Top 10 Tips For Shopping Online Safely

Top 10 Tips For Shopping Online Safely

1. Check for Security Signs on the websites you visit

SSL CertificatesSSL which is also known as Secure Sockets Layer is all about encryption. SSL is a secure way to protect data such as credit card numbers and login details for personal accounts, which stops cybercriminals from stealing your data. Look for security indicators like a lock icon in the lower or side of your browser, or an URL that starts with https.

The https’s’ and padlock may not be visible on websites that you visit until after you log into a website that needs to be secured like the login or account registration screens, as well as the checkout screen online.

The majority of websites should provide users with a link to look up their SSL certificate. If you’re interested in finding out what an SSL certificate could look like, follow the hyperlink below.

PCI DSS Certificates
Beginning in October 2009, all online stores must be equipped with an Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) certificate. The standard is applicable to any organization that holds or process data about cardholders from debit or credit cards. It was designed to assist companies that process payments for credit cards protect against fraud using credit cards by enhanced controls on information as well as its vulnerability to “hacking”.

There are various levels of certification. For instance, the majority of online stores only have to take a self-assessment questionnaire, whereas others need to open their networks and systems to security scans performed by third-party organizations, which are usually endorsed and chosen by the Merchant Banks. We at Office Allsorts we have opted for the more stringent third-party scans.
There are a variety of Companies that carry out the certification, but in all cases all websites should possess their PCI DSS certificate on their website.

3D Secure
There’s one last thing you, the customer, could take advantage of.
Visa MasterCard and Visa Mastercard have launched the secure authentication method for transactions in which the card holder, you is not present. This is known by the name of 3D Secure and can be described as the internet version of the ‘Chip and P technology. The cardholder is given a unique password associated with their card . This password is used during checkout. This secure code provides additional protection from fraudulent use of your credit card in online stores that accept it and proves that you’re the authorized cardholder. Even if someone is aware of the number of your credit or debit card however, your purchase cannot be made without your secure code or password being entered.

Registering involves a quick, one-time process. Just log in the Verified by VisaTM as well as MasterCard(r) SecureCodeTM, register your secret password, and then write your own personal message, and you’re completed. Next time you make a purchase on the internet you’ll be automatically asked for your secret password when you the checkout.
MasterCard market their system under the name “MasterCard SecureCode” and Visa refers to their system as ‘Verified By Visa’.

2. User Names and Passwords

If you are able to modify or create your user name , do not use your email address because ,…. it’s not well used.
If you have been given an initial password, then you should make sure to change it at first chance to one that has the combination of numbers and symbols. However, be sure to remember it for the next time.

3. Credit Card v Debit Card

Avoid using credit cards with debit. The bank offers security protections when you use credit cards, but they is not available when you use a debit card.

4. Never transmit payment information via Email

Information transmitted through the Internet (such as emails) isn’t fully secured from being read by third entities. Many reputable merchant sites employ encryption techniques that safeguard your personal data from being read by third parties when you complete transactions online.

5. “Remember My Password” No

Do not select the option “remember my password when you register online because your passwords are stored on the computer, and they are the first thing that hackers will seek. Certain malwares are specifically designed and written to search your PC for passwords. Additionally the possibility of the laptop you have lost or stolen, your passwords are also lost.

6. Verify the Statements on Your Credit Card

Make sure to check your statement on a regular basis It’s not just to confirm the transactions that you’ve made but to identify any suspicious activity. The majority of fraudsters start with small amounts tests of the details of your card before committing fraud to commit fraud.

7. Privacy Policies

Be sure to check the privacy policies on the website to find specifics about the way your personal data will be used. You should only give the minimum amount of information about yourself, particularly on forms that are online.

8. Review the Terms and Conditions.

Review the Terms and Conditions of the websites you browse. If they’re authentic they’ll have returns policies and specifics on when the transaction was concluded and what rights are available to you as a buyer. If none of these are available take your time walking away.

9. Anti-virus software

Make sure your antivirus software is current. For instance, you can make sure you set up your Microsoft Updates to auto and you won’t have to remind yourself to update Microsoft’s.

10. Separate Card

You might want to consider a separate credit card to shop online with a lower limit on spending to minimize the damages that can be caused it is the case that, in the worst-case scenario that it’s used to commit fraud.

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