Online shopping continues to grow in popularity. This makes using solid Internet security practices more important than ever. Nothing ruins someone’s financial history faster than a stolen identity. Identity theft is on the rise and poor Internet security habits combined with the surge in online shopping is a major reason why. Fortunately, there are a variety of simple Internet security best practices which make online shopping much safer.
1. Make Sure Every Online Transaction is Secure
One of the easiest things to do also happens to be one of the most important. Protecting sensitive data such as a person’s name, address, and credit card information is a central component of a strong Internet security plan. The easiest way to do this when shopping online is double checking to make sure that the transaction is secure. This is accomplished by only making a purchase from websites which utilize SSL technology to encrypt the credit card information as it is sent to the website.
2. Don’t Share Financial Information Unless You Know What It Will Be Used For
Another key component of Internet security is avoiding scams and fraud. Most people fall victim to phishing and data theft because they share their financial information with unknown sources. It is important to stay alert for unsolicited communications which claim to represent charities and financial institutions. The technical side of Internet security is immediately rendered ineffective when a person willingly gives away their sensitive information to malicious third parties.
3. Avoid Public Computers and Wi-Fi Hotspots When Making a Purchase
A lot of people use their smart phone or a public computer to make online purchases. Unfortunately, this is a risky course of action. There is no way of knowing what data is stored on a public computer and Wi-Fi hotspots have garnered a reputation for not effectively protecting the people using it. In terms of Internet security, nothing is riskier than making an online purchase when the user does not have complete control over the device and Internet connection.
4. Use a Credit Card When Possible
A simple way to enhance Internet security is by opting to use a credit card as the form of payment. Credit cards are covered by the Fair Credit Billing Act. This legislation was designed to reduce the consumer’s liability if their information was used improperly, such as identity theft. While this doesn’t eliminating a threat of identity theft, it does offer an additional layer of financial protection.
5. Print and Save Receipts
Another overlooked way to provide an additional layer of safety is by printing and saving the receipts for every online transaction. While this isn’t directly related to Internet security, it does provide consumers proof of what they did not purchase. It also makes it easier to spot any in discrepancies on a credit card bill.
6. Pay Attention to Privacy Policies
It is a sound Internet security practice to read privacy policies before using a service. However, it is especially important when making a purchase online. The privacy policy on a merchant’s website will tell consumers what information is collected, how it is stored, and how will be used. This includes stating whether or not the information will be shared or sold to third parties.
Internet security should be considered part of the online experience. Online shopping gives consumers access to products and prices they would otherwise never see. While this makes shopping easier than ever, it is critical to not compromise Internet security.
John Richards believes the internet should be free and open. He always connects to a VPN to make sure his online activity is protected. John strives to inform others about the tools available for avoiding restrictions on the web.
