Privacy and security online are becoming more important with every year that passes
Are you about to head over to your favorite online retailer to make a purchase? Have you considered the safety of your personal information while making the transaction? Many people are unaware of the security risks of shopping online.
Privacy and security online are becoming more important with each passing year. Make sure that you are protected in all your online endeavors. There are various tricks and tips you can use to protect yourself when you checkout with an online purchase.
Privacy and security online are becoming more important with every year that passes.Click To Tweet
Here is a quick list of our top 5 tricks to improve your online security and give you peace of mind while you browse.
#1 Shop on a site with secured checkout
Using a site with an SSL certificate is important to protect your online security and personal information. When you enter the checkout of your retailer, the URL should change from http to https. You will see a green padlock or key icon at the end of your address bar before the URL. This certificate will make sure that all data transferred is encrypted and inaccessible to nefarious online criminals and hackers.
#2 Check your bank account regularly
It’s quite common for people to neglect their bank account balance. Unscrupulous retailers take advantage of this by double charging clients for products and services. Many of these charges go undetected.
Ordering online is very different to purchasing something while you are physically in the store. An in-store purchase using a credit card is verified by a magnetic card reader that prompts you for your PIN number. RFID technology is embedded in many different items, from credit cards to passports. A https://www.lintechtt.com/or an ATM card dispenser checks the data on the RFID chip and verifies it. Allowing you to pass through immigration, or make a cash withdrawal from the ATM.
This technology is not available when you make an online purchase, instead, all that is required is knowledge of your personal information. Make sure that you keep a close eye on your bank account and your balance in the weeks following any online purchase.
#3 Shop on a secure connection
Shopping over wi-fi is a bad idea. Wi-fi hotspots, especially public hotspots, are not secure and can be accessed by anyone in the remote area. Criminals will take advantage of this and wait for unsuspecting prey. Before you checkout with your purchase, make sure you are doing it at home and not at the local coffee shop.
#4 Ensure your antivirus and anti-malware software is updated
Protecting your PC, laptop, or mobile device from malicious programs and hackers is a must. There are a number of top quality antivirus and antimalware programs available for your device. Ensure that your antivirus updates regularly and run a system check at least once a week.
#5 Never click on a pop-up
No reputable online retailer will have pop-ups on their site. Hackers will often offer good deals or huge discounts to prompt you to click on their pop-up. You will then be directed to an outside site that will steal your personal data and hack your accounts. Make sure that this doesn’t happen to you and never click on a pop-up advertisement.
The Final Thought
The world is moving to online retailers as traditional brick and mortar stores fade into the background as an obsolete retail model. When you go shopping at the mall, you encounter certain risks and are prepared to handle them. The same strategy should be applied to your online purchases to ensure a safe transaction and a pleasant online shopping experience.
