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Online shopping is quick and convenient – and often more affordable compared to shopping in person. But this comes with the price of privacy and data security – just as with most things related to the digital world. Ordering a dress or a gift online could easily expose you to risks, such as hackers stealing sensitive personal data, like your credit card information. Cybercriminals who access this data can use it for malicious purposes, like making purchases or selling the information to another person. Therefore, shopping online safely is critical to avoid such consequences.
Nowadays, hackers have become more creative and bolder than ever before, and you could quickly become their victim unless you practice effective digital hygiene. You deserve to shop online without worrying about your information being stolen, and that is possible by learning some practical tips on increasing your digital safety.
Purchase from trustworthy vendors
Your online safety is likely guaranteed if you know the store where you’re purchasing your products. Supposing there is a problem with your purchase, you can always go to their local store for help. And if you also know other people who have had positive experiences with that specific store, that’s a bonus.
But when you aren’t familiar with the store, it’s essential to take some precautions. You don’t necessarily have to buy from known stores; however, conducting your background check when purchasing a product from a different store is crucial, as you must ensure they’re reputable. You can do that by looking at websites that post reviews about e-stores. If there aren’t any favourable reviews – or the store itself is not reviewed at all – that may be a sign that you should order from another store instead.
Use a secure Internet connection
Mobile devices come with a significant advantage: you can complete tasks and access critical information on the go. However, it’s best to do your online shopping from the comfort of your home, where there’s a secure Internet connection. While it’s convenient, public Wi-Fi can expose you to cyber threats.
A public network is often unsecure, which means criminals can easily access your information. When shopping online, you have to provide sensitive information like your address, name, or credit card information. Using public Wi-Fi makes you the perfect target for cybercriminals who love to grab such information. While shopping from home is safer than shopping from a public place, it’s still critical to take security measures, like protecting your wireless network with a password and turning on your computer’s firewall.
Be cautious about email scams
Hackers use smart tactics to access sensitive information. One of these tactics is email scams, where they pretend to be your colleague or a close person to trick you into opening the email. It’s paramount to be wary of these things and take extra precautions if you think something is suspicious about the email. Contact your co-worker, family member or friend to check whether the message is from them.
You may also get an email claiming your item isn’t in stock anymore or that there’s a problem with your package delivery. Hackers may attach a link to this message, telling you to make another purchase. You should not open these links and attachments if they are from unfamiliar senders, as they could be malware.
Limit the information you give
Online stores will not require you to give sensitive information like your birthdate or SIN card. If they do ask for your birthdate, it’s often because you have to be over a specific age to buy a product, or they have some birthday offers. But giving this information should be optional, so be aware of it if a particular store asks for it.
If it’s the first time purchasing with a specific company, read their privacy policy to determine how they will use your information. Retail sites are vulnerable to breaches, especially during times when shopping is heavy, such as holidays. Unfortunately, many consumers suffer identity or credit card theft after shopping online. While it’s best to take precautions to avoid becoming a data breach victim, unexpected things can always happen. However, if a company fails to protect your information, you can claim compensation for the data breach. Experts like Data Breach Law can provide free legal advice on what steps you should take in such a situation. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when necessary – challenging experiences like this one require the expertise of a professional.
Use strong passwords
Using a strong password is essential to keep cybercriminals out of the accounts where you store critical information. As experts recommend, the strongest passwords combine uppercase with lowercase letters, special characters and numbers.
Also, you should not use the same password for all your accounts – don’t worry, you don’t have to remember them; a password manager can do that for you. Changing passwords regularly is also critical to protecting your information from hackers.
Beware of impressive deals
E-stores that offer impressive deals at low prices are suspicious, and you should always avoid them. If the price of a product is too low, consider the following aspects:
- You may get a cheap substitute instead of a genuine product;
- You may never receive your purchases;
- You may not get the brand shown in pictures;
- You may get your financial information stolen.
You should always compare prices from different stores before purchasing a product. And if you think the price seems too good to be true, you’re probably right. Trusting your instinct will keep you safe from cybercriminals.
Update your software
Updating your software is perhaps one of the simplest ways to secure your information -and yet, people often put it off. However, software updates boost your online security and help fight cyberattacks hackers develop constantly.
While waiting for your smartphone or computer to complete updates may be inconvenient, the security benefits are worth your patience. So, next time you get a notification for a software update, don’t ignore it – your online privacy depends on it.
The bottom line
With Internet scams being on the rise, you may wonder whether you should keep shopping online. The answer is yes, you should. There’s no need to avoid purchasing from online stores – not when safe online shopping is possible. All you have to do is take security measures to enhance your shopping experience and avoid becoming a victim of a data breach and other cyber threats.
