Protect the information you're sending

When you send information across the Internet it's possible other people may be able to capture and read it, or even change it. For most communications this probably isn't an issue, but if it is, consider using encryption.

To protect yourself:

• DO NOT send information that is private or sensitive (such as credit card details) to Web sites that do not use encryption between your browser and the site. One way to check for this is to see if "https" is on the address line or look for the key or padlock icon in your browser.

• Check to see if your e-mail program includes an encryption feature. Alternatively, use an encryption program such as Pretty Good Privacy (PGP) to manage encryption of e-mail amongst a small group of users. Note - if you encrypt your messages, the people you send them to will also need a compatible decryption program and cryptographic keys to read the message when they receive it.