It is important to take steps to protect yourself when shopping online
As consumers in this digital age, we open doorways to cyber attacks whenever we shop online with more of our personal information exposed and tied to corporate retail data.
With that in mind, here are some quick tips to ensure a safe online shopping experience:
- Avoid public computers at all costs when making a purchase online.
- Never give anyone your credit card over email. Ever.
Use familiar websites. Start at a trusted site rather than shopping with a search engine. When searching new websites, make sure there is a closed lock symbol at the bottom right of the screen to ensure its security. Never purchase anything from a website that doesn’t have a SSL (secure sockets layer) encryption. You will know if the site has SSL if the URL starts with https:// (instead of just http://).- Privatize your WiFi. From shops and retail stores to cafes and restaurants, access to the Internet with little or no cost is in tune with our connected way of life. But when it comes to shopping online, all the convenience that comes with public WiFi can be overshadowed by the cyber risks associated. You’d be surprised at how unsecure many hotspots actually are and how easy they are to attack. Only go wireless if you access the Web over a virtual private network (VPN).
- Protect your device. Anything that connects to the Internet, including your smartphone, tablet, or PC, should be protected during heavy use periods. With cyber criminals ready to pounce, it’s important that you’re running the latest versions of your device’s security software and applications.
- Use credit cards and secure payment services instead of debit cards. As a general rule, credit cards offer consumers additional protection.
- Set one day a week to monitor your credit card statements. Don’t wait for your bill to come at the end of the month. Carefully review your credit card statements once a week to rule out anything that stands out as being questionable or suspect.
- Lock down your login. Enable the strongest authentication tools available, and keep your passwords sophisticated by using a series of complex letters, numbers, and symbols. Stay away from integrating your address, birthday, or Social Security number when creating or updating passwords.
And with that… Good luck and Happy Shopping!
For any questions regarding your own cyber risk or to learn more about how cyber liability insurance can protect you and your loved ones, contact us at 845-986-1177. We are your business, home, auto, and life insurance solutions provider, partner, and adviser, serving Warwick, Greenwood Lake, Florida, Goshen, Pine Island, Middletown, Chester, Monroe, Newburgh, Orange County, and the Hudson Valley and Tri-State Area.
Related: Protect Yourself from Cyber Risk