AirAsia, the leading and largest low-cost carrier in Asia, services the most extensive network with 122 routes covering more than 65 destinations. Within the grasp of 7 years of operation, AirAsia has carried over 65 million passengers and grown its fleet from just two aircraft to 80. The airline today is proud to be a truly Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) airline with established operations based in Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand, servicing a network stretching across all Asean countries, China, India and Bangladesh. This is further complemented by AirAsia X, its low cost long-haul affiliate carrier that currently flies to destinations in China, Australia and the UK. AirAsia is the only regional carrier with the largest destination network and highest flight frequencies. AirAsia has been awarded the 2009 World’s Best Low Cost Airline in the annual World Airline Survey by Skytrax.

In today's world, electronic commerce is a fast growing industry. Businessmen are transferring their businesses onto the Web in order to increase the sales of their goods and services beyond their geographical area. This helps them to use better options for selling and buying. They also have the option to sell their products directly without the help of distributors or middlemen.

Nowadays, internet is one of the ways that connect billions of computers throughout the world. People rely mostly on the computer especially the internet to store and manage their so called personal and financial information. Information travels rapidly through the internet. Information becomes vulnerable and easily expose to threat when they are travelled via the internet. That is why internet security is very important for most of the internet user.


There are few ways which users are able to safeguard their personal and also financial data:
(a) Install a firewall
A firewall is a software program designed to allow good people in and keep bad people out. Nowadays, most of the computers come with firewalls integrated into their operating systems. Users who use DSL or cable modem have an added layer of protection because these modems come with another firewall built in.


(b) Install and update antispyware and antivirus programs
Microsoft and numerous application vendors offer users regular updates to existing antispyware programs, so be on the lookout. As for antivirus protection, Symantec and Norton antivirus are popular choices.


(c) Avoid accessing financial information in public
It is best for the user not to check their bank balance when working from a coffee shop such as starbucks, coffee bean that offers free wireless access. Although the system are convenient to access but it is unknown. Casual users have no way of assessing how sturdy their firewalls are.

(d) Update your browser
User is encouraged to update theirs browser on a regular basis. This is can help plug up security holes, so as to make it a habit.


(e) Look for "locks"
How can you tell if your financial site is really secure before you log on? The Web address should start with "https" instead of "http" says Weston. Also, look for small lock icon in the lower-right corner of the browser window.



(f) Don't open mystery attachments
It is very important to never open an attachment or click on a link sent to user by an unknown party. The attachments can contain viruses and links can lead unsuspecting users to dummy sites where they are asked to input financial information.

(g) Use a credit card with a small limit
User is encouraged to use a credit card with a small limit for mail-order and online purchases. It is very easy for a dishonest sales clerk to use user’s credit card information. If the card user use for these purchases has a low credit limit, at least thieves won't be able to rack up many bills before hitting a wall.



(h) Choose your PIN wisely
When user wants to choose something that he or she could easily remember, the pin should not be something that a clever thief could figure out just by learning your birth date or your child's name. A combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols will offer user more security.

(i) Pay attention when using an ATM
User must keep his or her eyes peeled for anyone who seems a little too interested in the transactions. Use a free hand to shield the keypad when entering the PIN. Besides that, banker can add on fingerprint scanning on ATM machine.


Related Links:
1. http://finance.yahoo.com/banking-budgeting/article/103893/Six-Ways-to-Safeguard-Your-Online-Assets
2. http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory?id=5351346
3. http://www.fool.com/personal-finance/general/2006/09/23/safeguard-your-financial-life.aspx
4. http://amazingcommerce.wordpress.com/2008/06/18/how-to-safeguard-our-personal-and-financial-data/

The term phishing comes from the fact that Internet scammers are using increasingly sophisticated lures as they "fish" for users' financial information and password data.

In the field of computer security, phishing is the criminally fraudulent process of attempting to acquire sensitive information such as usernames, passwords and credit card details by masquerading as a trustworthy entity in an electronic communication. Communications purporting to be from popular social web sites, auction sites, online payment processors or IT Administrators are commonly used to lure the unsuspecting public.

Phishing is typically carried out by e-mail or instant messaging, and it often directs users to enter details at a fake website whose look and feel are almost identical to the legitimate one. (This is why phishing is also called brand spoofing). Even when using server authentication, it may require tremendous skill to detect that the website is fake. Phishing is an example of social engineering techniques used to fool users, and exploits the poor usability of current web security technologies. Attempts to deal with the growing number of reported phishing incidents include legislation, user training, public awareness, and technical security measures.

A phishing technique was described in detail in 1987, and the first recorded use of the term "phishing" was made in 1996. The term is a variant of fishing, probably influenced by phreaking, and alludes to baits used to "catch" financial information and passwords.

Free Money in Three Easy Steps

The first step is to reach as many possible potential victims in the shortest amount of time with the least amount of effort. The below is a typical e-mail call to action as rendered by Microsoft’s Outlook Express.

In later sections, the structure of various tactics of phishers will be explored. Generally speaking, most phishing e-mail will appear similar in both appearance and structure. Virtually all will have one common feature: a clickable link to a fake site that has been built to look similar or identical to the legitimate site it's masquerading as.

The Catch:
A fraction of the potential victim pool, sometimes as much as two to three percent, fulfill the following criteria:
• They are customers of the phisher’s chosen brand (Citibank, PayPal, etc.).
• They become sufficiently convinced the message (and supplied link) is a valid communication from their financial institution.
• Their immediate action is required to prevent a catastrophe (or, rarely, collect a reward).Once these requirements are met, the attacker must also provide these qualified victims with a credible facsimile of the targeted brand’s login page, such as the (fake) site below:

Often, these forms lead to a second page, which collects even more account-relevant information, specifically, account numbers and PINs.

However, even if a user provided an accurate password, that could change before the phisher has a chance to log in to the newly acquired victim account. So once account information has been collected, the most straightforward next step would be to log in to the phished account and perform an electronic funds transfer.

Examples of phishing:
Phishers typically include upsetting or exciting (but false) statements in the emails to get people to react immediately. They will ask for information such as usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, social security numbers, date of birth, etc. PayPal showed above is only one of the examples of phishing email. Besides that, there are First Generic Bank, Citibank, Bank of America, Bank of Scotland, HSBC, ebay, Intelligent Finance, Nationwide and so on. The phishing threat is spread all over the world through internet.

Prevention methods
In order to prevent becoming the victim of phishing, users must always alert of the emails received. There are tips on how to avoid the Internet scam:

• Be suspicious of any email with urgent requests for personal financial information unless the email is digitally signed.
• If you receive an unexpected e-mail saying your account will be shut down unless you confirm your billing information, do not reply or click any links in the e-mail body. Instead, call the company on the telephone, or log onto the website directly by typing in the Web address in your browser.
• Avoid filling out forms in email messages that ask for personal financial information. You should only communicate information such as credit card numbers or account information via a secure website or the telephone.
• Before submitting financial information through a Web site, look for the "lock" icon on the browser's status bar. It means your information is secure during transmission.
• If you are uncertain about the information, contact the company through an address or telephone number you know to be genuine.
• Consider installing a Web browser tool bar to help protect you from known fraudulent websites. These toolbars match where you are going with lists of known phisher Web sites and will alert you.
• Regularly log into and check your online accounts, bank, credit and debit card statements to ensure that all transactions are legitimate. Don't leave it for as long as a month before you check each account. If anything is suspicious or you don't recognize the transaction, contact your bank and all card issuers.
• If you unknowingly supplied personal or financial information, contact your bank and Credit Card Company immediately.
• Use anti-virus and anti-spyware software, as well as a firewall, and update them all regularly. And always be cautious about opening any attachment or downloading any files from emails you receive, regardless of who sent them.
• Forward phishing emails to spam@uce.gov – and to the company, bank, or organization impersonated in the phishing email. You also may report phishing email to reportphishing@antiphishing.org. Suspicious e-mail can be forwarded to uce@ftc.gov, and complaints should be filed with the state attorney general's office or through the FTC at http://www.ftc.gov/. The Anti-Phishing Working Group, a consortium of ISPs, security vendors, financial institutions and law enforcement agencies, uses these reports to fight phishing.

Besides that, users can install Phishing Filter. It offers dynamic new technology to help protect internet users from Web fraud and the risks of personal data theft. Scams known as "phishing scams” typically attempt to lure users into visiting phony Web sites where the personal information or credit card information can be collected for criminal use. This form of identity theft is growing quickly on the Web.

Phishing Filter includes several patent-pending technologies designed to warn or block users from potentially harmful Web sites. There are three ways Phishing Filter helps to protect:

1. A built-in filter in your browser that scans the Web addresses and Web pages you visit for characteristics associated with known online Web fraud or phishing scams, and warns you if sites you visit are suspicious.

2. An online service to help block you from confirmed scams with up-to-the-hour information about reported phishing Web sites. (Phishing sites often appear and disappear in 24–48 hours, so up-to-the-hour information is critical to protection.)

3. A built-in way for you to report suspicious sites or scams. With Phishing Filter, you can help provide valuable information on any Web sites you believe are potentially fraudulent phishing attacks. You submit the information to Microsoft and Microsoft evaluates it. If the information is confirmed, the online service adds the information to a database to help protect the community of Internet Explorer users.

Related Links:

1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phishing
2. http://www.wordspy.com/words/phishing.asp
3. http://www.planb-security.net/wp/503167-001_PhishingDetectionandPrevention.pdf
4. http://www.phishtank.com/what_is_phishing.php?view=website
5. http://www.flickr.com/photos/brennansg/290704431/sizes/o/
6. http://www.flickr.com/photos/23385905@N04/3333805334/
7. http://www.antiphishing.org/consumer_recs.html
8. http://www.onguardonline.gov/topics/phishing.aspx
9. http://www.microsoft.com/protect/products/yourself/phishingfilter.mspx

Just about anyone that gets online is at risk. Online security threats are one of the biggest challenges on the Internet today. The problem is that the people that want to attack your computer and the computers of the people that you know don't create difficult methods to create problems instead they focus on common failures that will give them access. When those that get on the Internet know how these attacks take place, these attacks can be lessened and even prevented in most cases.

The best thing you can do if you get on the Internet at all is to use security software and hardware such as firewalls and authentication servers, as this is the most effective way to protect your computer and your personal information.

It is a broad term covering Internet transactions that involve falsified information. Some of the most common forms of online fraud are the sale via Internet of counterfeit documents, such as fake IDs, diplomas, and recommendation letters sold as credentials; offers of easy money, such as work at-home offers that claim to earn individuals thousands of dollars for trivial tasks; prank calls, in which dial-up connections lead to expensive long distance charges; and charity facades, where donations are solicited for phony causes.




9. Educate your employees
If your people do not know what is out there, how can they take the necessary precautions? Mobile users should be aware of every site they visit and every communication they open on their mobile devices. Unsolicited communications, no matter how inviting, can contain threats to the mobile device. People should only open communications from known sources and limit mobile Internet browsing to trusted sites.

10. Don't be stupid
People display highly sensitive data, like company secrets and even information that could facilitate identity thefts, on their laptops. They do not bother to install an inexpensive polarizing overlay that could avoid shoulder-surfing. In other words, if your case says "IBM" or "HP" or "DELL" or even a well-known manufacturer of computer bags, you have increased your radar profile for thieves. There are lots of less noticeable bags out there that can help you avoid being the next victim.

11. Consider data-level security precautions
These add yet another layer of security to your documents, protecting them from would-be thieves. There are cost-effective security solutions on the market that are easily integrated with Microsoft products like Exchange, SharePoint and the Office suite. They provide a simple way for small businesses to benefit from these solutions without radically changing existing IT policies and procedures."

12. Do not leave well enough alone
If you're really concerned with security, these precautions just represent a good start. Experts say you should always be working to improve your safeguards, even as the bad guys try to crack your defenses. You have to control who can access your data. For companies that are serious about security, a user ID and password are not good enough. There should be some form of two-factor authentication, like a Smart Card, USB token or SoftCerts. But do not rely solely on passwords. Keeping your data safe while you're out of the office is an ongoing challenge.

Besides that, another way for company to secure customer information is outsourcing security service. But company has to be careful not to outsource privacy completely, or to rely too much on the consultant to make important decisions. Turn to outside help for direction, but always remain of its own programme.

Company should also limit the connectivity for example, limit downloads. Do not simply download software that you have never heard of, instead stick with the names that you know. You should also take care to scan all files before they are downloaded.

The employees of the company use only authorized media for loading data and software.

On the other hand, enforce the mandatory access controls. The employees of the company should always remember to scan their computer with Anti-virus. Delete all the cookies in the computer to prevent track on the history or password and on the firewall to prevent hackers.

In conclusion, with a few precautions and by taking a long view on mobile security, you can make sure the company’s valuable information does not fall into the wrong hands.

Related Links:

E-Commerce is playing a very essential role in the online business world. Although it is one of the best and cheapest intermediate ways for reaching out to new customers in the online market, but, if e-commerce implemented effectively, it also offers a smart way of doing online business & expanding it more. Furthermore, e-commerce is planned and implemented to provide customer with a convenient, satisfying and protected shopping experience.

Advantages
1. Being able to conduct business
E-commerce systems can operate throughout the day. The physical storefront does not need to be open in order for customers and suppliers to be doing business with the company electronically.

2. Access the global marketplace
The Internet spans the world, and it is possible to do business with any business or person who is connected to the Internet. Simple local businesses such as specialist record stores are able to market and sell their offerings internationally using e-commerce. This global opportunity is assisted by the fact that, unlike traditional communications methods, users are not charged according to the distance over which they are communicating.

3. Speed
Electronic communications allow messages to traverse the world almost instantaneously. There is no need to wait weeks for a catalogue to arrive by post: that communications delay is not a part of the Internet / e-commerce world.

4. Marketplace
The market in which web-based businesses operate is the global market. It may not be evident to them, but many businesses are already facing international competition from web-enabled businesses

5. Opportunity to reduce costs
The Internet makes it very easy to 'shop around' for products and services that may be cheaper or more effective than we might otherwise settle for. It is sometimes possible to, through some online research, identify original manufacturers for some goods - thereby bypassing wholesalers and achieving a cheaper price.

Disadvantages
1. Time for delivery of physical products
E-commerce is often used to buy goods that are not available locally from businesses all over the world, meaning that physical goods need to be delivered, which takes time and costs money.

2. Physical product, supplier & delivery uncertainty
In some aspects e-commerce purchases are made on trust. This is because, firstly, not having had physical access to the product, a purchase is made on an expectation of what that product is and its condition. Secondly, because supplying businesses can be conducted across the world, it can be uncertain whether or not they are legitimate businesses and are not just going to take your money. Thirdly, even if the item is sent, it is easy to start wondering whether or not it will ever arrive.

3. Returning goods
Returning goods online can be an area of difficulty. The uncertainties surrounding the initial payment and delivery of goods can be exacerbated in this process. Will the goods get back to their source? Who pays for the return postage? Will the refund be paid? Will I be left with nothing? How long will it take? Contrast this with the offline experience of returning goods to a shop.

4. Privacy, security, payment, identity, contract
Many issues arise - privacy of information, security of that information and payment details, whether or not payment details (e.g. credit card details) will be misused, identity theft, contract, and, whether we have one or not, what laws and legal jurisdiction apply.

Related Links:
1. http://www.smarte-commerce.com/advantages-of-e-commerce-in-present-business-scenario/
2. http://www.marcbowles.com/sample_courses/amc/ec1/ec1_3.htm
3. http://www.isos.com.my/ecommerce/advantages.htm
4. http://wiki.media-culture.org.au/index.php/E-commerce_-_Overview_-_Advantages

E-Commerce Revenue Model describes how the publisher’s websites will earn revenue, generate profits, and produce a superior return on invested capital. The 5 major types are sales, transaction fees, subscription fees, advertising fees, affiliate fees.

Sales - Sales of goods, merchandise information and services provided in the publishers' websites.

Affiliate fees - Companies receive commissions for referring customers to others' websites. It can include CPM (cost per thousand impressions), CPC (cost per click) and CPA (cost per acquisition/action).

Google Inc. is an American public corporation, earning revenue from advertising related to its Internet search, e-mail, online-mapping, office productivity, social networking and video sharing services as well as selling advertising-free versions of the same technologies. 99% of Google's revenue is derived from its advertising programs. For the 2006 fiscal year, the company reported US$10.492 billion in total advertising revenues and only US$112 million in licensing and other revenues. Google offers targeted advertising solutions and global Internet search solutions. Its principal products and services include:

Related Links:
1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google

2. http://www.organicspam.com/google_revenue_model.asp

3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AdWords

4. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EBay

5. http://www.ecommerce-guide.com/essentials/ebay/article.php/3522981

6. http://ecommerce.hostip.info/pages/29/Amazon-Com-NEW-PARTNERS-HELP-INCREASE-REVENUE.html

Toys "R" Us (currently spelled Toys Я Us in the logo, and before as Toys "Я" Us with a reversal on the "R".) is a toy store chain based in the United States. The chain also has locations in Europe, Asia, Oceania, Africa, and Canada. The company currently operates 585 stores in the United States and 716 stores in 34 other countries, with some of them under franchises or licenses. Being an $11 billion business with 1600 stores worldwide, this huge regime operates in five divisions:
Toys "R" Us, U.S.

eBay is one of the success example for e-commerce. It is a well known website for everyone. How eBay started? eBay was born over Labor Day weekend in 1995, eBay founder Pierre Omidyar, in an experiment, put a broken laser pointer up for sale online, and to his surprise, found a buyer. When he told the buyer the item was broken, the buyer said: "I' m a collector of broken laser pointers." It was then that Omidyar knew anything was possible. It has around 14 years of history.

eBay is The World’s Online Marketplace, enabling trade on a local, national and international basis. With a diverse and passionate community if individuals and small businesses. Besides that, eBay also offers an online platform where millions of items are traded each day. There are about 276 million registered eBay users worldwide until year 2008. More than US$2,039 (RM6,490) worth of goods are traded every second.

Since its initial public offering in 1998, the company has continued to innovate and connect people and not just through its marketplaces. Two critical acquisitions have made eBay Inc. a global leader in online payments (PayPal- acquired in October 2002) and communications (Skype- acquired in October 2005) as well.

PayPal enables any individual or business with an email address to securely, easily and quickly send and receive payments online. Acquired by eBay Inc. in October 2002, PayPal builds on the existing financial infrastructure of bank accounts and credit cards and uses the world's most advanced proprietary fraud prevention systems to create a safe payment solution. Today, PayPal is a global leader in online payment solutions: It has 149 million registered users and is accepted by millions of merchants worldwide - on and off eBay. PayPal's Q1 2008 global total payment volume of $14.4 billion accounted for nearly 9 percent of worldwide eCommerce.

Acquired by eBay Inc. in October 2005, Skype is an Internet communication company that has revolutionized the way people talk online. With more than 309 million registered users as of early 2008, Skype allows people everywhere to make unlimited voice and video calls online for free using its software. Skype is available in 28 languages and is used in almost every country on Earth. This business unit generates revenue through its premium offerings, such as calls (using its software) made to and from landline and mobile phones; voicemail; call forwarding; and personalization, including ringtones and avatars. In addition to its presence on eBay, Skype has relationships with a growing network of hardware and software providers.

Other key acquisitions have strengthened eBay Inc.'s portfolio of ecommerce companies, including shopping.com, a pioneer in online comparison shopping; Stubhub, a leading online marketplace for the resale of event tickets; rent.com, the most visited online apartment listing service in the U.S.; StumbleUpon, an online solution that helps people discover and share content on the web; and market-leading online classifieds sites including LoQUo.com, Intoko, and Netherlands-based Marktplaats.nl. The company has also grown its classifieds business through Kijiji, which launched in the U.S. in 2007.

Causes of its success:

(a) eBay's success is based on its ability to transform many fragmented, primarily local markets into global ones at a relatively low cost to its users. People have always had a need and an interest in buying and selling used, surplus, and collectible items. Traditionally, they have done so through garage sales, classified advertising in local newspapers, and flea markets.

(b) For a price comparable to advertising an item in the classifieds section of their local newspaper with three or four lines of text, users can post lengthy descriptions and pictures available to a worldwide audience. Concerns about fraud have been mitigated through a user feedback system escrow services. The company's ability to bring a large number of buyers and sellers together is what has driven its growth. The more buyers there are, the more sellers want to participate. Conversely, the more sellers there are, the more items are to buy, and the greater the attraction of the service to buyers. eBay has allowed many people to become entrepreneurs with little upfront expense or overhead and provides a method for companies and even governments to dispose of unwanted items.

(c) eBay makes money by charging listing fees and collecting a percentage of the selling price of items sold through the site. eBay also owns PayPal, which makes money through investing its clients' assets and from transaction fees. eBay's growth has been remarkable.

(d) eBay appears to have significant growth potential. It has successfully introduced new markets, such as car sales, which many thought would not be adaptable to its business model. Besides that, it is so successful because it meets its customer's needs better than any competing service. No one else has accumulated such a large number of buyers and sellers in a single marketplace.

(e) According to the interview with the spokesperson of eBay, Kevin Pursglove, he thinks that people really enjoy the experience of the shopping bazaar. They enjoy the hunt. They enjoy looking around for merchandise.

(f) The other component is that Kevin Pursglove believes they really enjoy the competition of the bidding process. Everybody likes to get a bargain, and everybody, I think, in some way, shape, or form, likes to haggle a little bit over the price. Their auction format allows users to do that.

Video Clips:

1)Brief introduction of eBay



2) eBay music video (Have fun XD)


Related Links:
1. http://www.ebay.com/
2. http://www.ecommercetimes.com/story/2127.html?welcome=1213184390
3. http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=245309
4. http://www.neowave.com.my/malaysia_ecommerce_radar.asp
5. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pt0qIPAeLXM - source from WatchMojo
6. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YXHcbX36Ao - source from dps001