Online shopping is part of everyday life now, and why not? It’s fast, convenient, and often cheaper than heading to the shops. But with that convenience comes a few risks - especially when you’re shopping as a family. From account safety to secure checkouts, it’s worth taking a few simple precautions to make sure your purchases stay safe. With that in mind, keep reading to find out more.
Keep Software Up To Date
It might seem minor, but running updates on your devices is one of the easiest ways to boost security, so don’t ignore it when you’re asked to do it (and you’ll be asked fairly regularly). These updates are handy because they often include bug fixes or ways to correct vulnerabilities that would otherwise be a good way for hackers to get into your system and get hold of your personal information, including banking details. If you can keep everything from your phone’s operating system to your web browser up to date, it’s going to help create a safer space for online transactions in general.
Be Careful Where You Shop
It’s best to stick to trusted retailers whenever possible, and if you’re shopping at a smaller or unfamiliar site, take a moment to check reviews and make sure there’s proper contact information, for example. A well-designed site with clear policies is usually a good sign, and if something feels off, that’s probably because it is.
It also helps to avoid clicking on promotional links from emails or social media without verifying the source first - it’s actually always safer to visit the website directly through your browser to be on the safe side, and if the offer is legitimate, you’ll still be able to find it.
Use Secure Checkouts
A secure checkout process is one of the most important things to look for when you’re shopping online, and a reliable payment gateway for eCommerce ensures that your card details are handled properly, often encrypting information and reducing the risk of fraud, which is exactly the right thing to do.
To help, look for a padlock symbol in the address bar, and an ‘https’ URL because both of these things are signs of a secure connection and you can trust that the site is safe.
Talk About Online Safety At Home
If your kids or teenagers use shared devices or have access to online accounts, it’s a good idea to talk to them about safe browsing habits, and you can help them understand why not every link is safe and how to tell the difference between a real offer and a scam. And of course, they should always check with you before they buy anything, especially if they’re using your money to do it!
Final Thoughts
Online shopping has made life a lot more convenient, but it does come with responsibilities, and no matter what you happen to be buying, putting some easy processes in place is something that will become a habit over time, and will save you from potentially giving away your financial and personal details by accident.
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