The 2011 holiday season is in full swing, and shoppers across the nation are making online purchases in record numbers. In fact, a recent study showed that more than half of consumers say they will buy most of their holiday gifts via the Internet this year.

With credit card numbers flying through cyberspace, make sure you take steps this year to protect your security, say personal financial planning experts at the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA).

The following tips can keep an online Grinch from ruining your holiday cheer.

1. Verify the company and website. One of the most important first steps you can take is to make sure you’re actually making a purchase from a legitimate business. Independent websites like Epinions.com and Biz Rate will let you read what other consumers have to say about a business. The Better Business Bureau Online (http://www.bbb.org/online/) offers consumers a list of safe shopping sites. When in doubt, go with a reputable company name.

2. Look for signs of security. When it’s time to input your payment information, look for an “s” after http in the Web address, ensuring your data is encrypted as it is transmitted. Also look for a tiny closed padlock in the address bar or on the lower right corner of the window. As an added security measure, update your Web browser. The most recent versions of Web browsers are typically the most secure.

3. Be skeptical. We’re all looking for a bargain, but approach a deal that seems too good to be true with caution. Submitting your information to an unknown company to purchase a new computer for $25 could be risky. Paying the higher price through a trusted vendor may be the difference between a secure purchase and a compromised credit card number.

4. Keep it private. Avoid inputting your credit card number and personal information on public computers. Hackers prey on shared computers.

5. Pay with plastic. Yes, financial planners often tell you not to run up your credit card bill, and that still holds, but using a credit card for online purchases offers you some protection. If there are any problems, you can work with your credit card company to file and resolve a dispute. Incidentally, many credit cards offer protection or insurance on purchases. In lieu of using plastic, many retailers will allow you to use a third-party payment service, such as PayPal, which guarantees your purchase.

6. Print, save, stash. Don’t forget to keep records of your purchases. Print and save your receipts and e-mail confirmations. You’ll need these if you encounter any problems.

7. Password protect. It’s time to get a little more sophisticated with your choice of passwords; abcd123 isn’t going to cut it. Today’s hackers are smart and determined. Get creative and use a combination of letters and numbers. Some sites will even allow you to use special symbols.

8. Privacy policy. Make sure the vendor has a privacy policy and that it outlines how it will protect your information.

9. Be careful where you click. Go directly to a seller’s website versus clicking on a link you receive in an e-mail or stumble across on another site. Clicking on unknown links can take you places you would rather not go.

10. Check it out. When your credit card statement arrives, go over it with a fine-tooth comb, making certain all of the purchases listed are yours. If you question a line item, call the credit card company immediately. Don’t forget to check a store’s online purchase policy as well, should you need to exchange or return an item.

A secure holiday season is a happy holiday season.

There are a lot of great online deals this holiday season. By taking a few simple precautions, however, you can shop wisely without jeopardizing your online security.

Among other things, the holidays are a time of giving and receiving gifts. The question most often asked of people is, "what did you get?" Much less frequently asked is, "what did you give?" Invariably, the inquiries concern material gifts. Purchasing a gift can certainly be thoughtful and a wonderful gesture, especially when it's backed up by your actions.

However, the most valuable presents are those that aren't sold in stores. When you give your love, your time, help someone in need, aid another in solving a problem or overcoming an obstacle, you give something priceless.

The true spirit of the holidays is giving. When you give, you receive. You can get anything in life you want by helping enough others get what they want. But only if you give without expecting anything in return. The impact of giving isn't limited to just the holiday season, it's something that has value all year.

The power of giving is often underestimated. When you give unconditionally, you don't just impact the recipient; you start a chain reaction. By brightening the life of one person you also affect all those who they then touch.

No gesture of giving or kindness is too small. Holding the door open at a store, helping someone carry groceries to their car, letting another car in front of you, saying please and thank you, and saying hello to a stranger you pass on the sidewalk, are some of the many things you can do daily.

For family and friends, your time is one of the most precious gifts you can offer. Are you there for others when they need you? Do you offer a hand without being asked? Do you help out when asked?

Too often, people get caught up in their own desires, thus losing sight of the needs of others. A person who tries to get through life by looking out for himself or herself first is invariably frustrated. Often this person views life as a competition to determine who can accumulate more.

On the other hand, those who are concerned for the well being of others are happier, more content, and more satisfied. By giving without expecting, they in turn receive the things they need.

Giving is a simple concept that works every time it is applied. There will be people who don't appreciate what you do, but it doesn't matter. You are giving without anticipating anything in return. Besides, there will be many more who are thankful for your efforts.

If you don't treat others well, buying a gift won't compensate for your behavior. The recipient might like what you give them but it won't make up for your actions. You can't bribe someone to forgive the way you treat them with a present.

The best gift you can receive is the joy of making someone else happy. Being unselfish is a wonderful way to live. When you give with no ulterior motives, your actions are seen as genuine. Should you expect something in return, your behavior is always suspect. We all know people who do nice things only when they want something in return.

Make giving a daily routine. Don't start and end with the holiday season. Every day is a good day to do something nice. When people feel good due to your actions, you can't help but feel happy yourself. And that is priceless. The most significant action you can take is having a positive impact on the lives of others.

Bryan is the author of "Dare to Live Without Limits." Bryan is a self-development expert, syndicated columnist, and professor. E-mail Bryan at bryan@columnist.com. ©2011 Bryan Golden