So it is holiday time and a customer asked, how do I know that the website I am purchasing items from or my bank website is safe?  Cybercriminals use viruses, worms, ad-ware and spy-ware to enter your computer through internet sites and email.  The first line of defense to protecting your computer and your data is to only purchase items from internet sites that are reputable.  To help protect your identity, companies purchase third party seals of approval for their websites.  Companies who use the third party seals of approval are required to abide by a set of rigorous standards such as how personal information can be used. Below are some of the more common third-party seals of approval. 

When purchasing from a website follow these steps:

1. In the address bar (1), ensure that the website address starts with https:
2. Verify that there is an SSL Padlock (2)

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3. Review the Security Status Bar (3)
   1. Left click on Security Status Bar (3)

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2. Click on View certificates

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3. Ensure that the certificate is issued to the company you want to make the purchase from, that it was issued by VeriSign, and that the date is valid.

If the website has a valid security certificate you can feel safe providing the company with your credit card and personal information.