Diwali is all about the celebration, joy, and shopping! Online shopping is the new trend these days to purchase gifts, decorations, and everything that links up with celebrations. At the same time, the rise in online activity has led to a rise in hacking incidents and online fraud. With the above in mind, here are some essential cybersecurity tips so you can enjoy safe and secure online shopping this Diwali.
Always buy from websites that are trusted and reputed. Try a URL which contains "https://" as "s" ensures safe. Normally, any authentic website has user reviews and ratings which would help in deciding the authenticity of the website. Never open any links you receive through unsolicited emails or ads since they can connect you to phishing websites interested in stealing your information.
Create a strong password for all e-shopping accounts by composing upper and lower case letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid creating a simple or easily guessed phrase, such as a name birthday, or any easy word. Also, use a unique password for each account. This way, if one account is compromised, the possibility would be minimal.
This 2FA secures accounts. If someone has obtained your password, the hacker will require another verification method, say a verification code that is forwarded to the phone to gain access to the account. Having two-factor authentication on all your shopping accounts will certainly heighten the level of your security.
Nowadays, public Wi-Fi networks are regarded as one of the least secure places to get connected online. Therefore, one needs to be really cautious when surfing over public Wi-Fi, and should not make any visits to sensitive sites.
You should never buy things connected to public Wi-Fi networks. Public networks are usually compromised for use by cyber-thieves. If you have to buy something online while being connected to a public network, make sure to use a VPN while shopping to secure the connection and prevent possible hackers from peeking into your details.
Ensure computer, mobile, and any other device used to access the internet is updated on packages and security patches. The cyber-thieves majorly use obsolete software packages with entry points for them to gain access to your information. To avoid such danger, keep updating.
Check unauthorized transactions in bank and credit card statements. For some unauthorized transactions, alert your bank. Many banking facilities provide automatic alerts as per the level of transaction. This opens up possibilities for detecting fraud in time and taking an appropriate response.
When purchasing goods online, use secured modes of payment including credit cards or PayPal, among others. Such payment modes often offer a consumer greater protection against fraud than is the case with debit cards or even direct transfers from a bank account.
Never save your credit card. This way you cut the chances of that information being used on an unauthorized transaction if the website is compromised.
This festive season often tends to open the doors to phishing scams. Don't fall prey to those emails, messages, or ads that seem too good to be true. Be wary of emails, messages, or adverts as those are phishing scam attempts that tempt you to reveal some personal details or click on malware links. Look for them to be real on the retailer's website directly.
Install antivirus on your computers and devices to help monitor and guide away malware infections. Ensure that all your software updates are up to date and make regular scans on computers and on devices to stay safe from infections with active antivirus software. Most antiviruses will include phishing protection and secure browsing.
Education on cyber security cannot be the responsibility of others, hence educate yourself and your family members on safety online and teach them to identify threats. Most importantly, people should know not to approach any stranger for anything, especially when shopping online.
Prioritising cybersecurity is essential for safe online shopping this Diwali. Stay vigilant and guard your personal information to reduce the risk of cybercrime and fraud. Use secure payment methods, check for HTTPS in website URLs, and be cautious with promotional offers to shop with confidence. A little awareness and precaution can protect you and your financial information during this festive season. Enjoy your shopping and celebrations, knowing you are taking steps to stay safe online!