10 ways to keep your information safe when online.
Online shopping has seen a massive boast from the pandemic. For most people it’s the easiest and fastest way of buying things. A couple of clicks, enter in a few details and your item is being delivered before you realise it. However, it can also be really easy to give away your personal details without knowing it.
In this blog we will give you 10 ways to keep your information safe when online.
1. Research the company
If you’ve seen an offer online that seems too good to be true, then do a bit of research before you click to buy. Check to see if they’ve any reviews on sites like Trustpilot and Feefo or if they’ve a social media page. This can help you check to see if they have any contact details like a phone number or address.
2. Use strong passwords
Lots of online businesses give you the option to checkout as a guest. If you need to create an account, make sure that you use a strong password.
Passwords that have capital letters, numbers, and symbols in them are often the best for keeping your information safe.
3. Have antivirus on your computer
Hackers can send viruses to your computer that can make your passwords and personal details easy to get. Having antivirus software on your computer will help keep your information safe when you are online. Just remember to keep your antivirus up to date to keep it working properly.
4. Don’t use public Wi-Fi
Many cafés and shops offer free Wi-Fi for customers which can be really handy if you have run out of data. Using public Wi-Fi can also make your information easier to steal.
Public Wi-Fi can be easily accessed by anyone and often doesn’t have the same protection as using a connection that is password protected, making your sensitive information vulnerable to being stolen.
5. Use a virtual credit card
A virtual credit card is just a card number that’s linked to your account but is not a real card. Payments are still made in the same way, but instead of using your actual card number, you enter the virtual numbers instead.
You can also change the virtual card numbers as often as you like – keeping your real card numbers safe and sound.
6. Be careful with special offers
If something seems too good to be true, usually it is. This is a clever way that scammers will get you to enter your personal details, by hooking you with a special offer. If in doubt don’t go through with the purchase.
7. Think about what information you give
If you’re buying something online and setting up an account, just be wary of what information the company is asking for. Is the information necessary?
If you’re questioning why the company wants to know about certain types of info without an explanation, then hold off filling in any details. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
8. Check your balance
By checking your bank account balance often, you will soon be able to spot if something looks unusual or out of the ordinary. This can also help stop any suspicious activity on your account before anything bad happens.
9. Save any receipts
If you buy something online make sure to save the confirmation email or the receipt. Having a copy of this along with your order number will help you if something goes wrong, or you need to contact the company.
10. Report suspicious companies
If you think you have been scammed then you should report the website to the government’s National Cyber Security Centre or Action Fraud. This can help stop other people falling victim to the scammers.
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