How to Ensure Maximum Security in Online Shopping?

Purchasing products through various portals can still be a little scary for some people. There are lots of risks associated in typing out your precious credit or debit card numbers and sending it off into the cyberspace. But, there are lots of information security companies that are striving day and night with advance security tools like penetration testing services to make your online shopping experience safe and cheerful. All reputed online retailers are taking help from these security companies to keep evil hackers at bay. In addition to this, you should follow below mentioned tips in order to buy online with peace of mind.

Step 1: Check the Web Address for “https” (not “http”)

Renowned online retailers often put forth the effort to show shoppers that they have a credible website by using what is called the SSL (secure socket layer) protocol on their website. When this SSL protocol is active in any web page, you will see the letters “https” and not “http” in front of the web address.The extra “s” at the end of the “http” stands for “secure” and it indicates the security of any webpage.

Furthermore, “https” signifies that the online retailer has been granted a digital certificate which indicates that the retailer is a credible party that has been checked by appropriate authorities and is safe to do business with. While visiting a site you receive message stating that the digital certificate of the owner has expired then you should proceed with caution.

Step 2: Big Name = Better Safety

You should shop from trusted online retailer rather than shopping with any retailer that comes in a search engine. If you know the online shopping website, chances are it is less likely to be a rip-off.Good online retailershavegenuine contact information and physical addresses as well as a known reputation for being dependable.

You can’t judge the credibility of any online retailer based solely on the appearance of their website. You should make sure that the retailer has an authentic return and privacy policy. The privacy policy of any online retailer should state that all your financial and personal information will not be disclosed to any third party for any reason.

Step 3: Padlock Icon

Closed or locked Padlock icon is a good on-screen indicator that shows the site you are visiting is completely secure and safe. This icon appears in the bottom left of the screen or in the window frame with the web browser itself. Furthermore, you can click the padlock symbol to reveal the status of retailer’s certificate of security and to indicate whether or not the security certificate has been registered to the web address that you are shopping on.

Step 4: Keep Your Antivirus Software Up to Date

You might be wondering “what does malware or adware have to do with the online shopping?”Maybe many of you are infected with a ‘keylogger’, whichis insidious software that can record your keystroke and send back your information secretly to the cybercriminals or hackers who made it. This information includes your credit or debit card number or any other payment information that you have tapped out into the online shopping sites. Therefore, it is advised to keep your antivirus up to date in order to avoid malware or adware.

Step 5: 5.Beware of Scams

You should beware of scams and suspicious of those products claims that do not sound right. If any offer sounds too good to be true, it is probablya scam. Moreover, e-mail is not a safe means for the transfer of the delicate dataand under no circumstances should you send your financial information via an e-mail.