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7 Tips for Safe Online Transactions

Here, we are going to learn about the 7 tips for safe online transactions for staying alert and vigilant on the Internet.
Submitted by IncludeHelp, on MAR 08, 2021

One will always find n+1 reasons to stay alert and vigilant on the Internet. If you wish to know the nitty-gritty of a secure online transaction, the safest way to buy online is by having the requisite information on the dos and don'ts. Online frauds are on the rise and are taking a stiff jump from every single year and onwards. You will be alarmed to know that almost 70% of all credit card frauds fall under the CNP, 'card not present' category. Juniper Research's report is a blaring example of how easy it has become for us to be victimized from cyberattacks.

The same report also suggests that these scammers have targeted both the customers and the merchants. And in September 2014, there was a whopping 52% of the total number of online attacks that year. One of the most common factors that lead to these big numbers is online transactions.

It is a given that the unprecedented growth of e-commerce has opened doors to a manifold increase in the flow of cash, but that has also paved the way for these malicious cybercrime acts. Well, to save you from all these troubles and to advise you on a secure method of online payment, here are seven tips for safe online transactions that must not be missed. Let us delve into them in detail.

1. Yes to an advanced Anti-malware Software
2. Stay Alert on security vulnerabilities in your Desktop / Laptop
3. Ensure using a secure connection, SSL
4. Don't use Public Computers for sharing PII (Personally Identifiable information)
5. Know where you should not shop
6. Storing your credit card number online is a big no
7. Do not share your OTP/PIN with anybody

1) Yes to an advanced Anti-malware Software

If you are looking for a secure online payment method, getting yourself an advanced set of anti-malware software should be up for grabs. As it has what it takes to protect your classified and unclassified attacks on your system, this gives you more reason to opt for it. Make sure that you update this anti-malware program at regular intervals.

Better yet, all this software comes with an inbuilt auto-update option. You can turn that on. With this, you will be able to relish absolute security as it can detect the newly created and mutated cybercriminal attacks even before it has been included in the database of your automated updates. Further, it checks that none of your data gets breached and that you have no reason to worry about when adding your card details whilst shopping online. On that note, merely getting an anti-malware program is still of no use until and unless you do not update it from time to time. The second, it becomes outdated; it tends to become an open invitation for hackers. Therefore, get this fixed at the earliest.

2) Stay Alert on security vulnerabilities in your Desktop / Laptop

You might as well be aware that some of the malicious programs can manipulate the security vulnerabilities on your desktop and fish out precious data out of it. It is no fun to find your private information getting pilfered away without your acknowledgement. Once they break into your system, they can easily sniff away your passwords and hack into your web browsers as well. On that note, it is wiser to gear up with the right security essentials before it is too late.

First and foremost, run a system mechanic security optimizer that can detect and affix such security vulnerabilities in each of your operating systems and web browsers as well. Once you do that, you will soon find a sudden slump in the number of cyberattacks earlier taking place on your system. Aside from this, it is always a better idea to run an update on your computer at regular intervals. This is said to be one of the best practices you can implement to safeguard your computer's security, and that too free of cost.

3) Ensure Using a Secure Connection – SSL Certificate

It all simmers down in nothingness if you do not have a secure connection to do all your necessary online business. It is no wonder that the cybercrime industry is taking no backseat and is on the rise with every given day. In that case, it is of high pertinence that you secure your connection with a Cheap SSL certificate from CheapSSLShop at the earliest. SSL stands for Secure Socket Layer, and it is a stamp of security onto a site.

If you are wondering how to know whether a site is SSL certified or not, it is simple. All you need to do is look for the green padlock sign on the URL's top. This green padlock signifies that the site is encrypted and that none of the activities held within this channel can be decrypted until and unless you are not the final user.

An SSL certified site will always be accompanied by an extra 'S' after the HTTP note. The ones that do not have an SSL Certification will remain as HTTP only. Installing one of these is highly recommended for your business. You will find a ton of such certificates at CheapSSLShop with an eclectic range of price quotes and features. Pick your best choice.

4) Don't use Public Computers for sharing PII (Personally Identifiable information)

If you are looking for the safest way to shop online, the best way is to use your laptop or desktop and not jump over a public computer and pine for free WiFi. No matter how tempting that might look, refrain from doing so. You may be knowing that many other individuals like you have used a public computer, and there is no speck of safety maintained. At least sharing your card credentials online on a public desktop is a big no.

Avoid doing that as much as you can. With these public computers, their hardware or software can easily be tweaked, and the hacking professionals can take up all the previous data they need. Whenever you see a free WiFi sign, do not jump onto shopping your heart out on those public libraries on internet café. There is very little chance that your information will stay protected in those kinds of public amenities.

Therefore, it is best recommended to carry out online transactions on your personal computers only.

5) Know where you should not shop

You can fall easy prey in the online cybercrime business if you do not know what is black and what is white. It is more than necessary to note where you should be shopping and pay more heed to where you should not be! First, try not to opt for those 'quick pay' payment options or one of those 'one-click payment' options.

Although it might seem super easy to finish your shopping transaction in seconds, it is not always recommended to use that all the time. Further, it only takes a few extra seconds to enter a username and password on a given merchant site; it also guards you with more safety than the easy bait options.

Also, note that it might take a couple of months together to recover from online credit card fraud and might be very challenging to get yourself out of that trap. Therefore, try to shop from only those sites with a secured connection and do not look shady to do business with. Before you set out to shop online, do your homework and check the background as a priority.

6) Storing your credit card number online is a big no.

While the option of 'save card' might look very enticing and can make your lives easier by saving time, it is recommended that you do not click on that option no matter what. Remember, it is just a matter of a few seconds difference that we are talking about here. Every time you are asked to put up your credit card credentials, always, I repeat, always opt for manually adding all your details rather than clicking on save card details and letting the site take it up automatically.

As and when you do so, you allow the cybercriminals to hamper your private data. What can you possibly do in the unlikely event of finding the other day that the site has not hacked where you had clicked on the 'save card' option. It is wiser to be better prepared rather than being sorry in the end. Therefore, even though it will consume a few extra minutes of your time, ensure that you add these card details and not get victimized by artificial intelligence for a simple task like this.

7) Do not share your OTP/PIN with anybody

In every online shopping transaction, you will come across an OTP or PIN option that validates whether or not you are the authenticated person behind this transaction. For adding another layer of security, online transactions today come up with a second verification format of OTP or PIN. It is an auto-generated number that goes to your registered mobile number or email ID to validate whether the person using this service is the right, authenticated person or not.

Only when the OTP or PIN is fed correctly, the transaction is said to be successful. As a safe practice to avoid imbalance in the transactions, it is highly advised not to share the OTP or PINs with anyone around you. Also, try adding other secured elements and make sure that when you are typing down those mentioned above, there is no one around you who is mindful about this information or is eavesdropping into your business.

This is something that you need to be personally proactive and careful about. The more you stay alert about your online transactions, the better it becomes for you to protect your account and safeguard your system.

Wrapping up

There is no better time to safeguard your system and steer away from destructive cyberattacks than right now. Staying safe online and keeping all your accounts free from any malicious cyberattacks is a vital part of modern e-commerce. Therefore, plan how best you can use your card credentials not to fall back as easy prey. Moreover, check the website legit or not before sharing card credentials over there. It should be HTTPS instead of HTTP indicator for a secured website. Practicing these tips can make sure you are on the right track and have nothing to lose.