Is it dangerous to register for a meeting or buy airline tickets on the web? Can I use my credit card? What about computer viruses? Are Internet "cookies" dangerous?

Meeting professionals are building and using webs sites in record numbers. With this explosive growth, security questions abound. Unfortunately, there is much misinformation out there. This article will cover three of the most common Internet security misconceptions.

Fallacy #1: It is dangerous to use credit cards over the web.

Reality: Statistically, it is safer to buy things over the Web than in face-to-face transactions. Most commercial web sites code transactions before sending them over the net. This makes it almost impossible for anyone to "steal" a message in transmission from these "secure" sites.

Tip: Purchase only from secure sites. Look for the "closed padlock" or "unbroken key" icons at the bottom of the browser signifying the site is using this secure technology. If the site is not secure, don’t use your credit card.

Tip: Make sure you are using the latest versions of browsers. Netscape and Internet Explorer browsers are free and, as technology advances, they continue to improve security features.

Tip: It is possible for a con artist to set up an official looking cyber storefront and, yet, not be for real. Know (or at least have a good idea) with whom you are buying from.

Tip: Don’t email your credit card number. Email (unlike a secure web server) is not secure. It is much easier for your number to be intercepted. Even here, however, the risk is low.

Tip: If your card is stolen, your maximum liability for credit card fraud is $50US as long as you call the card company when you expect fraud. Credit card companies also have buyer protection policies. If you do not get what you ordered, you can challenge it via the credit card company.

Fallacy #2: The web and the Internet are full of computer viruses – it is common to catch them when downloading files, programs, plug-ins and email.

Reality: Viruses are relatively rare on the Internet. It has been this writer’s experience (in downloading thousands of programs and hundreds of browser plug-ins) to catch only two viruses in ten years – both times were easy to correct. Virus hoaxes are much more common than viruses themselves (see www.datafellows.com/virus-info  for virus info and  www.vmyths.com  for hoax details).

However, as rare as viruses are, a single computer virus infection can be very problematic.

Tip: For insurance, keep a current virus protection program installed on your computer. These programs will automatically detect, intercept and destroy viruses before damage is done.

Tip: Back up your crucial files regularly. Some viruses can destroy data and programs – backing up gives added protection.

Tip: Treat unknown program files (i.e. anything ending in ".exe" , ".com",  “.vbs” , ".scr" and ".pif") or mail attachments with caution. If you suspect the source, scan them for viruses before you install or open these files.

Fallacy #3: Internet "cookies" are bad and should not be accepted.

An Internet cookie in an electronic "post-it note" that some web sites put on your computer hard drive to recognize you when return. As a web visitor, you are anonymous unless you tell them who you are. Some cookies eliminate the hassle of having to login each time. Cookies are also helpful if you wish to customize your view of the site to your preferences (my.yahoo.com is a great example of this).

Reality: Cookies are common. They help you by allowing a site to "remember" your login information and preferences; they help the site designers by allowing them to know who is visiting. For a full description of cookies, see www.cookiecentral.com.

Tip: If you wish to see the cookies already on your system, go to the Windows directory and look in the Cookies folder. These are simple text files, and can be viewed simply by clicking on the file names. Also, a free program, Cookie Viewer (http://www.winmag.com/columns/powertools/ptcookie.htm) is a very good one to analyze what cookies are on your computer now.

Tip: You can set your browser to warn you before accepting a cookie or to forbid their receipt altogether by adjusting the security settings in your monitor.

Tip: Should you do this? This is a personal decision based on how comfortable you are giving out information. Personally, I accept all cookies, but I am also very careful about how much and the type of personal information I give out.

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