Hello, it’s Max here again Incognito 🙂
As many of us have moved towards online shopping for its convenience and variety, it’s high time we discussed how to ensure a safe shopping experience in cyberspace. Here are my simple, tried-and-true tips for bolstering your online shopping cybersecurity:
- Update, Update, Update! Just like how you’d lock your front door, ensure your devices are secure too. Regularly update your device’s operating system and apps. This process patches any potential security holes that cybercriminals could use to access your information.
- Is This Website Secure? Check the website’s URL before making a purchase. Look for ‘https://’ at the start, and a padlock symbol in the URL bar. Both are good signs that the website is encrypted and will protect your data.
- Passwords Matter Let’s go back to basics. Create strong and unique passwords for each online shopping site you use. A combination of letters, numbers, and special characters creates a solid barrier. For a hassle-free experience, consider using a password manager.
- Phishing – Don’t Take the Bait! Cybercriminals have crafty ways to lure you into handing over your personal information. If an email or message seems suspicious (for instance, an online retailer asking for personal details via email), trust your instincts. Check the sender’s address, or better yet, visit the retailer’s website directly.
- Credit Cards and Secure Payment Services – Your Best Friends Consider using credit cards for online purchases, as they often provide better protection against fraud than debit cards. Secure payment services, like PayPal, can also be a great choice. They keep your financial details tucked away from the online retailer.
- Public Wi-Fi? Think Twice Public Wi-Fi networks can be a hotspot for hackers, making it easy for them to grab your personal information. If you absolutely need to use public Wi-Fi, shield your connection with a Virtual Private Network (VPN).
- Keep an Eye on Your Bank Statements Take a moment every now and then to check your bank statements for any unauthorised transactions. If anything looks amiss, contact your bank immediately.
- If It Seems Too Good To Be True… Lastly, remember the old saying. If a deal online looks incredibly cheap or too good to be true, take a step back. It could be a scam.
And there you have it! Follow these steps, and you’re on your way to a safer online shopping experience. As always, stay safe and be mindful of your online activity. And as always please let me know if you need anything at all. I really mean this, contact me with anything you need.
Until next time, this is Max from Go Incognito, signing off.