Staying cybersafe this holiday season

The holiday season is around the corner, which means it’s time to start looking for gifts for your family and friends. In the age of digital shopping, how can you protect yourself online? Here are three tips for staying safe online while shopping.

How can you protect your data?

Using a secure internet connection is a great way to protect your data while online shopping. It’s easy for cybercriminals to hack into your devices using public Wi-Fi and steal your information. You can always add things to your cart on public Wi-Fi, but wait until you have a secure connection to make the purchase to keep your banking information private. If you have to use public Wi-Fi, use a VPN – or virtual private network – to add a level of security. A VPN will encrypt your data, which keeps the hackers out.?

What forms of payments are trustworthy?

Whenever possible, use a credit card over a debit when buying things online. Debit cards are linked directly to your bank account, which makes it easier for scammers to get direct access to your money. Also, many credit card companies won’t charge you for fraudulent purchases and have a smooth reporting process. There are also third-party payment options like PayPal, Google Pay and Apple Pay, which keep you from having to give credit card, debit card or banking information directly to the website. Third-party payment options add another layer of security while online shopping.?

How can you tell if a website is legitimate?

If you’re ordering from a new-for-you website, make sure you do your homework first. You can start by checking other customer reviews. These reviews will give you a good idea of what people like and dislike about the brand and let you know if they noticed anything fishy. Doing a quick search to see if an online retailer also has a physical store can be a good indication of online reliability. If there is a physical store, you can also check for website legitimacy with the Better Business Bureau. If the website is listed with the BBB, you’ll be able to read reviews and complaints. It’ll also let you know if the business is accredited with the BBB and give a trust score. Lastly, you can always call the website directly if you still have questions and concerns.?

Protecting yourself online is becoming more important in the digital age. Whether you’re looking for a VPN or have questions about your online cybersecurity, ProTech is here to help. Give us a call today!