Since the early 2010s, e-commerce has become the standard worldwide in less than a decade. And why shouldn’t it be? Online shopping is convenient, quick, easy, and often more affordable than in-person shopping. You can sit anywhere in the world and order something online as long there is a delivery medium to your location.
But all this convenience comes with a price, and in the case of online shopping, that price is privacy and information security. Thankfully you can mitigate the risk of online privacy and data theft by following a few simple tips and tricks. Here’s a short rundown of the most important ones.
Shop on Trusted Websites
You should first remember to only shop from trusted websites when shopping online. This might sound very basic, but it’s actually easier said than done, given the hundreds of thousands of e-commerce stores that have popped up over the last decade. Trusted websites have proper encryption protocols integrated into them that protect your device.
An easy way to filter trustworthy websites from untrustworthy ones is to research the top 10 online stores for the product you’re looking for. There are also tons of social media pages and online forums with user recommendations you should check.
Use Trusted Communication Channels
The second thing to keep in mind is to use only trusted communication channels when making online transactions. Stick to vendors and websites with standard marketplace practices and always be wary of ones who ask for payment through unconventional mediums.
Websites that serve as platforms often have limited liabilities when it comes to fraudulent transactions, so only communicate on the platform if you are using a platform that allows buyer and seller communications. If the seller wants to switch to other communication channels like Messenger or Skype, it’s best to avoid making transactions through them.
Use an Updated Web Browser
Many online shoppers often ignore this tip, but it’s very important nonetheless. Web browsers play an important role in determining how strong your browsing security is. Older versions of web browsers often don’t have the required updates to protect your device and IP from newer cyber security threats.
Updating your browser is usually done by default whenever the latest update is available. Still, many users tend to turn this feature off, which results in backdated web browsers on their devices. If you have this habit, make sure to check for updates once every month manually. If you’re a PC user, Google Chrome is the most reliable browser option.
Use a Reliable Internet Security Program
Considering how vulnerable many online shopping websites are, even the trustworthy and dependable ones, you should install a reliable internet security program on your device. There are many options on the market, so choose one that fits your budget and your overall device security needs.
Just installing a good antivirus or antimalware software is not good enough; you also need to make sure to keep the software updated as well. Unlike other programs and apps on your device, it’s best to turn the auto-update option on all the time.
Use PayPal or a Credit Card for Payments
Last but not least, only used secure payment options to make payments when shopping online as their service providers have strong security protocols. Using a credit card is the best option, as most online stores have that option by default, but you can also opt to use other methods. Whatever you do, make sure never to share your credit card or bank details with anyone online.
When buying stuff from social media business pages, verifying the payment method becomes doubly important as most e-commerce scams occur on social media instead of online stores. Usually, dependable social media vendors have websites linked to their pages that allow you to purchase directly.
Shopping Made Smart and Safe
Shopping safely and smartly online is easy if you stick to basic preventive measures. To shop smartly, you should also subscribe to e-commerce newsletters from your favorite online stores, which often update you with discounts and special offers you would otherwise miss. With all of these taken care of, you should have an easy and fun time online!
