Shopping Online? Here’s How To Keep Your Credit Card Data Safe
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Avoid sites that do not have security certifications or have negative feedback from other customers.
Check practical ways through which you can improve your credit card security during online transactions.
Online shopping has become a necessity, which helps us save time and enable us to purchase the necessary products with a few clicks. However, this convenience also poses great threats, particularly in failure to protect credit card information. With the increased rate of cybercrime, it is about time that consumers take measures that can help them safeguard their financial information while shopping online. Here are practical ways through which you can improve your credit card security during online transactions.
Use Trusted Websites
Check Web Page for Security: Always make purchases on reputable websites. The URLs should start with “https://” because the “s” at the end means a secured connection. Apart from this, find a lock icon at the address bar of your browser. It means a site has SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) encryption over your data.
Research Before You Buy: If you are not familiar with a website, then take the time to read reviews and check its reputation. Avoid sites that do not have security certifications or have negative feedback from other customers.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
A lot of online retailers and different kinds of payment systems offer two-factor authentication. This is important, whereby, besides just the password, there is a need to verify for any continuation of action. Suppose someone even managed to get access to your password, without any verification code coming to their phones or their emails, they are basically not allowed to perform transactions.
Use Virtual or Disposable Credit Cards
Consider virtual or disposable credit cards, if your financial institution offers such options. These temporary card numbers are linked with your real account but expire after one transaction or a short period, making fraud cases highly unlikely.
Monitor Your Accounts Regularly
Regularly checking your monthly credit card statements will enable you to discover such unauthorized transactions earlier. Most of the banks have mobile applications offering real-time alerts should there be a new charge to your account. A person can report suspicious activity as right away as it comes since everything is in their timely grasp.
Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Transactions
Public Wi-Fi networks are also highly susceptible to being hacked. Try not to input sensitive information when on a public network; instead, switch over to your mobile data or connect via a VPN (Virtual Private Network), which encrypts your internet connection when you make a purchase.
Use Strong Passwords
Use strong, different passwords for your diverse accounts online. Normally, a strong password has all sorts of big and small letters, numbers and even some symbols. Consider a password manager to keep them with security.
Beware of Phishing Scams
Most of the phishing scams involve eliciting from the user details of their credit card by means of fake emails and websites. Always verify if any correspondence is genuine before inputting personal information. When it sounds too good to be true, it probably isn’t.
Check Your Browser for Security Features
Modern web browsers protect their users from insecure websites via certain security features. Regularly update your browser so it can block fraudulent sites and tracker features.
Avoid Storing Card Details
Avoid saving the details of your credit card on websites; instead, every time there is a transaction, enter the details manually so that you at least remain in control.
Install Antivirus Software
Secure your devices with good virus protection software that can identify and block malware and spyware that could steal your valuable financial information.
Set Up Alerts
Most credit card issuers allow you to set up alerts for transactions over a certain amount or for any online purchases. It is one great feature for the timely detection of unauthorized activity.
