Today, the internet has transformed the way we shop. From buying groceries to high-end computers, the internet enables all sorts of purchases and transactions. However, the financial data these online shopping websites or applications possess is a goldmine for cyber attackers. If you prefer shopping online from the comfort of your home, here are a few online shopping dos and don’ts you ought to know.

Consider these online shopping tips to reduce the risk of cyber threats.

• Verify the website

Ensure the online shopping website is legitimate. Hackers are known to create fake websites to steal your data. If your computer signals that a particular website is unsafe, it is best to avoid that website altogether.

• Provide required information only

While completing the online shopping steps, you only need to provide your name, address, and contact number and choose your preferred payment mode – online or cash on delivery. Besides these details, you need not provide any other information, especially your bank account details or other financial data.

• Choose credit card payments

One of the essential online shopping dos is to opt for payment via credit card. Since you pay a cumulative bill at the end of the billing cycle, you can report potential fraudulent transactions, which the creditor may reverse upon investigation.

• Check account statements regularly

You must track your account statements frequently, check for suspicious transactions and report them to your bank or card issuer. The sooner you report, the higher your chances of getting your money back.

Avoid doing the following things when you shop online:

• Transferring money to bank accounts

If the online seller asks you to wire the money to their account, avoid the transaction altogether. You may not receive your product after the seller has taken your money.

• Using public networks

An important online shopping step is to avoid public networks. Cybercriminals can position themselves between you and the public network. You could inadvertently end up sending information to the hacker without realising your actions.

• Clicking on suspicious links

Hackers use a technique known as phishing to send fake emails about discounts, lotteries, and free gifts. These emails may contain malicious links designed to manipulate you to share your financial details. Avoid clicking on any unknown links to safeguard your financial information.

• Refreshing payment reconfirmation pages

After completing the online payment, you may have noticed that the payment confirmation page takes time to load. A vital online shopping step is to avoid refreshing the page, as it can lead to multiple charges.

While online shopping seems like an unparalleled convenience in this fast-paced world, it is not free of dangers. A single cybercrime can deplete your personal or business accounts within seconds, which is why you must always be alert while conducting online transactions. Investing in anti-virus software and cyber insurance proves beneficial. While the former helps screen deceitful websites, the latter safeguards you against any financial losses incurred due to cybercrimes like malware, cyber extortion, phishing, ransomware, and more.

Secure your finances by investing in cyber insurance today.