How much online shopping do you do? Has your credit card or personal data been stolen? Especially during the holiday season, millions of shoppers flock online for convenience, and hackers ramp up their activity. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has warned that scammers often create fake shopping websites or phishing emails to steal consumers’ money and personal information, especially during the holidays.
For prolific online shoppers, now is the perfect time to boost your online security. Two simple tools will boost your cybersecurity: password managers and virtual cards, can make a big difference. But how exactly? Let’s examine how to enjoy zero-risk online holiday shopping.
What is the safest way to do online shopping?
While shopping online is quick, easy, and often cheaper than going to physical stores, it is fraught with security risks. There is not just one ‘magic wand’ to wave. The digital world is complex, and protection consistently depends on multiple tactics. Start with the most important:
Password Managers and Virtual Cards
Using a password manager is a paramount defense, but for shopping, it’s best paired with virtual cards for safer transactions.
Password managers create and keep complicated, distinct passwords for all accounts. This minimizes the chance of unauthorized access and theft. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) recommends using password managers to reduce password reuse and protect sensitive data from hackers.
For an extra layer of protection, use virtual cards when shopping online. Although the card numbers are linked to your real credit or debit card account, the merchant never sees your card details. This helps prevent identity theft and financial fraud.
Look before you leap: Before you start adding items to your cart, the safety of your money comes first. Here are smart ways to use these tools to improve online security during the holidays.
Select a Reputable Password Manager
Don’t just opt for a bargain basement password manager. Do a little homework and select a trusted provider with strong encryption and a solid reputation. Popular options include 1Password, Dashlane, LastPass, and Bitwarden. Fake versions are everywhere, so make sure you only download from the official website or app store.
Use a Strong Master Password
This is the only password you’ll need to remember, so choose wisely. Your master password protects all your other passwords and should be the most secure. By ‘secure,’ we mean making it unusual and not something that can be guessed. You can achieve this by combining letters, numbers, and special characters.
Initiate Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
By adding this additional protection step, 2FA is an extra line of defense by requiring two verification steps. Besides your password, you can choose to receive a verification code on your phone. Even if hackers steal your password, they can’t access your account without your verification code.
Establish Virtual Cards for Each Store
Do NOT go with a ‘one size fits all’ card. Set up a separate virtual card for each online retailer; many banks and payment apps offer this feature. That way, if one store is compromised, only that temporary card is affected, and your main account stays safe.
Keep an Eye on Expiration Dates and Spending Limits
It’s not unusual for virtual cards to expire after a set time or after one purchase. This is good for security, so make sure your card is valid before placing an order. Set spending limits as well, as this helps with budgeting and prevents unauthorized charges.
Shop on Secure Websites Only
Make sure to purchase only from websites you are familiar with. Don’t shop from any link in an advertisement or email. You may end up on phishing sites that target your information. The URL of a safe site starts with ’https://’ - not simply ’http://’ - the ‘S’ stands for secure.
Pay attention to data encryption. Look for the padlock symbol on your browser address bar. This indicates that the site has employed SSL/TLS encryption, which encrypts data as it is passed between your device and the site.
Avoid These Common Mistakes
No matter how good the security tools you use, simple mistakes can put your data at risk. Developing strong security awareness is key to safer online habits. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for when shopping:
1: Reused Passwords
Every account should have its own unique password. Once a hacker cracks one password, they will try it on all your accounts. Keep them safe by using a different password for every site, your password manager makes it easy.to generate and store strong, distinct passwords for each one.
2: Beware of Using Public Wi-Fi for Shopping
Public Wi-Fi always presents a danger. Hackers can easily monitor these, making them unsafe not just for shopping but for any online activity. To protect your data, avoid using Wi-Fi in coffee shops, hotels, or airports for online shopping. Instead, stick to your mobile data or a secure private network. Adopt a VPN (Virtual Personal Network) which will encrypt your communications.
3: Do NOT Ignore Security Alerts
Too many people overlook alerts about unusual activity but ignoring them can be risky. If your bank, password manager, or virtual card provider alerts you to suspicious activity, take it seriously and act immediately. Follow their instructions to protect your data, for example, changing your password and reviewing recent transactions for any signs of fraud.
4: Avoid Saving Card Details in Your Browser
Browsers allow card information to be saved, but it is less secure than virtual cards. If hackers access your browser, your saved cards are compromised.
Always Shop Smart and Safe
Follow the tips above and stop worrying about hacked accounts or stolen cards. Using tools like password managers and virtual cards lets you take control of your online shopping security. These tools make password management easier, protect you from phishing scams, and add extra protection against cybercriminals. As you look for the best deals, include security in your shopping checklist.
Want some help improving your cybersecurity? We can help you protect your data with smarter, easy-to-use security solutions. Stay safe, stay secure, and shop online with confidence this season. Contact us today to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to avoid being scammed when buying online?
Check reviews and verify website details like phone numbers and mailing addresses. If it looks suspicious, avoid it. Watch Out for Fake Reviews: Scammers will flood their fraudulent websites with fake reviews in an attempt to gain the trust of online shoppers.
What are the 5 area codes to avoid?
Based on Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and security warnings regarding "one-ring" and international callback scams, the top 5 area codes to avoid (often appearing as 3-digit, non-US numbers) are:
- 268 (Antigua and Barbuda)
- 284 (British Virgin Islands)
- 473 (Grenada)
- 649 (Turks and Caicos)
- 876 (Jamaica)
What exactly does a VPN do?
Essentially, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) creates a secure, encrypted ‘tunnel’ between your device and the internet, masking your IP address and protecting your online activity. It prevents Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and hackers on public Wi-Fi from monitoring your traffic, while enabling you to bypass geographical content restrictions.
How to stop one ring spam calls?
This is for those pesky incoming calls you get: Use the National Do Not Call Registry, a list of landline and wireless phone numbers that legitimate telemarketers agree not to call. You can register your numbers for free at donotcall.gov, or by calling 1-888-382-1222 (TTY: 1-866-290-4236). You must call from the phone number you wish to register.
How secure is your network?
As a reputable member of the IT Support Los Angeles community since 2002, IT Support LA offers a FREE, no-risk network and cybersecurity assessment. It is a non-intrusive scan that allows us to deliver a comprehensive report that is yours to keep. No strings, and no obligation to ever use our Managed IT Services.
The best defenses are expert cybersecurity to protect your data from theft, and a top-notch Managed Services Provider (MSP) to ensure continued reliability and defenses against newly emerging threats.
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