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Introduction
According to the Statistical Office of the Republic of Serbia, 80.8% of households in Serbia in 2020 currently have access to the Internet. With that in mind, it’s easy to see why e-commerce has become a massive hit in Serbia, with sites like kupojemprodajem.com and Amazon being responsible for the majority of online shopping.
But even the most fanatic of online shoppers will tell you online shopping isn’t perfect—especially when it comes to the security side of things.
Today, let’s go over a few ways you can secure your online shopping experience.
5 Secure Online Shopping Tips
1. Install a VPN
The unfortunate reality of the Internet is that there’s no telling if you’re genuinely safe, and this goes double for shopping sites. Shopping websites are prime targets for cybercriminals looking for user data.
To make sure you’re not being tracked, download a VPN for added protection. A VPN will ensure your data stays secure and your activity unhidden.
2. Use a Password Manager
One of the major downsides to online shopping is having to create accounts for each website you use and keeping up with the passwords. And the large number of accounts needed to get the best deals while shopping means many use the same passwords for all of their accounts—easier to remember, easier to put in.
But this makes all of their accounts vulnerable, their information at risk. If you find yourself juggling passwords, use a password manager to generate secure passwords and store them all in a safe place.
3. Only Use HTTPS-Protected Websites
Websites use Hypertext Transfer Protocol, otherwise known as HTTP, to transfer data over networks. But as time has gone on, most major websites have moved on to using HTTPS.
What’s the difference? HTTPS is HTTP but with added encryption. Major online retailers must use HTTPS for the customer’s safety and security. If you find a website not using HTTPS yet tries to sell you something, leave the website immediately. Without the added encryption, the website is vulnerable to data leaks, data breaches, and malware.
4. Never Shop Online in Public
The major benefit of online shopping is that you can shop from the privacy and safety of your home. But what about when you’re out at a restaurant or grocery store and realize you need to order something? Well, you’d best wait till you get home.
There’s no telling who’s watching. All it takes is for someone to watch you type in your password or see your order number to mess up your shopping experience, not to mention the security risks associated with public Wi-Fi. Either wait until you get home to order something or try to find a secluded spot.
5. Check Online Statements
Nothing strikes fear into the heart more than seeing a charge on a statement that you didn’t make. The reasons for unfamiliar charges vary, from a simple mistake by the merchant to a cybercriminal that gained access to your bank account.
There’s no telling when a strange charge will pop up on your bank statements, so be sure to go over each statement monthly. This way, nothing will catch you by surprise later.
Conclusion
Despite its conveniences, online shopping isn’t always smooth sailing. With these tips, however, you’ll be a few steps closer to a smooth shopping experience.