secured. A growing number of sites are accepting a
second form of user authentication that comes from physical devices such as a token, credit-card
form factor, a USB drive and even your cell phone.

Each device provides users with a dynamic one-time password that must be entered into a login
page in addition to their user name and password. The extra layer of security hinders potential
fraudsters from accessing personal accounts that are accessed by a simple user name and
password by adding a second factor of user authentication. Compare the checkout experience to
well-known sites and look for anomalies. Most well-run Web sites—such as Amazon or eBay—
send order confirmation, shipping confirmation e-mails and allow you to print out confirmations
of your orders. Beware of a simple form with no "visual cues" and no confirmation that you
entered or ordered anything. However, if the Web site is fraudulent, victims could lose their
money, whether or not it had been entered securely.

First, Internet users should know their vendor. Read their ratings and reviews from other
customers and take red flags seriously. Also make sure you have some way of contacting them—
look for a phone number and mailing address. Finally, try to find out where the company is
based in their "about us" section. Also Internet users should pay attention to the order form. The
site should not ask for more than your name, shipping address, billing address, credit card type,
number and expiration. Data such as social security number, bank routing number, etc. should
not be collected. For a safer online experience and for more tips and tricks to combat cyber
threat, a Web site devoted to helping consumers keep safe as they surf the Web. Created by
VeriSign, the TrustTheCheck web site presents the tips and techniques consumers need to safely
shop, bank, trade stocks and book travel online.