Online shopping is on the rise and an inseparable part of our life now.
With the increased volume of online shopping, it’s important that consumers understand the potential security risks and know how to protect themselves and their information. If you’re going to get the best out of your online shopping activities — without falling prey to criminals and Internet scams — you’ll need to take a few precautions.
1. Make your password as strong as possible
We’ve spoken about the importance of a strong password and not reusing passwords before, but it’s worth repeating here.
Reusing passwords is one of the worst things you can do for your online security, as it leaves you vulnerable to credential stuffing attacks.
Using a long phrase as it is much more effective than using a single word. Consider using a password manager which creates unique, strong passwords for every website that requires you to log in
2. Shop at reliable websites
Fraudsters are fond of setting up fake e-commerce sites. Prior to making a purchase, read reviews to hear what others say about the merchant. In addition, look for a physical location and any customer service information. It’s also a good idea to call the merchant to confirm that they are legitimate.Trust is an essential feature of safe online shopping. If you’ve found a product that you’d like to buy, but it’s on an unfamiliar website, check the spelling of the link, if there is a mistake it might be a sign that the shop is not legitimate.
3. Skip the debit card
When shopping online it’s better to use a virtual card that can help keep your information safe by hiding sensitive account details from prying eyes online. Think of it as an additional barrier between your credit card number and cyber identity thieves. Jeton provides you with a safe virtual card that you can use every time you want to purchase something online.
Virtual credit cards essentially give you a leg up over fraudsters, especially if you’re using a single-use number. Not only will it mask your actual account number—it’ll also be invalid after one transaction, rendering it useless to hackers. In some cases, consumers can even establish a virtual credit card number that has a predetermined spending limit and expiration date.
4. Don’t give more info than needed
Be alert to the kinds of information being collected to complete your transaction. If a website is asking you for unnecessary personal information such as your tax number, where you were born, or information concerning your family members, the likelihood is that it is fraudulent. If you’re confused as to why a website wants to know any additional personal information, try getting in contact with them. Failing that, it’s safer just to walk away.
5. Beware of using public Wi-Fi
While buying something online from the comfort of your favorite coffee shop may seem appealing, it comes with a few hidden risks. Public WiFi networks are vulnerable to abuse, allowing hackers to intercept all kinds of personal data, including your browsing history, and access to your email and your passwords.
What’s more, if you decide to shop online while using a public WiFi connection, you also risk giving away your credit card details and your name. Therefore, it’s much safer to do all of your online shopping at home, using a secure internet connection.
