Malaysians are shopping online this year than ever before, with many online malls offering amazing deals for the identical item on retail, many shoppers opt to do their shopping seated from their living room instead of combating the congested highways to the nearest mall. But there is a risk in online shopping with many cases of consumers having been scammed or conned when not aware by certain activity. Security company Kaspersky offers 8 tips to avoid falling prey to these masterminds.
Common tactics deployed especially during festive season when consumers are most gullible, when unbelievable special deals pops up all over the screen, it is almost impossible to avoid clicking and taking a look around without question. These criminals hope that you’ve let your guard down and won’t be doing your regular due diligence when clicking links or visiting websites.
Here are the eight tips:
- Hold off ransomware. The best defense against ransomware is to avoid it in the first place. Never open email attachments from unknown shopping sites, and always back-up your files. Its reported 23% of new malware were created to steal or extort money.
- Delete unexpected texts/emails delivering unwanted gifts. Phishing scams can happen anywhere. Avoid clicking on unexpected links sent via email, SMS, or messengers.
- Passwords are not gifts. Make them tough to open. Create complex passwords to online shopping sites. Combine letters, number and special characters to make them harder to hack.
- Find safe sites for holiday shopping. Browse reviews of online shopping sites before trusting online shopping sites with your credit card info. Good to know on the survey, 65% of users are afraid to make payments online.
- Avoid shopping on public Wi-Fi where cyber criminals love to snoop for your credentials in unsecure wireless networks.
- Wrap up your smartphone. Turn off your Bluetooth to avoid cyber snooping and connect via cellular before you use your cellphone to shop online. These simple steps will make your smartphone connection much more secure.
- Deny adware that redecorates your desktop. Downloading freeware for your purchase? Be sure to read the fine print. It might include accepting ‘adware’ advertising add-ons to toolbars and browsers.
- Make a ‘purchased list’ and check it twice. Be absolutely sure your shipping confirmation is for legit purchase. It could be a cybercriminal phishing for a quick click.
There is no 100% security from illicit activity on the world wide web however these precautions could keep you safe and ensure a merry Xmas.
