Be safe from cyber criminals when shopping online
It’s November, and that means consumers are preparing for the Black Friday frenzy.
Absa has issued safety tips to minimise risks of shoppers falling prey to cybercrime while ensuring that shoppers have a great shopping experience.
Managing executive at Absa Cowyk Fox said more and more consumers are now opting for greater convenience by shopping online.
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“With 45 percent of digitally connected consumers in South Africa claiming to have bought products online in 2017, information security fears remain one of the major concerns and barriers for potential online shoppers. Online shopping has changed the consumer market exponentially by providing shoppers with access to more goods, greater choice and convenience,” said Fox.
He said, however, there is always a risk of cyber-crime and information safety when transacting online.
“Information security fears are well-founded and could potentially ruin any online shopping experience. Being alert to potential scams is vital in protecting yourself whilst enjoying your online shopping experience,” said Fox.
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The below safety tips will come in handy for shoppers:
– Only shop on sites that are reputable and that you trust. This might sound obvious, but its importance cannot be underestimated. Double-check if the URL contains a padlock and that the ever-important ‘https’ is visible. The ‘s’ means the site is secure.
– Ensure your virus protection software is up-to-date and don’t access online shopping sites from unsecured public Wi-Fi. Public networks like those used in hotels, coffee shops and restaurants are more vulnerable to hacking due to the number of people using the network. Always try to perform your online shopping on a secure, private network.
– Keep an eagle eye on your account so you can see whether any unusual activity has taken place and if so, report it to your bank immediately. Vigilance is your best weapon, so use it. Check your statements and accounts regularly to make sure you’re the one spending your money. If you find any suspicious looking transactions, get hold of your bank straight away.
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