Tips for your safe online shopping

These days, almost everything can be done online, whether paying bills, shopping, or even buying groceries. 

File Photo: Lazada app

While online shopping already exist pre-pandemic, this was further enhanced when the health crisis started in 2020. 

It is true that this brings so much convenience to users, but it also makes online shoppers more vulnerable to unfortunate situations, like having their accounts hacked, and their information was stolen. 

Anyone can become a victim since no one knows when these attacks will happen. 

This may be inevitable, but there are ways how one can build that layer of protection against such attacks. Below are a few of them.

Microsoft provided six basic rules for safe internet transactions.

First is defending one's computer by ensuring its software—and web browse—is updated, installing a trustworthy antivirus and antispyware software, and constantly keeping the firewall on, to name a few. 

STRONG PASSWORDS also play a key role. 

Related: Why passwords need security too?

It is also best NOT TO CLICK links in emails, texts, or pop-up ads. 

Be an OBSERVANT by looking for signs that a website is legitimate. 

When paying bills, banking, shopping, or other financial matters,  never use a public computer, a device you don’t manage, or any device over a public wireless network.

Last, but definitely not least, USE COMMON SENSE.

Aside from these, financial technology company SmartAsset also reminds online buyers to always "log out of bank, credit card, and merchant sites after you have completed your transaction."

Do not allow your computer to save usernames and passwords for merchant or banking sites, it added.

When setting up security questions, use false information not related to your personal data.

SmartAsset also reminds users to not use public WiFi, and just shop at home using a personal internet connection. 

Make sure to only use reputable third-party pay services as they also provide secure transactions and dispute resolution services. 

SmartAsset also advises using credit cards for online purchases to limit exposure to fraud and theft. A prepaid debit card is a better option. Also, pay attention to the website to make sure of its authenticity. 

"Do not use 'easy pay' payment option or ‘one-click ordering'," it added. 

KEEP TRACK of your online transactions and compare them with your credit card or bank statements monthly. Also check out the fraud and liability protection your credit card offers, which you can take advantage of, SmartAsset noted. 

As online transactions further grow, cyberattacks will also continuously evolve.

These are just a few reminders and tips, but the reality of how you will prevent these attacks from happening is still within your hands.

Make sure your transactions are protected, otherwise, there is a price to pay. 

Sources: Microsoft, SmartAsset