The Safe in Internet topic is related to two main issues that need to be considered when using the Internet: Internet security and theft of personal information. In relation with these two there are a number of data theft mechanisms that one should be aware of in order to avoid personal data theft.

When shopping online

There are many security devices that one has to check for before typing his/her credit card details:

- secure https:// connection because http:// sends all the data as a plain text and the information can be easily stolen;

- a golden lock at the bottom of the page or in the browser;

- look at the domain name (org is not an appropriate domain for online shopping web sites, it is for web sites of organizations);

- pay attention to details and look for the exact name of the web site because very often the name is slightly changed in order to confuse people and make them enter their details in the wrong website. 

When using e-mails

There are many ways in which an e-mail can threaten your Internet security:

- attachments from unknown or spam e-mails shouldn’t be opened because these usually contain viruses;

- phishing is when somebody sends you an e-mail pretending to be from a big famous company and asks you to give them your password and personal data in order to verify it, such e-mails and requests mustn’t be answered because most companies don’t actually request personal data from their clients;

- e-mails offering you big money prizes or claiming you have won a lottery are fake and only try to make you send money to them in advance promising to give you more afterwards.

Passwords

The issue about passwords is related to both security and information theft. For example, often e-mail passwords are stolen so that it is easier for criminals to get into your personal e-mail and extract other information about your finances, bank details etc. Changing regularly your passwords is way of preventing theft and hacking. Making a password a random mix of letters and numbers also helps.

In general any personal information provided on the Internet (in chat, social networks, blogs, personal websites etc.) can be stolen and used ill intentionally. Thus, it is not recommendable to leave your address, phone number, credit card number, e-mail, etc. because often criminals go through social networks and such web sites in search of personal information left by the users.