5 tips to stay safe while shopping online

Online shopping seems to be finally going mainstream in the country. A recent Assocham survey revealed online shopping in the country rise by over 155% as compared to last year’s 85%.

However, as growth beckons online retailers, security remains a key concern. The recent hacking of popular shopping websites like eBay and Target highlight the need for security in the virtual world.

1. Switch off Wi-Fi when not used for long periods

   It’s easy to forget about switching off one’s broadband wireless and computer (and leaving it on standby) these days, but do keep in mind that Wi-Fi, by its very nature, can be used by people you don’t want in your network.

   Even a half-competent hacker can access your computer via an internet connection and steal various passwords and other confidential banking information. Whether you are a high value target or not, make sure that you disconnect from the internet when you do not require it.

2. Avoid clicking on hyperlinks

   You might get an email with a URL that claims to link you to an external site. If you are already registered for such a service from a bank or shopping website, do not click on such links.

   There have been cases of malicious users sending emails with fake website links that are designed exactly like a bank or shopping website’s original website. Once you enter your login details and password on such a website, they can be stored by a third party and can be used to log in to your account.

   The third party can either make purchases on your behalf or transfer funds. Visit the actual website yourself and when logging on, type https://, which makes your session encrypted.

3. Suspicious ads and pop-ups

   Disregard any unsolicited or t suspicious looking pop-ups that appear during your online banking/shopping session.

4. Shopping online using an internet tabletUsing a tablet, regardless of what make or operating system, is safe if you follow the same rules as when you’re using a laptop or desktop.

   If the bank’s app has just been introduced and is relatively new, give it a skip and use the browser in stead as the app could have bugs. Other than that, there’s almost no way someone could sneak any sort of spyware onto your tablet unless you’ve jailbroken it.
   You should, of course, set a passcode on your tablet for added security. Additionally, set up a location-based search app in the unfortunate event that you lose your tablet.

5. Are Wi-Fi passwords the best bet

   Whether you’re purchasing something online or transacting, hacking becomes easier when
   The website is not using SSL security.

   While all banks that offer internet banking use multiple layers of security, not all shopping
   Websites do. It makes better sense to stick to popular shopping websites.

   For home use, mac address filtering works better than WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy), apart
   from WPA protection for Wi-Fi.