Shopping online is meant to be fun. The whole concept revolves around making a purchase that you’re excited about — it serves an important and rewarding purpose. Yet, there’s a darker side to this activity, and that’s how it can leave shoppers vulnerable to malicious attacks or scams. Everyone has heard the horror stories; the bigger question is how to stay safe.
Here’s the modern guide to staying safe when shopping online. From identifying secure websites to enabling two-factor authentication, these are the steps to take.
- Shop Only on Secure and Trusted Websites
Never enter any personal information without first verifying that the website is secure. Glance at the top left-hand corner. Can you spot a long URL which starts with “https://”? And is there a padlock icon on that bar? If either of these is missing, it’s a telltale sign that you’re not using a trusted website.
Every scam site is different, so use your discernment. If you are unsure, seek further guidance, such as information from the National Cyber Security Centre’s online resources.
- Use Strong, Unique Passwords and Enable Two-Factor Authentication
Many shopping websites require users to create an account when completing orders. Always choose a robust and unique password, including features like special characters and capitalised letters. Also, look for an option to enable two-factor authentication. Adding your mobile number or email address means you’ll make it harder for unauthorised users to access your account. Across the pond, even the FBI recommends investing in two-factor authentication to protect yourself from sophisticated attacks.
- Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Financial Transactions
It isn’t just a question of evaluating the legitimacy of websites. Did you know that WiFi networks matter, too? Certain public WiFi networks are created as scams, allowing cybercriminals to intercept and steal your data. Others simply have weak protective measures, unknowingly granting cybercriminals access and leaving users at risk.
Avoid making financial transactions when using public WiFi, and use a Chrome VPN where possible. A VPN service encrypts data and protects user privacy.
- Monitor Your Financial Statements Regularly
Act quickly, and prevent snowballing damage. By monitoring your financial statements regularly, you can help identify suspicious activity and minimise potential losses through prompt reporting. Any unauthorised transactions should be investigated quickly, so commit to a weekly review and set up online banking for easy account access.
Shopping online can be incredibly rewarding, but it does necessitate careful usage. Use these steps to keep shopping safe and secure
