New Words

item  n.商品，物品

vendor  n. 卖主，摊贩 merchandiser

comfort  n.舒适 comfortable, comforter

countless   adj.无数的，数不尽的 count

attacker  n.攻击者  attack

unsuspecting   adj.不怀疑的，信任的 suspect

vulnerable, virus, malicious, code, charity

misrepresent   vt.误传 represent, mislead

convince   vt. 使确信，说服

intercept

insecure  adj.不安全的，不可靠的 secure

encryption

anti-virus  n.抗病毒  

firewall  n.防火墙

modify  vt.更改，修改  modification

adware, set

reputable  adj.著名的 reputation

trick, password, solicit, sensitive, encrypt

padlock, icon

protection  n.保护 protect

unauthorized  adj.未被授权的 authorize

insufficient  adj.不足，不够的 sufficient

minimize  vt.最小化 minimization, maximize

statement   n.结算单  state

discrepancy, confident, auction, unprofessional, unrealistic

bargain   n.成交商品，便宜货

refund  n.退款

complaint  n. 投诉 complain

abuse  vt.滥用

scammer  n.诈骗犯 scam

ploy, unwary, afresh, unimportant

compromise  vt. 危及…的安全，妥协

loophole, precaution, gist

inevitably  adv.不可避免地 evitable

internet, lure, divulge, session

investment  n.投资 invest

unwittingly, sign

disciplinary  vt. 训练，使有纪律 discipline

Phrases

make purchases  购买 procurement

take steps 设法，采取措施

up to date 最新的 out of date

take advantage of 利用

make sure 确保

draw money 提款 withdraw, deposit

bank statement 银行结单

watch out for 提防 look out

keep an eye on 密切注视

operating system 操作系统

lay out 展示 layout

Abbreviations

SSL (security socket layer) 加密套接层

HTTP (hypertext transfer protocol) 超文本传输协议

1. Why online shoppers take special precautions?

~ internet offers convenience, comfort, countless vendors, compare prices, without waiting in line

~ However, internet is also convenient for attackers

    They may obtain information for their own financial gain, making purchases, selling the information

2. How do attackers target online shoppers?

  three common ways:

targeting vulnerable computers

creating fraudulent sites and email messages

intercepting insecure transactions

3. How can you protect yourself?

use anti-virus software, firewall, anti-spyware software

keep software, particularly web browser, up to date

evaluate software’s settings

do business with reputable vendors

take advantage of security features

be wary of email requesting information

check privacy policies

make sure your information is being encrypted

use a credit card

check your bank statements

4. Is the shopping website professional looking?

Top tips:

be wary if the website looks suspicious

know what you are buying

read all the fine print（合同细则）

check the currency, postage, handling and charges

use a secure payment method

always print and keep a copy of the transaction

always conduct transactions within the auction website

5. Credit card and security tips

Credit cards have better protection, authority to stop/cancel; Using debit cards, the money goes as you pay

use one card for all online shopping

use one computer for online shopping

use newly opened browser for payments

close the browser window after completing purchase

never click on links in emails

check the site name and URL in the browser address bar

look for SSL sign padlock in browser

use a latest and updated browser

precautions as for any shopping

6. Safely shopping online

make sure shop at a reputable online merchant

use SSL or HTTPS to secure transactions

limit exposure: ShopSafe

never shop online from a public computer

understand company’s policy before shopping at work

Notes

[1] Attackers who are able to obtain this information may use it for their own financial gain, either by making purchases themselves or by selling the information to someone else.  

本句中，who are able to obtain this information是一个定语从句，修饰和限定Attackers。by making purchases themselves or by selling the information to someone else在句子中做方式状语，修饰谓语may use。