How to safeguard our personal and financial data

Nowadays, online shopping has become a popular way to purchase goods which offers a convenience that is not available from any other shopping outlet. We can search for goods from various vendors, compare prices with a few simple mouse clicks and make purchases without waiting in line. However, the internet is also convenient for attackers to access the personal and financial information of unsuspecting shoppers. This information enables the attackers to commit numerous forms of fraud such as transfer all the money available in the victim’s account to their account, using the victim’s financial account to apply for loan, make purchase using victim’s financial account or even selling the information to someone else.

Therefore, as an intelligent online shopper, it is important to take steps to protect ourselves when shopping online. The following are some of the ways to keep us being protected against attacker:

Use and maintain anti-virus software, a firewall, and anti-spyware software
Install anti-virus software, firewall, and anti-spyware software in our computer to protect us against viruses and Trojan horses that may steal or modify the data on our computer. Use also legitimate anti-spyware program to scan computer and remove spyware or adware hidden in software program which may give attackers access to our data and make sure to keep our virus definitions up to date frequently.

Keep software, particularly web browser, up to date
Keep our web browser up to date on a regular basis. Many operating systems offer automatic updates. If this option is available, we should enable it.

Shop with companies that we know
Try not to make any transaction with those merchants that you are not familiar because some attackers may try to trick you by creating malicious web sites that appear to be legitimate. If you have to do so, you must make sure you are interacting with a reputable vendor, ask for a paper catalog or brochure to get a better idea of their merchandise and services, and determine the company’s refund and return policies before you place your order.

Check privacy policies
Before providing personal or financial information, check the websites privacy policy. Make sure you understand how your information will be stored and used.

Keep your password private
When you establish a password, try to be creative such as using a combination of letters, numbers and even symbols. Avoid using a telephone number, identity card number, birth date or numbers that someone could easily guess.

Make sure your information is being encrypted
Indications that your information will be encrypted include a URL that begins with “https:” instead of “http:” and a lock in the bottom right corner of the window.

Be wary of emails requesting information
Attackers may attempt to gather information by sending emails requesting that you confirm purchase or account information. Legitimate business will not send this type of information through email.