Online Shopping Security Tips | Shopping Safety Tips

WHAT IS ONLINE BANKING?

With a huge option to choose from, high discount offers, quick payment, and easy product returns, customers are readily choosing online shopping over conventional shopping. However, online shopping services are accompanied with some risks. Many malicious attacks or criminals are on a continuous watch to take advantage of unwary customers. In order to avoid such discrepancies, it is necessary to follow certain advice. We have listed some of the general guidelines that a user should follow to continue online shopping while ensuring security and protecting confidential data.

ALWAYS CHOOSE A TRUSTED WEBSITE

It is always advised to shop from a trusted and popular website. Hackers may buy a domain name which is similar to popular websites with few changed alphabets. Hence, the top recommended website should be used as well as the spelling should be checked. Further, some of the websites may display high discounts and other offers to entice customers. Beware of such tricks and try to avoid shopping from such risky sites.

GENERATE STRONG PASSWORDS

Most of the people are reluctant towards changing their passwords on a regular basis which increases the chances of tracking it. Even when the password is changed, the set password is weak and can be easily predicted. In order to ensure complete security while doing online shopping, a strong password should be set and changed on a regular basis. A strong password should contain lower case, upper case alphabets along with digits and special characters.

AVOID USING PUBLIC WI-FI

When you log in with personal information on a public network, it is easier for a hacker to extract your sent and received data with the help of a freely available Wi-Fi password. The attacker may easily know your name and card details to extract the needful. Hence, it is advised to avoid using and logging-in to a shopping website with public Wi-Fi.

DON’T SHARE UNNECESSARY PERSONAL INFORMATION

Avoid feeding unnecessary personal data like birth date or security passwords in case a website asks for it. If the website is infected or malicious, providing extra information will assist the hacker in digging confidential data and steal personal information. Hence, choose to provide minimum data on shopping websites.

USE CREDIT CARD INSTEAD OF DEBIT CARD

Credit cards are a safer payment mode over other methods. Since credit card comes with a spending limit, only a limited amount of funds can be exploited by a hacker if he succeeds in interpreting your financial information. Whereas in case of debit card, it is directly linked to your bank account, hence it offers a greater vulnerability. It is advised to use a credit card with a low credit limit for your online purchases and transactions.

CHECK YOUR PURCHASE STATEMENT REGULARLY

Have a regular check and track of your purchased items to ensure that no one else has access to your account. You can turn on notification to update you about the status of your purchases. In case of discrepancy, contact the authorities immediately.