Online Shopping Safety
E-commerce has made shopping faster and more convenient. Today, approximately 79% of Americans have made an online purchase. However, online shoppers who do not properly secure their personal data have become more susceptible to cyber attacks and identity theft. Here are four things you can do to make sure of the security of personal and financial information online and safe delivery of purchases.
Buy from credible websites
Understand the potential risks of shopping online, such as identity theft or fraud, to properly safeguard your sensitive information. Shop only on credible websites as cyber attackers often pose as e-retailers to obtain personal and financial data or gain access to devices.
Connect to a secured website
An unsecured network could leave your personal and financial data vulnerable to attack, as it is easily accessible to cyber criminals. Look for websites that start with https://, which indicate that they’re encrypted.
Secure payments
Compromising personal payment information could lead to identity theft or fraudulent use. Credit cards are typically the safest payment method for online transactions as opposed to ATM or debit cards, as online shoppers are typically less liable for loss from unauthorized use.
Protect smartphones
Shopping on your phone adds a layer of convenience for shoppers; however, it can significantly increase security risks. Properly secure your phone to reduce the risk of compromising personal information, starting with a passcode for example.
Go forth and shop with ease with these tips, and don’t forget to be prompt about picking up your packages.