In our modern era, the convenience of online shopping has reached unprecedented levels. Effortless browsing coupled with perks like targeted ads, seamless checkout experiences, direct-to-doorstep delivery, complimentary shipping and returns, and even shopping directly through social media platforms, offer convenience right at our fingertips. With our logins and payment details securely stored on our devices, the entire process is streamlined for effortless indulgence. However, this ease also opens doors to cybercriminals, who are constantly seeking new ways to exploit online shoppers.
Unfortunately, the ease of shopping brings with it heightened risks, expanding the attack surface for cybercriminals who are constantly seeking new avenues to defraud people and steal their data. As consumers readily share personal and credit card information with online retailers, often without a second thought, they inadvertently create ideal conditions for these cybercriminals to exploit. This situation creates a perfect opportunity to strike.
Thankfully, we as shoppers aren’t left to merely rely on luck to evade the attention of threat actors eyeing their online carts. There are several proactive measures you can adopt to enhance cybersecurity and safeguard your shopping experience. Here’s a list of useful tips that can help maintain security online:
Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Shopping
Many individuals mistakenly assume that public WiFi is inherently secure. This misconception leads to shoppers using unsecured public networks at airports, coffee shops, and other locations to access retail websites and enter credit card details. Unfortunately, these networks often employ low-cost routers and access points that lack vital security features, creating openings for cybercriminals to breach the network. For instance, unprotected use of a public hotspot can allow attackers to discreetly install malware on your device. This opens the door for Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) attacks, where cybercriminals intercept ongoing communications or data transfers to steal login credentials, account information, and credit card numbers.
To counteract these risks, shoppers should consistently use a virtual private network (VPN) when connected to public Wi-Fi. This adds a crucial layer of security, concealing their data and activities from potential intruders.
Your “Lost Package” Could Be a Phishing Scam
The convenience of making purchases online and having them shipped straight to our doorstep, is undeniable. Yet, with the vast number of packages being shipped annually, this system has unfortunately become a prime target for criminals and thieves.
Online shoppers frequently receive multiple notifications regarding their purchases, including order confirmations, shipping updates, and delivery notifications. Scammers exploit this by sending deceptive messages that closely mimic these legitimate notifications. They might inform you about a possible missed delivery and prompt you to click a link to reschedule or claim that an item is ready for dispatch but requires an update in shipping preferences.
Despite their convincing appearance, often resembling official communications from well-known carriers like UPS, FedEx, or the USPS, these messages have a criminal intent: to steal your data, money, and identity. Clicking on these fraudulent links can inadvertently lead to malware being installed on your device and might also trick you into providing sensitive personal and financial information. If you suspect a suspicious notification, check your expected deliveries by directly accessing shopping and shipping websites.
Be Cautious When Scanning QR Codes
Quick Response (QR) codes, those two-dimensional barcodes, have changed the way we interact with various services. They offer a quick and efficient means to access product details, track deliveries, view restaurant menus, engage with social media, transfer funds, pay for parking, and much more. Retailers, recognizing their potential, frequently use QR codes to direct customers to their websites or provide discount coupons, enhancing the shopping experience.
However, the widespread adoption of QR codes has also presented new opportunities for cybercriminals. A common tactic, known as ‘quishing’, involves these criminals distributing malicious QR codes through emails or by placing them in public spaces like parking meters or restaurant tables. When unsuspecting individuals scan these codes, they are redirected to phishing sites that are designed to harvest their login credentials, credit card information, and other sensitive financial data. Thus, it’s critical to exercise caution when scanning QR codes, ensuring they lead to legitimate and intended destinations.
Beware of Malicious Links on Social Media
Social media platforms like Facebook, TikTok and Instagram have evolved beyond platforms for sharing photos and connecting with friends; they’ve become hotspots for scammers looking to prey on young people who are susceptible to buying things they see advertised on the apps. Cybercriminals are great at crafting and distributing malicious links, often via pop-up ads. They employ subtle alterations to familiar URLs (like changing “Amazon.com” to “Amazon.corn”) that are challenging to detect. Clicking on these deceptive links exposes users to harmful software, viruses, and other dangerous content, and can also result in malware being downloaded onto their devices. This malware can be used to steal sensitive data from smartphones, or even lock devices, holding them ransom for payment.
The allure of a good deal often distracts shoppers from verifying if a link is legitimate. The safest approach to online shopping is to navigate directly to a trusted retailer’s website. As cybercriminals intensify their efforts, becoming more relentless and costly, cybersecurity must be a continuous priority for shoppers. It’s important to be aware of your digital surroundings and to shop inside a secure digital environment.
Conclusion
Even the most cautious shoppers can slip up, perhaps by accidentally clicking on a malicious link or connecting to an unsecured Wi-Fi network. These small errors can provide hackers with just enough leverage to access personal and financial information. Shopping online securely involves a combination of best practices and awareness of potential threats. Here are key strategies to ensure a safe online shopping experience:
- Use Secure Networks: Always shop using a secure, private Wi-Fi connection. Avoid public Wi-Fi networks, as they are often unsecured and can be easily compromised.
- Shop on Trusted Websites: Make purchases from reputable and well-known websites. Look for the padlock symbol in the URL bar and ensure the website starts with “https://” (the ‘s’ stands for secure).
- Keep Software Updated: Ensure that your operating system, browser, and any installed security software are up to date. Regular updates often include patches for security vulnerabilities.
- Use Strong Passwords: Create complex and unique passwords for each online shopping account. Consider using a password manager to store and generate strong passwords.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Wherever possible, enable 2FA on your online shopping accounts for an added layer of security.
- Be Wary of Phishing Scams: Be cautious of emails or messages that ask for your personal information or lead you to unfamiliar websites. Verify the authenticity before responding or clicking on links.
- Use a VPN: A Virtual Private Network (VPN) can provide an additional layer of security, especially if you need to shop online from a network that is not your own.
- Monitor Bank Statements: Regularly check your bank statements for any unauthorized transactions. Report any suspicious activity to your bank immediately.
- Avoid Stored Payment Information: While it’s convenient, try not to store your payment information on shopping sites. Enter your payment details each time you make a purchase.
- Be Skeptical of Too-Good-to-Be-True Deals: If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Be cautious of extremely low prices or high discounts from unknown websites.