Consumer Reports cautions Internet users to avoid the seven mistakes when shopping or browsing on the Web. The solutions include using different passwords, refraining from clicking pop-up ads and avoiding emailed account links.

Cyber crooks are proliferating, thanks to leaky operating systems that are open to easy attacks. Consumer Reports offers the following mistakes consumer make when they go online.

1.) Assuming Your Security Software Is Protecting You

New computers are loaded with virus software but they are available only for a limited duration; customers often neglect upgrading it. In a study last fall, the National Cyber Security Alliance and the software maker McAfee found that nearly half the users polled didn’t update their virus software but assumed they were protected. As a result, they are prone to attacks from outsiders and customers assume their virus software will protect them against such attacks. Only problem is the virus software is old and doesn’t have the latest updates.

Remedy: You have to constantly update your virus software or set your virus software to regular updates.

2.) Accessing an Account Through an Email Link

The email will look legitimate and appear to have come from PayPal or eBay or Bank of America saying your account has been suspended and need an immediate reply via a link. Only the link doesn’t go to these sites instead goes to sites in other countries that have fake information. Since you are not aware whether the site is fake or not, you enter the information and the hackers get it easily. They then use that information to access your actual accounts in PayPal or eBay and steal your funds.

Remedy: If the email requests you to update the account instead of clicking the link, go to the main website address in the browser and see whether your accounts really need updating or not. If you receive fake e-mails, you can report it or forward it to spam@uce.gov and reportphishing@antiphishing.org. Also, use Firefox 3 because it will warn you when you visit fake sites.

3. Using a Single Password for All Online Accounts

This is a no-no; this just make it easy for hackers to not only attack one account but multiple accounts in various sites. Nine percent of home internet users use the same password from a recent study done by Consumer Reports.

Remedy: Use a different unique password, don’t use the same password and have alphanumeric characters (no alphabets only or no numbers only passwords). Use Roboform or 1Password (for Macs) to manage your passwords -- they do a great job and provide complex passwords and help you use it across various sites easily.

4. Downloading Free Software

Don’t download free software from ads or sites you are not aware of. Most of them pass virus and other spyware without your knowledge. They slow down your computer plus they may steal information as well. It may be free to download but it will be costly later for your computer.

Remedy: Download software only from legitimate sites like Download.com, which are tested before they are made available for public. Also, check the user reviews because they provide a ton of information about the software.

5. Thinking Your Mac Shields You From All Risks

Macs are also frequently attacked now; it is just not the PC that interests hackers. Consumer Reports found Mac users also fall prey to phishing scams at the same rate as Windows users.

Remedy: Don’t just use Safari in Macs; they don’t have any phishing protection. Instead use Firefox 3 for Mac or Opera. There is also a free anti-phishing toolbar for Macs such as McAfee Site Advisor or FirePhish.

6. Clicking on a Pop-up Ad That Says Your PC Is Insecure

Some sites have pop-ups and warn you that your PC is not safe. But clicking those pop-ups will just make it worse by adding virus and spyware that may cripple your computer.

Remedy: Use Google Toolbar, which has a free add-on blocker. When you download it for the first time, it will ask you whether it should block the pop-ups. Say yes, and later you can change it depending on the sites.

7. Shopping Online the Same Way You Do in Stores

We use lot of precautions when we shop at neighboring stores, but online we are carefree. Instead of trusting too much, be watchful. The price may be cheaper by shopping at a small store, but later that store may use your credit card information and misuse it.

Remedy: Use a separate card when you shop online and have a minimum balance. This account should be different from your main account and not connected. Even if they steal it, they can only steal less. Use online financial programs like Mint.com, which checks up your cards on a daily basis and warns you via SMS or e-mail if there are unusual activities. Banks should do that, but they usually report after days of theft.

I have done these mistakes in the past, but now I am more careful.