But they do highlight how important it is for companies to implement, maintain and check their security systems on an ongoing basis. When you find an online company that you want to deal with, check whether it's got a security policy, a privacy policy and clear terms and conditions. They're not always easy to find - sometimes you have to go into the online registration form to find a link to them. Print them off to keep a record, and check what protection they offer you. You can usually do this by e-mail.
Shoppers can also look for online traders who stick to an agreed code of practice.
It was established with the support of the government and with Consumers' Association's involvement 'to enable consumers to buy online with confidence'. These schemes require participating traders to comply with a code of practice which includes a set of security standards. Online traders have to demonstrate that they are following the scheme's code and, in return, they can display its logo. Consumers can report complaints about traders to the scheme's administrators and they will help to sort these out. We surfed around a variety of sites to see what they were doing to reassure customers that they had clear rules and systems.