There’s nothing like the thrill of scoring a great deal from the comfort of your own home. With just a few clicks, your next purchase is already on its way. But while the convenience is unmatched, the digital world behind the screen often comes with cybersecurity risks for Canadian shoppers.
The Biggest Risks for Online Shoppers
When doing your online shopping, stay mindful of:
Fake Retailers and Sketchy Sites
Cybercriminals often create fake websites that mimic well-known retailers. These look convincing, offer tempting deals, and are designed to steal your personal or payment details. They might also sell fake products or never ship your order at all.
Phishing Emails and Pop-ups
Scammers use emails or pop-up ads to trick you into clicking on malicious links. These often promise flash sales or urgent “account verification” requests that look official but are designed to steal login credentials or payment info.
Public Wi-Fi Dangers
Public networks are known for not being safe. If you’re entering sensitive information while connected to public Wi-Fi, hackers could intercept that data. Without encryption, everything from your credit card number to your shipping address can be exposed.
Data Breaches and Leaks
Every retailer remains vulnerable to cyberattacks, no matter how well-known or legitimate they are. When a database breach occurs, your stored payment information, addresses, and passwords risk exposure by being sold on the dark web.
How to Shop Online Safely
You don’t have to second-guess every order you make, worried about your online safety. All you need to do is follow certain cybersecurity steps:
Use a VPN for Privacy and Protection
A VPN for Windows or other operating systems is one of the easiest tools to use for online safety. When you shop with a VPN enabled, your internet connection is encrypted, and your IP address is masked. This way, hackers won’t be able to monitor your activity or track your location. VPNs are especially useful when shopping on public Wi-Fi or accessing region-specific deals.
Some retailers show different prices based on your location. With a VPN, you can virtually browse from different regions and potentially find better deals on the same products.
Stick to Secure Retailers
Always order from websites you can trust and verify. Look for “https://” in the address bar and a padlock icon. These indicate the site is using secure encryption. Avoid clicking on links in emails unless you’re sure they’re from a trusted source.
Use Strong Passwords
Using the same password throughout all shopping sites positions your accounts at high risk. A single security breach of your password at one location lets hackers access the rest of your accounts. Create strong, complex passwords specifically for each shopping site and use a password manager to securely manage and remember them.
Avoid Saving Payment Info
It might be convenient to save your credit card details on your favourite shopping site, but it’s safer not to. If the site is compromised, your stored data can be stolen. Enter your payment info manually or use a secure payment platform like PayPal.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication
You should turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) from sites that provide this security feature. For example, the additional security mechanism of 2FA allows users to access their accounts through a phone-generated code. Setting up 2FA forms an additional barrier between your accounts and hackers, even if they’ve breached your password.
Keep Track of Bank and Credit Card Statements
Monitor your financial statements for unknown charges after completing your online transactions. You should immediately notify your bank or card provider whenever you notice something strange on your statements. Institutions provide instant alert systems which allow users to detect suspicious transactions without delay.
Safe online shopping is more about being aware rather than afraid. Practicing all the cybersecurity steps mentioned above will help you stay off the criminals’ radars. Take control of your digital privacy today, and always shop with confidence.