PRESS RELEASE

Washington, November 16, 2009 " As holiday shoppers everywhere head online looking for good deals, global internet security software leader AVG and Shop.org, a division of the National Retail Federation, are partnering on an initiative to promote safe online shopping this holiday season.

"Online shopping offers many benefits, including the ability to shop at anytime of the day or night that is convenient," said Beth Jordan, AVG vice president. "To help, we've developed a set of practical tips to help shoppers keep their personal information safe while they are saving time and getting great deals by shopping online."

"Just as we encourage people to be careful as they're shopping in a mall or crowded store, Americans should take appropriate steps to protect themselves while shopping online," said Scott Silverman, executive director of Shop.org. "Simple steps, like looking for the "secure site" padlock on your browser page when shopping, or making sure you're buying from a reputable company, can prevent potential headaches down the road."

Shop.org and AVG offer five tips for online shoppers this holiday season: