I use Goggle Chrome as my browser. It blocks highjacking sites and highjacking cookies. Hackers have a terrible time getting Chrome to co operate with them. Here is one way to be sure the site is legit. Fill out the information incorrectly, using fake numbers, silly names, stupid dates. If the site is legit, you will be asked to contact a company rep. If it is a sham it will take everything as correct.
I would never not have Carbonite on my computer. It is a paid site that backs up every file on your computer and if you computer crashes, every file will be saved, pictures, music, pdfs., docs., txt. everything but installed programs.
It cost about $55 a year but worth every penny when the crash does come.