Online shopping and banking have become an integral part of our daily lives, but with the convenience of these services comes the risk of cyber threats.
cybercriminals and scammers can target your personal and financial information in order to steal your identity, money, or both.
That’s why it’s so important to practice good cybersecurity habits when shopping and banking online.
Here are some best practices to keep in mind:
🔰 Use a password manager to create and store strong, unique passwords for each of your online accounts.
It can be tempting to use the same password for multiple accounts, but if a hacker gains access to one of your accounts, they will have the key to all of them.
🔰 Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your online accounts whenever possible.
This adds an extra layer of security by requiring you to enter a one-time code in addition to your password when logging in.
🔰 Make sure that the websites you shop on and use for banking are secure.
Look for a URL that starts with “https” and a padlock icon in the address bar.
This indicates that the website is using a secure connection to encrypt your data.
🔰 Use a credit card rather than a debit card for online purchases, as credit card companies generally have stronger fraud protection policies.
If your credit card information is stolen, you can typically dispute the charges and get your money back.,
🔰 Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks for sensitive transactions, as they may not be secure.
Cybercriminals can easily set up fake public Wi-Fi networks in order to steal your information.
🔰 Regularly check your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized charges or activity.
🔰 Be wary of phishing emails or texts that try to trick you into entering your login or financial information on fake websites.
These scams often use fake logos and branding to make them look legitimate, so it’s important to be on the lookout for red flags.
If you receive an email or text from a company that you don’t recognize, do not click on any links or enter any information.
🔰 Keep your computer and other devices up to date with the latest security patches and software updates.
These updates often include important security fixes.
🔰 Use a firewall and antivirus software to protect your computer from malware and other threats.
These tools can help to prevent malware from infiltrating your system and can also detect and remove any malware that does get through.
🔰 Consider using a virtual private network (VPN) when connecting to the internet, as it can help to encrypt your data and protect your online activity from being monitored.
By following these best practices, you can help to protect yourself and your personal and financial information while shopping and banking online.
Remember, it’s always better to safe than sorry.