• Use the most up-to-date browser possible. Older browsers have more security flaws.
• Use your best judgment in giving out sensitive information. All the skills you use to decide whether to give out credit card or personal information in other areas of life are also your best defence on the Internet and should serve you well. Have a look at the very helpful Better Business Bureau's tips on cybershopping for the US and Canada.
• Configure your browser to tell you when you enter and leave a secure site.
• Review the security settings on your browser.
• Use a secure server for any transaction. When you connect to a secure site, make sure you have a secure connection. Check the certificate of the secure site to verify its authenticity before you start a transaction.
• Obtain a certificate for yourself, so that you can receive secure e-mail messages.

Related questions:

What is a digital certificate?
How do I tell if I have a secure connection?
How do I view my browser's current security settings?
What is a certificate authority?
Is it safe to use my credit card over the Internet?

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