Online Shopping Safety

Get the Deals While Staying Secure

May 06, 2021 |

Photo of woman, shopping online, credit card

Whether you’re shopping online for a fresh wardrobe or new tech gadgets, the retail industry is packed with enticing sale events and new inventory to draw you in. Online shopping is comfy and convenient, but be aware that it can open your information up to lurking cybercriminals.

Stay safe when shopping online so you can enjoy your new purchases and rest assured that your information is secure. Before you buy, ask yourself:  

1. Is my device secure? 

  • Update all your apps and software. 
  • Make sure the device is free of viruses or malware. 

2. Is my connection secure? 

  • Avoid using public Wi-Fi to access personal accounts or enter personal information.

  • Make sure the webpage is secure by looking for the lock icon in the address bar and the URL prefix https://  

3. Are my accounts protected? 

  • Enable multi-factor (or two-factor) authentication for an added security barrier on your accounts. 

  • Make sure your passwords are lengthy and secure – and never share them! 

4. Is the website legitimate? 

  • Make sure that the retailer is well-known, reliable, and trusted. If you’re unsure, check reviews from other customers. 

  • If the offer seems too good to be true, don’t trust it! 

5. What information is required at checkout? 

  • Monitor the personal information that the seller asks for, and question whether it’s necessary before giving it out. 

  • Only give the information that is required. If the field is not required, leave it blank. 

 

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