We are living in the digital age, where we can reap the benefits of online shopping. This boon of online shopping is exposed to tremendous risks, despite being quick and most convenient mode of purchase. The globally accepted view is that the holiday season comes ahead in advance year after year. This increase in online traffic is eagerly awaited by the hackers who are gearing up to swipe credit cards and personal information to commit fraud and identify theft. The online users are targeted and exploited by the cyber criminals by initializing online shopping scams, fraudulent emails. E-card and phishing schemes and more. There are 10 wise tips to safeguard personal information, while shopping online and to prevent threats pose by hackers.
1. Security software
Install, update and activate your security software. Install a firewall and antivirus software to protect from malware that gives cybercriminals easy entrance into the computer and accounts. If antivirus, is already in use, ensure to add a two-way firewall to block hackers from entering your computer and using it to send out attacks and spam.
2. Strong and unique passwords should be set
Passwords for all online accounts should be created with letters, numbers and symbols with a minimum of 8 characters. The use of alpha numeric characters with symbols make passwords strong and difficult to hack. Longer passwords are more secure and harder to crack. Hackers employ special password-cracking software to guess their way into your accounts. Adoption of the same password for every account should be avoided as it makes the job easier for hackers.
3. Wi-Fi networks
Authentication needs to be done to ensure that the Wi-Fi networks are legitimate enough to be connected. This can be assured by verification of the Wi-Fi network name (SSID) before connecting to a network to shop online. The security risks are at a higher rate if the connection is executed through random unsecured Wi-Fi network. This needs to be avoided. Also ensure that the wi-fi is encrypted using WPA standards.
4. The site should be genuine
The site may look similar to a real site, such as Amazon, but beware it is actually a trap meant to steal login or financial information. Social media and phishing on email are the popular modes of targeting users. These messages include a link or popup that encourages the user to click on it for “special deals” or to verify some sort of information from a seller or courier. When shopping online, LINKS should never be clicked. Instead, try to access a legitimate company’s website by typing the company’s information directly into the web browser. Be cautious not to enter personal information on a popup screen. The theft of personal information can be avoided by this.
5. Shopping should be done from secured sites.
A secured web address will always start with https:// and have a little padlock icon next to it. The identity of the certificate owner can be verified by clicking on the padlock icon. Websites that are SSL-secured will encrypt sensitive information such as credit card numbers during the transaction. When payment is made online for a purchase, it should be ensured that it is routed through by a SSL secured site.
6. Hunt for third-party seals of approval
The site must adhere to certain standards regarding business practices and personal information, if a symbol similar to ‘Better Business Bureau or TRUSTe’ appears.
7. Beware of deals which are too good to be true
The first step to strike business deals would be to share the link with the friends and take a survey. This will collect the personal information and complete the task at the initial stage. Then this will be re-routed to a seemingly legitimate website that require to participate in various promotions and purchase subscriptions, fees or products These are tricks adopted to get your banking and personal information. Make sure to stick only to legitimate retailers to avoid these types of pit-traps
8. Create a dummy email account
Most of the websites require accounts/email logins to use. It is desirable to create an additional email account to be used only for marketing, newsletters or online shopping. By doing this, the personal correspondence and information will not be at risk which will also avoid unwanted spam.
9. A credit card can supersede a debit card.
Shopping with a debit card online encounters the risk of confidential information being stolen with regard to the savings account of the user. Credit cards offer protections that debit cards don’t, and there is always an option for the customer to dispute the charges if required. There are few banks which offer virtual credit card numbers. These are temporary credit card numbers with an expiration date and a purchase maximum, which can be very useful for some transactions.
10. Privacy agreements
Privacy agreements should be carefully read & reviewed and then decision should be taken whether to click or not to click “Agree.” There are websites which sell information to third parties. An eye watch should be kept on those sites to reduce the chances of our information being accessed online by others.