Online shopping is a daily convenience for millions of people, with upwards of 24 million online stores operating worldwide. Whether you’re ordering groceries, clothes, or the latest tech gadgets, shopping from the comfort of your home is easier than ever. However, with convenience comes risk. Cybercriminals are constantly finding new ways to steal personal data, commit fraud, and exploit online shopping security vulnerabilities.
So how do you protect yourself? In this guide, we’ll cover the risks of online shopping, how to safeguard your personal information, and the best practices for online shopping security.
Understanding Online Shopping Risks
Before we dive into the best tips for online shopping protection, it’s helpful to understand the risks. Being aware of these threats can help you stay vigilant and avoid falling victim to scams.
Phishing scams and fake websites
Cybercriminals create fake shopping websites that look identical to legitimate stores. These sites trick shoppers into entering their credit card details, login credentials, or other sensitive information. Phishing emails and text messages also play a big role, often containing malicious links that redirect users to fraudulent websites.
Look out for URLs that look slightly different from the real website (e.g., Amaz0n.com instead of Amazon.com), poor website design, grammatical errors, and low-quality images.
Unsecured payment methods
Not all payment methods are made equal when it comes to security. Entering your credit or debit card details on an insecure website can expose your financial data to hackers. If a website lacks encryption, cybercriminals may intercept your payment details and use them for fraudulent transactions.
Data breaches and identity theft
Even reputable retailers can fall victim to cyberattacks. Data breaches happen when hackers infiltrate a company’s servers and steal customer information, including names, addresses, payment details, and passwords. This stolen data can then be leaked and used for identity theft, or sold on the dark web.
Public Wi-Fi risks
As tempting as it might be to browse while sitting in a coffee shop or waiting at the airport, shopping online while connected to public Wi-Fi can be risky. Public networks often lack proper security, making it easier for hackers to intercept your personal and financial information.
How to Protect Your Data While Shopping Online
Let’s look at the steps you can take to keep your personal information safe when shopping online.
- Use strong, unique passwords. Avoid using the same password across multiple accounts. Consider using a password manager to store and generate secure passwords.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA). Many e-commerce platforms offer 2FA, which provides an extra layer of security by requiring a second verification step, such as a one-time code sent to your phone.
- Be cautious with email links and ads. If you receive a shopping deal via email or social media, visit the retailer’s official website directly instead of clicking the provided link.
- Monitor your bank statements. Regularly check your transactions for any unauthorized purchases, and report suspicious activity immediately.
- Limit the personal information you share. If a website asks for excessive details (like Social Security numbers or unnecessary personal data), think twice before providing it. Or consider using a software program like iolo Privacy Guardian, which limits access to your personal data and protects sensitive information while you’re browsing.
- Use a VPN. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) can prevent your information from being intercepted.
How to Verify a Website’s Security
Before entering payment details or creating an account, take a moment to verify the website’s security. There are a few key indicators that can help you spot a malicious website.
- Check for HTTPS in the URL. Secure websites have URLs that start with “https://” instead of just “http://”. The “S” stands for secure encryption, which helps protect your data.
- Look for a padlock icon. A padlock next to the URL in your browser indicates that the website uses SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) encryption. Clicking on the padlock allows you to view the site’s security certificate.
- Verify the domain name. Cybercriminals create fake sites with slightly altered domain names (e.g., “amaz0n.com” instead of “amazon.com”). Always double-check the spelling.
- Check online reviews. Search for customer feedback or complaints about the website. If multiple people report scams, avoid shopping there.
Safest Payment Methods When Buying Online
Using the right payment method can help protect your financial information and reduce the risk of fraud. Here are the safest payment methods when buying online.
- Credit cards: credit cards offer fraud protection, and many providers allow you to dispute unauthorized charges.
- PayPal or digital wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay): these services provide an additional layer of security by not sharing your actual payment details with merchants.
- Virtual credit cards: some banks offer virtual card numbers that can be used for online purchases, adding extra protection.
- Prepaid cards: if you’re making a purchase from an unfamiliar retailer, using a prepaid card can limit your financial exposure.
How to Protect Your Devices While Shopping Online
Your security doesn’t stop at websites and payment methods — your devices need protection, too. Here are some ways to boost your online shopping protection.
- Keep your operating system and apps updated. Software updates often include security patches that protect against vulnerabilities.
- Install antivirus and anti-malware software. These tools help detect and prevent malicious activity.
- Use a security software to securely wipe your data. This prevents people from being able to recover your personal data, should they buy an old device from you.
Recognizing and avoiding scams
Scammers are always finding new ways to trick online shoppers. Always be skeptical of “too-good-to-be-true” deals, and make sure to always check seller ratings and reviews: if you’re buying from a marketplace (e.g., eBay, Facebook Marketplace), research the seller before purchasing to verify that they are who they say they are.
Don’t risk online buyer’s remorse
Online shopping doesn’t have to be risky — as long as you take the right precautions. By verifying website security, using safe payment methods, and protecting your devices, you can enjoy a secure shopping experience without worrying about cyber threats. For more cybersecurity tips and tech support, get in touch today.
