This could almost be renamed the "south-west" virus because it's running wild at the moment through many homes and businesses of the south west.

Each time the SWeCS newsletter goes out we get a number of Snow White viruses back in our Inbox, suggesting that many computers out there have the virus.

If the Snow White virus is left unchecked it can effect your computer's performance.

For more information on protecting your computer from viruses, click here.

ARE YOU BACKING UP YOUR DATA?

Backing up your data is essential.

What would happen to you or your business if your computer and it's hard drive ceased to function properly?

Thankfully, there are some excellent systems out there that ensure that your data is kept safe.

For further information on backing up your data, visit our library by clicking here.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT DOMAIN NAME

Choosing the right domain name for your web site will not only make it easier for people to find you, but can also help you increase your search engine ranking.

Research shows that, on average, domain names with keywords in them rank higher than those without.

25 June 2001

SO JUST HOW DANGEROUS IS THE INTERNET?

Recent media reports have commented on some risks when using the internet. We take a brief look at two of them.

To do a complete story on this topic would take hundreds of pages, so we'll concentrate on two of the more common reports: Credit Card Risks and Internet Dumping. Are you really at risk?

CREDIT CARD RISKS

In reality it's just as safe to enter your credit card number on a secure web site as it is to give your credit card to a sales assistant or to purchase something over the telephone. Either way, when you give your card details to someone, you can't get them back. If the person who has them is dishonest, you're at risk.

Buying and selling online (ecommerce) using credit cards need not be dangerous. We'll talk about the risks from two different perspectives and discuss what steps you can take to minimise those risks.

Consumers

Most credit card fraud against consumers occurs well away from the internet and is usually caused by credit card details falling into the wrong hands. This can happen through providing your card details to anyone, or even theft from your letterbox. Providing your credit card details over the internet through a secure site is usually safer because you know that it is going to the organisation intended. However, to minimise any risks, remember the following:

• When providing your credit card details online, ALWAYS use secure and reputable sites. You can tell if a site is secure by the small padlock icon at the bottom of your screen which indicates encryption technology is being used

• Check your statements. Report any discrepancies to your bank immediately

The golden rule is to use as much common sense as you would with face to face or telephone transactions. Only deal with online companies that you know are reputable.

Businesses

Although most media reports focus on consumers being ripped off, it is actually businesses that stand to lose more through credit card fraud. Most consumers are typically only liable for the first $50 or so of any fraudulent use of their card, whereas businesses often have to face the possibility of purchsed stock not being paid for because an invalid, stolen, or fake credit card was used.

If you're a business who accepts purchases online, here are some simple steps you can take to minimise the risk of fraudulent purchases.

• Make it compulsory for the customer to provide all requested details before the sale is approved, such as full name, address and telephone number.

• Be a little more careful when online customers give you a billing address that is different to the shipping address

• Fraudulent orders are more likely to come from international orders, especially those with free email addresses (eg. Hotmail or Yahoo), because they are so much harder to trace and prosecute

• If in doubt, telephone the client to confirm the order. You may want to make that a standard procedure for orders over a certain value.

As a business, it's always in your best interest to do everything you can to promote your site as being reputable and secure. Contact us if you would like further information.

INTERNET DUMPING (or MODEM JACKING)

You've probably seen reports of people receiving huge telephone bills after their modem was "hi-jacked" by a web site, apparently without their knowledge. The bad news is that in most cases these people end up being liable for the debt. The good news is that you can avoid it happening to you.

What is "internet dumping"? It occurs when a web site you are visiting purposely disconnects you from your local ISP and reconnects you through another one, usually using an international or premium rate number. The web site will usually ask your permission first, but it may be written in tiny print amongst lots of other information about free downloads or software. It occurs mostly on adult sites.

Here's how you can avoid being caught by internet dumping:

• Read EVERYTHING before clicking OK, especially when you are going to download something
• Call your telephone service provider (not your ISP) and barr international and premium rate calls on your modem line
• Turn off your computer and modem when not in use
• Don't delete data from your browser's history files, so that you can trace back problems if necessary
• Monitor other people when they use the internet on your computer
• Be especially careful of adult sites
• Make sure you can hear your modem. Some people have a volume control on their modem and have it turned down - then you can't hear it redialling.

Well, that's about as short as we could make it. There's so much more to tell about looking after yourself when using the internet. Maybe another time.

Want any more info on this article? Email us at admin@southwestecommerce.com

Disclaimer: This newsletter is designed to provide information only and is not a substitute for advice that is specific to your business. Before acting on any of the information above it is important you seek further advice from a professional who has taken into consideration the nature and circumstances of your business.