Tips To Stay Safe Online
Being able to search for what you want to buy, compare prices and buy without leaving the comfort of home can make shopping a bit less stressful.
But it also comes with some potential risks.
Thankfully, there are some simple and straight forward steps that you can take when shopping online to keep you safe from scams.
1. Watch out for fake websites
Stick to the websites of companies you already know.
Fraudsters sometimes create fake websites in order to steal personal information including payment details.
‘If you haven’t used a website before, do some research first and read some independent reviews about the site before you buy.’
If you know the web address of the company, remember to type it in correctly or use a well-known search engine such as Google, Safari or Bing to search for the company and use their results.
Watch out for deals that look too good.
If it looks too good to be true, it probably is!!
‘Links to websites through emails, texts or social media can be risky so it’s best to just avoid them to be on the safe side, especially if you are inundated with emails promoting special offers.’
2. Look for https and a padlock icon
Before you type any of your personal details into a website page, look up at the top of your screen and check the web address.
Does it start with https?
Can you see a padlock icon?
It is safer to shop on sites with an https address and padlock but that does not mean that every website with them is 100% safe.
‘Take into account the whole look and feel of the website,’ because fraudsters can create fake websites that can seem genuine at first look.’
3. Log out after you shop online
Avoid making card payments on laptops, desktops or tablets that you share with other people or on public computers where your details might be stored, discovered and used by others.
And remember to always log out of websites when you’re finished shopping so that your details are not left for others to find and use.
4. Be WiFi wary
Don’t make card payments on free WiFi available in public places as you cannot be absolutely certain who is providing or monitoring the WiFi network. A good example of these networks can be found in shopping centres etc.
‘It’s okay to browse on public wifi networks, but if you want to log on to a shopping site or make an online payment, wait until you’re connected to a secure Wi-Fi network, or use a 3G or 4G connection.’ These connections are secure.
5. Never use ‘123456’ or ‘password’ as your password
For years, the two most popular passwords have been ‘123456’ and ‘password’.
If you are using these passwords or ones like this, you’re making it simpler for hackers to guess your password and get into your account.
And, because people often use the same password across multiple online accounts, hackers might be able to get into all your accounts if they guess right once.
So change your password.
Make them longer – use a sentence or string three or four random words together.
Don’t use something people know or can guess about you, like your birthday or your pet’s name.
6. Keep up to date with your software updates
Keep installing the software updates for your operating system.
Updates are provided for a reason.
Yes, it may take a couple of minutes to download the latest update but it’s worth it to be protected against the latest security threats.
7. Use the latest version of anti-virus software
While shopping you might come across a fake link on a pop-up ad online, in an email, text, or in your social media account.
Clicking on it may allow malware to download and infect your device.
Protect your computers from viruses by making sure you always have the latest version of anti-virus software installed.
One last thing…
Keep an eye on your account while you’re doing your shopping.
Check your statements and if you see any unusual transactions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your credit union or bank.
If you are concerned about online security or would like more information please telephone Westport Credit Union on 098 25614 or email info@westportcu.ie
