The Great Singapore Sale is here again this year, and many shoppers are turning to the Internet to avoid the squeeze at the brick-and-mortar stores. Yet, many don’t take enough precautions against online threats when shopping online.
Twenty-nine per cent of consumers admit to online shopping through free or unsecured Wi-Fi connections, according to a recently-released Norton Cybercrime Report. Such unprotected Wi-Fi networks are often targeted by cyber criminals, who may take the chance to steal personal information.
Sixty per cent of the same consumers surveyed by Norton, which makes security software, also did not use advanced protection tools or software for their devices, leaving them vulnerable to various cyber threats.
Worried about going online? Here are several tips to protect yourself this shopping season:
Tip #1: Look for signs of approval
When online shopping, be sure to only shop on reputable websites. All transactions should be made on secure pages, identifiable by the HTTPS in the URL as well as the green browser address bar.
Another way to check that the site has been verified is to look out for the Norton Secured Seal, which suggests that the site is likely to be malware-free.
Tip #2: Create strong passwords
Passwords should be complex and unique, including a combination of upper and lowercase letter, numbers and symbols.
Avoid easy passwords such as “Password”, which can be easily discovered by cyber criminals. As far as possible, do not store your credit card information on sites.
Tip #3: Be cautious on public Wi-Fi networks
As mentioned, public Wi-Fi networks may not be secure, and transactions made over such networks can be easily intercepted by cyber criminals, who may then retain your information.
Tip #4: Ensure that your mobile devices are protected
Many of us are aware of antivirus and security software for our desktops and PCs, but not many are aware that there are also security solutions for mobile devices. Some offer protection for up to five mobile devices.
