Online shopping has always been popular, but this year it’s expected to rise due to the COVID-19 pandemic. One survey found that 97% of customers expect to do some type of shopping online this year.
All of those people online means hackers and criminals will be hard at work trying to get account information and make fraudulent purchases. But, there are things you can do to safely shop online this holiday season.
Use Trusted Sites
If you start searching for a specific item and your search leads you to a site you don’t know, be careful. Look for misspellings in the name or sites that use a different top-level domain like using a .net instead of a .com. Also, if a site advertises an item with a price that’s too good to be true, it may be a scam. They’re offering the item at that price to just get your money and your information and have no intention of sending you the item.
Look for the Lock
As you shop, you’ll notice that reputable sites always have the SSL (secure sockets layer) encryption installed. You’ll know when you see that the URL for the site starts with “HTTPS” instead of just “HTTP”. You’ll also notice an icon of a locked padlock at the top of the address bar.
The “HTTPS” has become standard even on sites that don’t sell anything. If you use Google Chrome as your browser it will flag any page that doesn’t have the “s” on the end. This way you’ll be sure to notice it.
Use Strong Passwords
If you tend to use weak passwords or don’t change your passwords frequently, it’s like handing over your information to a hacker. Use passwords that are hard to guess, just be sure to write them down so you don’t forget them!
Also, change them every few months to avoid hackers storing them and trying to use them over again.
Protect Your Computer
Just as you would get the flu shot to protect yourself from getting the flu, you want to protect your computer from getting a virus that could put your information at risk. Update your antivirus program to protect your computer against malware.
You can also invest in a program that has anti-virus software but also fights spam and spear-phishing emails. Once you have this software installed, it’s important to keep it updated. There are always new threats out there and you want to make sure you are always protected.
Beware of Public Wi-Fi Spots
While it may sound inviting to sit in a coffee shop and sip your favorite drink while shopping, you could be putting your information at risk. If you are doing your online shopping in public, stick to networks that you know. This can reduce the risk of getting your information stolen.
Contact Us!
If you want to make sure your computer is free of any malware or spyware as you shop this holiday season, contact Enterprise Computers. We can make sure your computers are safe and in the best working order. Let our experienced technicians give you the peace of mind you need this holiday season. Call us today at 860-664-3730 to find out more about the services we offer.