Online shopping has grown in popularity more than ever before. By 2020, more than 2 billion people will have made online purchases of products or services. Every day, more consumers are flocking to internet merchants, whether because it’s more convenient or because they’re avoiding brick-and-mortar businesses due to the ongoing pandemic.
People are drawn to online buying for many reasons other than just convenience or health safety; internet shopping has grown more secure than ever before. That is not to say that all retail websites are made equal in terms of safety and security. Hackers and scammers are still out there attempting to obtain your information, but by taking the necessary safeguards, you have no cause to be concerned about when buying online.
If you plan on shopping online this winter, here are five tips to keep your information safe.
#1 Make Use of Well-Known and Secure Websites
When trying to buy a product or service online, there are thousands of alternatives to consider. To avoid having your personal information stolen, choose well-known sites like Amazon, Walmart, or any of the other large shops. When you search for a product on a search engine, you may be provided with exceptionally cheap costs. There’s a strong probability they aren’t reliable websites. When it comes to internet buying, if anything appears too good to be true, it probably is.
Pay attention to the security of the site where you’re trying to make a purchase. Look for a lock icon in the browser bar. If the website has one, then you should be safe on their site. Another way to tell is by looking at the beginning of the web address. If it begins with “https” instead of “http,” you are in good shape, and you can continue using the site. Secure websites help protect your financial information as well as passwords. Shopping at unsecured sites can put your personal information at risk.
The FBI has seen an increase in reports about consumers not getting things ordered online. Many purchasers were duped by “bargains” posted on social media or search engine shopping pages. They either received nothing or a random item, such as a box of tissue paper.
#2 Make More Resistant Passwords
A strong password can make all the difference between your information remaining secure and someone stealing it. You need to make your passwords as difficult as possible so that hackers and thieves can’t hack into your accounts. It’s best to use a complex mix of uppercase and lowercase letters while including special characters and numbers. Avoid using common spellings of words and personal information in your passwords because these can be easier to crack.
If you’re concerned about forgetting a complicated password, consider a password manager. This program will remember your account passwords while also protecting them. Password managers, such as LastPass are the greatest way to make complicated passwords since you won’t have to remember them and they will still be secure.
#3 Keep a Record of Your Statements
You should always keep an eye on your funds, but this is especially crucial while purchasing online. It’s a smart habit to get into since it will help you catch overcharges or purchases you didn’t make. When purchasing online, it’s also a good idea to just use a credit card. Someone who hacks into your account and takes your debit card details will have immediate access to your funds. Most credit cards have fraud safeguards in place, so you won’t be held liable for any erroneous transactions on your account.
#4 Keep Your Information Safe
When visiting a new website, be alert if they ask for any personal information right away. Unless you are applying for a credit card on their website, no online store should ever ask for your Social Security number. Be wary if they also ask for your birthday. Hackers can exploit this information, along with your credit card number, to cause havoc in your life.
#5 Don’t Shop While Connected to Public WiFi
While it may appear to be a fantastic way to pass the time while having a cup of coffee at a neighborhood café, shopping on public WiFi puts you in danger of being hacked. Public WiFi is frequently insecure and providing personal information while using it might provide hackers with easy access. It’s far safer to bookmark the item and make the purchase when you’re at home or no longer using WiFi.
Shopping online may be just as secure and dependable as shopping in a store if you take the necessary steps. Before making any transactions or inputting any information, take some time to double-check that you are using the proper security precautions.
About Biztek Solutions, Inc.
Since 2006, our core value has been to provide the highest level of client satisfaction when delivering IT support for client networks, computers, servers, and cybersecurity. We are the #1 IT support services and consulting firm in Riverside and service clients throughout the Inland Empire, Los Angeles, Orange County, and the surrounding areas.
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Cyber Security & Compliance I IT Tech Support I Managed IT Services
Backup & Disaster Recovery I Cloud Computing Solutions I IT Consulting
Biztek Solutions provides IT support services to the following locations: Riverside, Corona, San Bernardino, Rancho Cucamonga, Ontario, Fontana, Chino, Moreno Valley, Redlands, Temecula, Los Angeles, Pomona, Pasadena, Chino, Anaheim, Irvine, Fullerton, City of Industry, and all surrounding areas.
