Online shopping has revolutionized the way we shop, offering convenience and accessibility. Especially during January sales, the lure of finding great deals from the comfort of your home is hard to resist. However convenient it may be, your data privacy may still be at risk .
Ahead of Data Privacy Day on 28th January, it’s essential to be vigilant when making online transactions. Beyond securing your credit card information, there are other privacy concerns to consider.
We need to be careful from cybercriminals, otherwise this would lead to identity theft and data being misused from hackers. It is extremely important for online shoppers to safeguard their privacy!
Online dangers go beyond just malware; they include things like tricking you with fake websites, scams, spam emails, online fraud, and harmful website links.
Here are simple tips to protect your privacy and security during the January sales and beyond:
- Double-Check URLs: Always make sure the URL is correct, especially when entering payment details. Cybercriminals can create fake pages where they can steal the data you input yourself. Look for “HTTPS” instead of “HTTP” in the URL, indicating a secure site.
- Use Official Shopping Apps/ Websites: Use official online shopping apps or websites over third-party ones for secure transactions. This reduces the risk of encountering fraudulent apps/websites.
- Create Strong Passwords: Protect your online accounts with strong, unique passwords. Regularly change them to avoid potential attackers from gaining access to sensitive information.
- Secure Networks: When making online payments, make sure you are connected to a secure and private network. Avoid public Wi-Fi for financial transactions. This is because if someone manages to bypass the security in place, they can track and steal the data inputted.
- Think Before You Click: Be skeptical and cautious before clicking on posts, messages, or ads, especially those that seem suspicious. Verify offers through official sites rather than relying on social media posts to avoid falling victim to phishing attempts.
This Cybersecurity Awareness Campaign is co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Cybersecurity Competence Centre. Neither the European Union nor the European Cybersecurity Competence Centre can be held responsible for them.