With the rise of mobile and online shopping, shopp

ers are gainingplenty of convenience — and also taking on extra risks. Hackers are poised tosteal the funds and identities of shoppers who don’t take steps to protectthemselves.

LogRhythm, a cyber security company, points out that because so many people now shop from mobile devices, which are often less protected thancomputers, information technology workers expect a rise in cyber crime thisholiday shopping season. IT workers surveyed by the company said they were mostconcerned with phishing attacks, where hackers pretend to be reputablecompanies and persuade victims to share their personal information, such ascredit card numbers, with them.

One of the most common methods is for a hacker to send an email to avictim claiming to be from a bank, retailer, or other company that then directsthem to another site, which then captures their personal information. (That’sone reason to avoid clicking on hyperlinks from inside emails, even if theyappear to be from a recognizable company.)

To avoid that kind of scam and others, here are the latest tips onhow to stay safe while shopping online:

● Skip attachments and hyperlinks. LogRhythm warns that evenattachments from people you know can be nefarious, since those acquaintancescould be infected with a computer virus themselves. If the email containsunusual or scant wording, don’t open the attachment. The same logic applies tohyperlinks in emails (or requests for information received over text message);LogRhythm recommends first hovering over the link to make sure it’s going todirect you to a valid address.

● Don’t make purchases over coffee shop-lattes. Any public wi-ficonnection, such as those offered at coffee shops or libraries, carry extrarisks, since they aren’t private. LogRhythm recommends against shopping onlineor engaging in any financial transactions, such as logging into your bankaccount, from such hot spots.

● Protectyour smartphone. Web browsers and retailer apps on mobile devices make it easyto shop on the go, but doing so can also expose shoppers to extra risks sincemany phones don’t have the same kind of data encryption that’s often installedon computers. Even taking a relatively simple step, such as enabling thepassword lock feature on your phone, will make it harder for a thief to accessprivate data stored on the phone in case it’s lost or stolen. Computer securitycompany McAfee also warns against downloading apps that might steal personalinformation. (to be continued)

●Don’t trust your “friends”. Hackers target social media, includingFacebook and Twitter, because they know it’s easier to get people to click on alink that appears to be recommended from a friend. McAfee has identified dozensof examples, including free dinner offers at Cheesecake Factory and fakemystery shopping invitations. Offers that sound too good to be true, such asfree iPads or free iPhones, are also a common lure. The company cautionsagainst clicking on fake alerts from friends, who may have been hackedthemselves, and avoiding shortened links on Twitter that claim to offer deals.

● Open e-cards with caution. They can be cute, but they can also bemalicious. McAfee warms that some e-cards download viruses onto your computerwhen you download them. To avoid that outcome the company suggests only openinge-cards from domain names that you recognize as big e-car sites.

● Upgrade your passwords. The holiday season can serve as a good reminderto give your passwords a makeover; security experts recommend changing themregularly as a precaution against hackers. Avoid common and simple words, uselong combinations of words that also incorporate numbers or symbols, and neveruse duplicate passwords for multiple accounts.

● Check up on an e-retailer before making purchases. Some fly-by-nightoperations take advantage of the uptick in shopping around the holiday seasonto collect cash without ever mailing out the goods in return, warms the BetterBusiness Bureau. To protect yourself, the bureau recommends never wiring moneyor paying in advance.

● Review your statements. The first sign of identity theft is oftenan unfamiliar charge on a credit card or bank statement; reviewing thosestatements carefully and contacting your bank or card provider with anyconcerns can prevent a theft from expanding. Credit card usually come with somemeasure of automatic protection, as long as you report the scam relativelyquickly.

Following these tips might leave you feeling like the Grinch — be suspicious of friends ？— but the real holiday downer would be dealing with a stolen identity whenyou’re trying to enjoy the spirit of the season.

1、How do Hackers steal customers' funds and identities？

A、By atacking the shoppers who forget their security code,

B、By attacking the shoppers who has lots of money in their account.

C、By atacking the shoppers who don't take security and prtection measures.

D、By attacking old shoppers account.

2、Why did Log Rhythm predict that a rise in cybercrime during this holiday shopping season？

A、Because shoppers' computers are less protected during the holiday season.

B、Because people now shop from mobile devices which are less protected than computers.

C、Because people spend more money shopping online.

D、Because Hackers can atack shoppers easier during shopping season.

3、What is one of the most common methods of hacking？

A、Sending an email to victims in order to direct them to another website, which then capturl

personal information.

B、Steal victims' personal information at banks.

C、Steal victims' personal information at shopping centers.

D、Steal victims' personal information from another company.

4、Why you'd better to skip atachments even from acquaintances？

A、Because those acquaintances may want to know your account information.

B、Because those acquaintances could be infected with a computer virus themselves.

C、Because those acquaintances know a lot of your personal information.

D、Because some of those acquaintances are nefarious.

5、What is a safer way to open e-cards？

A、Only opening e-cards from family and friends.

B、Only opening e-cards from your own company.

C、Only opening e-cards by your own computer.

D、Only opening e-cards from domain names that you recogize as big e-card sites.