Online shopping has become a go-to method of purchasing for many people now, especially after lockdowns and easy accessibility to global stores. However, all the fun benefits of deals, discount codes, and door-step deliveries, mean a plethora of cybersecurity issues for safe online shopping.  Here is a list of ways that you can ensure you stay protected and secure when participating in safe online shopping. Some may be obvious, but are incredibly effective, nonetheless. Keep reading to find out how you can keep having fun shopping online while also reducing your vulnerability to attacks and hacks.  

10 Tips for Safe Online Shopping

1. Safe passwords 

Ensuring that your password is unique and strong is essential. Refraining from using obvious words in relation to you like your name or personal information isn’t the way to go! Ensuring the use of multiple different types of characters such as (@#_$%!&), along with not using the same passwords regularly on different sites is recommended. Changing passwords on individual sites also helps as it allows for less easily guessed instances.  

2. Debit cards over credit cards 

It’s recommended that when it comes to safe online shopping, using payment gateways like PayPal, Venmo, or Stripe is better. Other than those, credit cards should be preferred over debit as debit cards are linked to your bank account whilst credit cards can be protected better. Debit cards create higher risk events of personal and sensitive data being obtained.  

3. Enable multi-factor authentication 

Multi-factor authentication is an added utility which means that there is another safety layer added before anyone can access your account after knowing your username or password.  Multi-factor authentication protects in 3 layers: first your passwords, or then something personal to only you like your fingerprint, or facial recognition. The 3rd way is through MFA apps, or getting a code sent through your messages or your email, to make sure you can do safe online shopping and the purchase you’re making is actually coming from you.

4. Check bank statements 

  This one is much simpler. Turning on automatic payment notifications to track every payment made will help you track when your money was spent and if it has gone somewhere genuine. If the charge seems fraudulent, you can then take the necessary steps to contact your bank and have them pause or shut your card so that further fraudulent purchases can be stopped.  

5. Wi-Fi: Make sure it’s at home or secure instead of publicly available 

When not using your own Wi-Fi, ensure you’re using secure, private networks for safe online shopping. Public Wi-Fi networks are much easier to access for scammers as poorly protected connections allow any information you find, very easily retrievable for them. This is especially dangerous if the public Wi-Fi network you’re using is at a mall while you try to access banking or payment sites for any purchases you will be making. 

6. Use secure websites 

The key to safe online shopping is to use a secure website.  The padlock icon near the URL and the URL itself starting with HTTPS means you’re on the right track- The S in the end stands for secure. If that final S isn’t visible, it means that you’re dealing with a site that isn’t encrypted. Search engines like Google tend to flag sites that don’t have a valid Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) certificate as unsecure. It’s better to not input your payment details into sites like these. 

7. Be wary of emails 

Email scams known as phishing have become the most common forms of scamming nowadays. Your inbox may contain an email that may present you with deals, discounts, and sales through names and links which are close misspellings of popular websites. They are easy to fall for and may be hard to detect if the email somehow automatically fails to end up in your spam folder.  

8. Don’t buy from links that seem malicious/ don’t come from a trusted source 

Other than e-mails, social media is also a place where links that can’t be trusted would be presented to you. Be wary of TikTok advertisements or ads shown between your Instagram stories which present you with deals and offers that seem too good to be true. Now, it becomes harder to tell with the use of deepfakes and AI to show the promotion of these scam products by influential people.  

9. Data backup 

Ensuring that personal information and data are regularly backed up on your device or saved on the external hard disk is essential now due to ransomware attackers that can access your device and close off your access to important files or delete them entirely. Ensuring you have completed software updates is essential too as they help in ensuring fewer ransomware attacks and vulnerabilities on your devices to invasions.  

10. Protect your device/connect securely 

Some other ways to protect your device through your connection is: One, with a VPN, or two, by ensuring no details are saved on your browsers. VPN or Virtual Private Network encrypts your data and masks your IP addresses. This makes your identity, location, and browser activity hidden from potential attackers. Secondly, make sure that your device forgets your credit card details or password details. If these are remembered by your browsers, it makes these pieces of information immensely easy for attackers to obtain as they are all stored in one place when accessed by them.  While some of these may seem more easily achievable and accessible than others, they’re all a step in making sure your information is protected. We recommend regularly practicing all the above tips. These steps work even better together. So make sure to update your passwords and data backups, apply VPNs, stay wary of phishing emails, and practice safe online shopping. 

FAQs on Safe Online Shopping 

What is the most trusted safe online shopping site? 

Determining the most trusted online shopping site involves considering several key factors. Reputation is crucial, with established brands like Amazon and Flipkart often ranking high due to their track record of customer satisfaction.  Security is paramount, with HTTPS encryption and clear data privacy policies being essential indicators. Customer reviews on platforms like Trustpilot offer valuable insights into user experiences. Additionally, convenient payment options and positive personal experiences play a significant role in establishing trust.

Which online shopping practice is safest? 

For a safe online shopping experience, it's crucial to implement multiple security measures and exercise caution throughout the process. Begin by verifying the authenticity of the website and remain wary of deals that appear too good to be true. Stay vigilant against phishing scams and opt for credit cards over debit cards, as they typically offer better fraud protection. Ensure your passwords are strong and unique, and consider enabling multi-factor authentication for added security. Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks for shopping, and for an extra layer of protection, consider using a VPN. By following these steps, you can enhance your online safety and protect yourself against potential threats while shopping online.

What is a safe online shopping site?  

A safe online site uses HTTPS encryption, signified by a padlock symbol and "HTTPS" in the URL bar. It should also have a clear and concise privacy policy. 

What are fake shopping websites?  

Fake shopping websites are designed to look legitimate but steal your personal information or payment details. They often offer deals that seem too good to be true. 

Which websites can I trust?  

Amazon offers an extensive range of products with fast shipping. eBay, the largest online auction site, offers both new and used items, but it's essential to check seller reviews. AliExpress provides diverse products at budget-friendly prices, backed by seller ratings. Dealextreme offers competitive pricing, urging buyers to check reviews for confidence. In Fashion, Asos offers a wide range of clothing, footwear, and accessories for diverse preferences. Farfetch specializes in luxury fashion, featuring exclusive brands for discerning shoppers. Notino, a European-based online store, offers fragrances and cosmetics from popular brands at attractive prices. For Discounts, Cashback World provides benefits and discounts on purchases from partnered companies, online and offline, enabling savings across various products and services.

How to check a fake website?  

To discern the authenticity of a website, several key indicators can be examined. Firstly, verify the presence of HTTPS encryption and a valid SSL certificate. Next, scrutinize the website's content for any typos or grammatical errors, which can often signal a lack of professionalism.  Conduct thorough research into the company behind the website, looking for a physical address and phone number to ensure legitimacy. Additionally, reading online reviews caliasdasdn provide valuable insights into the experiences of previous customers. Finally, consider utilizing website safety checkers like F-Secure Online Shopping Checker for an extra layer of security and assurance. Media Disclaimer: This report is based on internal and external research obtained through various means. The information provided is for reference purposes only, and users bear full responsibility for their reliance on it. The Cyber Express assumes no liability for the accuracy or consequences of using this information.