Shopping online offers many advantages, especially if your local store runs out of your favorite item. It’s a convenient choice if you want your purchases delivered straight to your door. But online shopping safety is often a concern for new internet users. Shopping online may not be risk-free, but it’s worth it once you take measures to protect your data. That’s why we’re here to help with these online shopping safety tips.
Benefits of online shopping
Here are a few of the top perks of online shopping:
- Convenience and mobility. You can shop from anywhere—your couch, the breakroom, or even a local coffee shop. Just remember to log into a secure network when it comes to purchasing your items, but you can still browse all you want.
- Easy checkout. You won’t have to wait in line when you shop online. Simply add your items to your digital cart on your favorite web store, then head over to the checkout page. Next, enter your payment and delivery information, and you’re done. You can also enjoy the convenience of digital receipts and order tracking updates through your email.
- Broad product selection. Many stores have online shops stocked with items that aren’t available at brick-and-mortar locations. If you want something in a certain color or size that’s sold out locally, online is the place to go.
- Quick shopping and shipping. Being able to browse countless stores right from your couch makes comparing products easier than ever. Plus, you might be able to find some items with overnight shipping that solve last-minute gift-giving problems!
Online shopping safety risks
Now let’s address a few real risks of shopping online.
- Phishing. You may already know about basic phishing However, many cybercriminals take it a step further by impersonating an online retailer. Always double-check the email address and the original store site if you get an email about a huge sale or promo deal. By impersonating the store, hackers can send emails that will steal your personal and payment info—or even download ransomware onto your computer.
- Identity theft. If a website is compromised, details like your name and location may be fair game for hackers. Cybercriminals can gain access to your credit card info or access your bank account. Always be sure you’re shopping from a reputable web store. Double-check the URL for any suspicious typos before inputting any personal info. (For example, you don’t want to end up giving your credit card to “amaz0n.com” instead of amazon.com!)
- Seller scams. Not every online storefront is trustworthy, especially if you’re using something like eBay or Facebook Marketplace. Check reviews before buying to make sure you won’t end up with a fake item or an empty shipping box.
- Malware. Ransomware is a big threat to online shopping safety, but other types of malware also lurk in fake emails or redirect links, waiting to steal and misuse your data. If your browser gives you a security warning when you’re shopping online, close the site immediately.
Online shopping safety tips
As you can see, there are quite a few things to keep in mind as you shop online, but it’s no reason to skip it altogether. You can still enjoy all the benefits websites have to offer by following these security measures to keep your information and money safe in the digital world.
Use a strong password—and don’t “save” it
Don’t save your login credentials in your browser, no matter how tempting it might be. For example, many people love using Chrome’s convenient option to remember your logins. Unfortunately, this turns all your account passwords into sitting ducks if you’re the victim of a data breach. If someone breaks into your Google account, they can gain access to all the account info you’ve saved.
The good news is that you can easily store all your passwords with a password manager. Just make sure you create a strong master password to fortify your security vault. Two-factor authentication (2FA) also prevents people from breaking into your accounts by requiring you to confirm every sign-in from a separate device, proving that it’s you and not an imposter.
Try Quantum Fiber 360 WiFi for added security
Quantum Fiber 360 WiFi enables a mesh network for home or business use that includes security features to safeguard your internet use. Built-in security features come with your speedy WiFi package, guarding your information against cyber threats while you shop.
Be careful where you shop
Mobile shopping is incredibly convenient, but you should avoid doing it over unsecured public WiFi networks. Some places, like local cafes, may have WiFi secured with a password that’s only available to customers. These may seem safer, but they’re still highly vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attacks, which can cause a financial nightmare. You can still browse for awesome products, but it’s a good idea to log into your account to pay once you’re on a secure network.
Online shopping safety is a breeze with Quantum Fiber!
Whether you’re browsing for your special someone or yourself, these online shopping safety tips will help you stay safe while shopping from the comfort of your home. Internet shopping always comes with some degree of risk, but these easy tips will put you back in the driver’s seat.
What’s your favorite thing to shop for online? If you’re eager for more information on how Quantum Fiber can help you secure your internet connection, stop by our blog. Browse securely, and shop away!
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