We spend our money more online, and this form of trading is a big change for the retail industry and business in general. Internet shopping and e-commerce transfer of funds and receipt of products and services are incredibly easy. With the good comes bad, however, we are still concerned that e-commerce sites and online stores are safe to use and that our information is accurate, protected from identity theft and hackers on the Internet.
Online Shopping Safety Tips
#1. SSL Certificates
SSL Certificate for the “Secure Socket Layer” certificate. The standardized form of this technological tool encrypts the information through a browser, and in turn, through a website server. This improves data integrity and protects all the details of the transaction. Because of its encoding or encryption, SSL secures the transfer of all data transmitted between the client and the online store. Security is verified by the lock on the page or image index at the end of your browser and can be identified when the URL changes to HTTPS. Premium SSL certificates also shed light on the green address bar of your browser when the primary visual cue is to go clear on the site.
The padlock icon and HTTPS does not necessarily appear on the site to connect to pages that are protected. This usually happens on the screen or online registration account or Login page.
#2. Use a Credit Card Compared to a Debit Card
Try to avoid using a debit card. The Bank offers a security guarantee with a credit card that is not provided with the use of debit cards.
#3. Avoid Sending Payment Information by Email
E-mail is not completely protected from reading others. Most reputable merchant sites use encryption to protect your personal information in order that it is read by others. This type of encryption is used during online transactions.
#4. Use Strong Usernames and Passwords
If you have the option to edit or create your own user name, do not use your email address, because it is too well known. Take the original password, and changes it to a mixture of letters, numbers, and symbols as quickly as possible. Make sure that you have written for the next time.
Try not to choose the “Remember password”. It records the password for the network and stores them on your computer. This is often the subject of fraud. Malicious software is designed to find passwords. Especially if you use a laptop, disable this feature.
#5. Check Your Card Statement Regularly
Regularly check the statements, not only to confirm that you have created but in the absence of fraud. Fraud usually starts with a small “test” of personal data or credit card information before using the stolen information seriously.
#6. Privacy Policy
Create a routine study of the site privacy policy for more information on how your personal information will be used. Only as far as possible provide their own forms of online information.
#7. Check Terms and Conditions
check the site of the legal agreement you visit, such as information, and return your constitutional rights as a consumer. If these elements do not exist, do not do business with the site.
#8. Individual cards
Consider using a separate card for a purchase order line to minimize damage in case your unauthorized use.
#9. Use Familiar Websites
While browsing online sites, you should check for a secured one and ignore those websites which show an insecure warning. Insecure websites mean a site that has no SSL certificate on it. Moreover, check spelling and dummy domain names like amaz0n.com instead of amazon.com. Such phishing sites are made to grab the credentials of users.
#10. Avoid Shopping in Public
People like to stay connected even if they are out of home or office premises and mistakenly use insecure Wi-Fi that is made to steal users’ information. Many coffee shops, hotels, bus terminals offer free Wi-Fi. However, such Wi-Fi is sometimes not so protected, and hackers can act like a man in the middle between a Wi-Fi and a user and sniff the communication. It is wise to use a VPN to create a secure tunnel in which the information can be passed securely.
#11. Use antivirus protection for your PC
The rising cybercrime has pushed the need for antivirus for PC and mobile devices. Antivirus program checks for downloads perform full system scans, scans wireless networks, cleans files, block intrusions, monitor emails to keep the PC clean. It is advisable to go with the paid version of antivirus as it comes with many features.
#12. Beware amazing deals
Social media is a useful source to market your product in recent times. However, cybercriminals take advantage of it and create fake ads to make fool people. Such advertisement redirects users to steal users’ personal information once they land on a fake site.
#13. Buy from a mobile device, not from a PC
Cybercriminals always target websites to carry malicious attacks and redirect users to a fake or phishing site. Recently, many eCommerce sites have mobile apps. Users need to download the authenticate app from Google Play Store or Apple store. Users can safely deal with such apps and do shopping in a secure environment. It is wise to purchase from a mobile device instead of a PC.
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