Online shopping can help you find some incredible deals. Unfortunately, it can also be home to various scams and phishing attacks, designed to steal your personal and payment information.
If you want to protect your personal information while shopping online, then keep reading this short guide.
Utilize Secure Internet Connections
Perhaps the most important thing you can do is use a secure WiFi connection. A secure connection is usually private and password protected, such as the WiFi you have in your home. Public networks, especially those that aren’t password protected, in coffee shops, airports, and other public spaces, can often be fronts for hackers to gain access to your data.
To ensure your security when making purchases online, it’s vital you only use verified networks, like private WiFi or your 4G/5G connection. If these aren’t suitable, you can also use VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) to encrypt your data and protect your activities from hackers and data attacks. A VPN not only secures your connection but also helps maintain your online privacy, no matter what websites you visit or purchases you make.
Enable Multi-Factor Authentication
Multi-Factor Authentication, or dedicated Authentication apps, are incredibly useful for preventing unauthorized access to your accounts, especially when online shopping. These authenticators can generate or send a code to another device, usually your phone, which is used to gain access to your account.
There are a variety of methods for MFA, whether it’s connecting a mobile device, phone number, or email address. Additionally, some sites even let you connect specific authenticator apps, like Google or Microsoft Authenticator. These can provide even greater account security, needing you to first sign in to the authenticator before it provides a rotating code to allow access. This rotating code means that even if this is compromised, it’ll only be valid for a short amount of time.
We strongly urge you to set up multi-factor authentication wherever possible, since this can prevent unauthorized users from accessing your account, even when your password is compromised.
Verify Website Security Before Entering Personal Information
The best way to keep yourself safe while shopping online is to be careful with any websites that require your personal information.
There are several checks you should complete before inputting your information. Here are the main ones to watch for:
Padlock Symbol
If you’re using a browser like Chrome, Internet Explorer, or Safari, the website address should have a padlock next to it to show it’s secure. If it doesn’t, your data may be at risk, especially from those attempting to hack your connection.
URL Spelling Errors
When on the homepage, check the website’s URL for any spelling errors. Scammers typically host mirror versions of a trusted website, so you enter your login information, giving them access to your actual account.
